Institutionalizing the resilient city: Constraints and opportunities

Abstract

Due to rising flood risks, it is assumed that built areas will have to be transformed to withstand rising surface-water courses and rainfall levels in order to keep flood damages low. But how this transformation can happen is not that straightforward, as it challenges existing distributions of responsibilities, property rights and knowledge and skills in managing flood risks. Therefore, this chapter aims to unravel the spatial, institutional and legislative challenges and opportunities related to this transformation. We first discuss spatial development in flood-prone areas in the light of the resilient city, and how urban lands can contribute to a resilient city. We then go into spatial, legislative and institutional challenges related to implementing the resilient city, followed by some insights into spatial, legislative and institutional opportunities to achieve flood resilience. As such, this chapter contributes to the understanding of the thresholds for the implementation of the resilient city.