DESIGNING WITH WATER Strategies, protocols, and projects in architecture and for cities

Abstract

Water management is becoming increasingly central to both architectural design and urban regeneration, encompassing not only new developments but also the preservation and adaptation of existing heritage. The global scarcity of freshwater, exacerbated by recurrent droughts, necessitates a radical rethinking of water use, aligned with the United Nations’ recognition of access to water as a fundamental human right. Improving water efficiency demands integrated strategies such as rainwater harvesting and reuse, infiltration systems, and advanced monitoring and control technologies. Architectural design must incorporate sustainable materials and systems that minimize resource consumption while ensuring long-term performance, durability, and efficiency. This paper analyses current practices and case studies, proposing transferable protocols and best practices. In this context, water emerges not merely as a managed resource but as a generator of environmental, social, and economic value, resilience, and well-being, supporting the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.