In a warming world, urban environmental stresses are exacerbated by population-increase-induced
development of grey infrastructure that usually leaves minimal scope for blue (and green) elements
and processes, potentially resulting in mismanagement of stormwater and flooding issues. This
paper explores how urban growth planning in the megacity of Dhaka, Bangladesh can be guided by
a blue-green infrastructure (BGI) network that combines blue, green, and grey elements together to
provide a multifunctional urban form. We take a three-step approach: First, we analyze the existing
spatial morphology to understand potential locations of development and challenges, as well as the
types of solutions necessary for water management in different typologies of urban densities. Next,
we analyze existing and potential blue and green network locations. Finally, we propose the
structural framework for a BGI network at both macro and micro scales. The proposed network takes
different forms at different scales and locations and offers different types of flood control and
stormwater management options. These can provide directions on Dhaka’s future urban
consolidation and expansion with a balance of man-made and natural elements and enable
environmental, social, spatial, financial, and governance benefits. The paper concludes with some
practical implications and challenges for implementing BGI in Dhaka.

Author:

​Sanjana Ahmed
Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology,
Julianalaan 134, 2628 BL Delft, The Netherlands
​
Mahbubur Meenar
Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability, School of Earth and Environment, Rowan University,
Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
​
Ashraful Alam
School of Geography, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand