Back to nature: Urban structures embrace Philadelphia's new stormwater management regulations

Abstract

Now in its first official year of operation, Philadelphia's "Green City, Clean Waters" program addresses the problem of stormwater flow into sewer systems that then overflow, polluting streams and rivers. Four institutional projects by SaylorGregg Architects are useful case studies of stormwater management techniques in urban buildings. Subsurface storage beds, extensive and intensive vegetated roofs, and other effective means of capturing stormwater and reducing heat islands in urban development are discussed.