Advancing nature-based solutions by leveraging Engineering With Nature® strategies and landscape architectural...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Civil Engineering
• Landscape Architecture

Background:

• The US Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering With Nature (EWN) initiative promotes nature-based solutions (NBS) for resilient infrastructure.
• A partnership between EWN researchers and landscape architects from the Dredge Research Collaborative (DRC) has been established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document an innovative, collaborative strategy for integrating NBS into coastal storm risk management projects.
• To explore how interdisciplinary collaboration enhances the development and implementation of natural and nature-based features (NNBF).

Main Methods:

• Documenting a collaborative strategy involving visioning exercises for traditional planners.
• Analyzing the integration of landscape architecture, applied science, and engineering disciplines.
• Highlighting the development process of design concepts prioritizing NBS and NNBF.

Main Results:

• Successful identification, development, and incorporation of design concepts prioritizing NBS and NNBF.
• Enhanced ability to process, utilize, and communicate complex information through interdisciplinary integration.
• Demonstrated ways to achieve functional engineering criteria while maximizing ecological value and recreational opportunities.

Conclusions:

• Interdisciplinary collaboration, specifically between EWN and DRC, fosters innovation and advocacy for sustainable infrastructure.
• The partnership accelerates the development of NBS through improved communication and complementary expertise.
• This approach leads to more resilient communities and water-based infrastructure.