b'words: Sue Reidygoing green picture: courtesy of TRANZlow impact design: creating a habitatLow impact design (LID) is a phrase youll increasingly hear mentioned. In broad terms, it means bringing nature into an urban environment.We need to do a better job of co-existing withSo, when planning a new home, those thinking LID nature, says ARC stormwater action team leaderlook carefully about how they can incorporate the EarlShaver.AllofWesternsocietyisbasedonnatural features of the site, and how they can be consumption. We need to change that philosophyprotected from erosion and from stormwater run-off. to protect the environment for our kids. We haveAnd they study this to a greater degree than is currently to change our approach to land use away from landrequired under the various codes of compliance.development, which is based on consumption, toIfyouhaveasite,thinkintermsofcreatinga one that is more aimed at protection, preservationhabitat,saysShaver.Trytoprotectthenatural and enhancement. features, such as a nice piece of bush or a wetland. The Auckland Regional Councils Low Impact DesignTheyprovidevaluetothedownstreamarea. Manual for the Auckland Region denes low impactWetlands lter pollutants. Trees, because of their design as a design approach for site developmentevapo-transpiration, also reduce run-off.that protects and incorporates natural site featuresMost of us live in fairly sterile environments, where into erosion and sediment control and stormwaterthelandscapeisdominatedbybuildings,streets, management plans.footpaths and other impervious surfaces. We are, LID is a philosophy that reects a shift in thinking.for the most part, disconnected from nature. Only Instead of tting land to suit a development, anby preserving something of the natural environment LID approach ts the development to suit what thecan we retain a sense of place, an identity with the land can tolerate. Stormwater impacts, for example,land, and have a distinctive sense of being part of might be a determining factor in site development.our region.For instance, a pole house might be designed for a very steep site, rather than cutting into the earth.For more on LID and the part it plays in urban design Ideally, such factors should be integrated early in thein New Zealand and Australia, visit: site planning process.www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/urban/liudd/.84 |'