Proposing and Demonstrating a Toolbox for Designing Bioswales and Evaluating their Impact on Sustainability Using Building Information Modelling (BIM): A Case Study Of Breitscheidstraße, Stuttgart

Abstract

Bioswales are a sustainable solution for climate change adaptation and stormwater management, enhancing urban resilience. Urban areas face increasing risks of flooding and environmental challenges due to extensive impermeable surfaces and inefficient drainage systems. Recent advancements in Building Information Modelling (BIM) provide powerful tools for designing nature-based solutions tailored to local conditions. However, their potential in the context of bioswale design remains underexplored. Integrating bioswales into urban infrastructure presents several challenges, including soil permeability, existing drainage systems, topography and land slopes, land-use constraints, and the need to develop workflows that address technical, ecological, and social dimensions. This study employs an inductive approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the design and implementation of bioswales. The research includes a case study of Breitscheidstraße in Stuttgart, where Civil 3D and InfoDrainage were used to model and analyze the effectiveness of bioswales in stormwater management. The case model analysis of Breitscheidstraße demonstrates how bioswales, as part of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS), can effectively retain stormwater volumes, unlike the existing drainage system, which failed under similar scenarios with a rainfall intensity of 35 mm/h. Bioswales also introduce cultural and recreational functions to the area. This research expands the understanding of bioswale performance and their contribution to urban resilience. The developed bioswale design toolbox for my case study provides practical recommendations for urban planners and landscape architects, enabling solutions tailored to diverse environmental scenarios. Leveraging modern modeling tools like BIM ensures precise adaptation of bioswales to site-specific characteristics and project requirements. The integration of advanced design and analysis approaches improves the efficiency of bioswale implementation, contributing to the sustainable development of urban environments