Developing an urban drainage masterplan for Shanghai using machine learning

Adopting a 'blue, green and grey' approach

After reviewing the previous drainage masterplan and studying relevant global cases, Arup challenged the traditional approach of focusing solely on drainage. Instead, we proposed a visionary ‘blue, green and grey’ approach to support an integrated water cycle within the city which benefits other aspects across Shanghai, including ecology, economy and public health. We also studied several global cities, including New York, Singapore, New Orleans and Rotterdam, identifying those that align closely with Shanghai’s specific challenges. 

Our proposed strategy follows that of other megacities, which are increasingly looking at climate change adaptation, water sensitive urban design, integrated flood control planning and decentralised infrastructure as key components of future water strategies. 

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Based on our ‘Design with Water’ framework, Arup’s approach seeks to maximise current facilities and existing infrastructure’s potential before proposing new ideas, focusing on improving the existing framework’s management.

Green infrastructure is an approach to water management that protects, restores, or mimics the natural water cycle. We first conducted a detailed analysis of Shanghai’s urban area’s land use by using our understanding of the city’s history to establish a total of 12 different types. This ranged from major highways and rail infrastructure to medium rise residential blocks and parkland. By applying remote sensory imagery and machine learning technologies, we were able to categorise the study area into different development types, with respective green infrastructure used accordingly.

Effective flood risk management

Rivers play a vital role in urban drainage. An urban flooding model has been built to identify the opportunities and challenges of using this blue infrastructure. This was the first model to integrate the river and drainage network in Shanghai, and our integrated system brings additional urban elements above ground into storm water management functions, including roads, green space, rivers, and other open spaces.

Arup’s next-generation blue and green infrastructure will be integrated into all urban projects, from urban network to individual buildings, as well as other critical infrastructure including transportation, water, energy, digital and waste, for urban planning design and urban redevelopment.

Effective management of the water environment is critical to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), as the UN also describes water as “a common currency” which “links nearly every SDG and which will be a critical determinant of success in achieving most other SDGs”.