INOUT Architectura: Transforming Urban Spaces with Climate-Adaptive Design

Revitalizing Urban Spaces: The Ferrara Piazza Cortevecchia Project

In Ferrara, Italy, the municipality took a bold step to redevelop Piazza Cortevecchia. Back in 2022, a competition was held and won by INOUT Architectura, focusing on an Experimental Program of Interventions for Climate Adaptation in Urban Areas. The design carefully balances the landscape with the urban character of the site, creating a space that’s both functional and environmentally conscious.

Main Benefits of Climate-Adaptive Urban Design

Here’s what makes these projects stand out:

• Integration of nature-based solutions for sustainable water management
• Use of Permavoid technology to enhance water infiltration and storage
• Reduction of urban heat-island effects through green infrastructure
• Support for sports and recreational facilities with innovative drainage systems
• Promotion of circular water management to reduce waste and improve resilience

Innovative Sports Facilities Across the Globe

From Lopatyn in Ukraine to Liverpool in the UK, sports pitches are getting a serious upgrade. For example, the playing field in Lopatyn uses the Permavoid 85Sports units beneath its 1056 m² surface, topped with a shockpad and artificial grass. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Anfield stadium features an under-pitch drainage and air blanket system with 85 Permavoid units laid on a reinforced membrane, allowing rapid water drainage and soil aeration. These innovations not only improve playability but also protect athletes and the environment.

Green Roofs and Urban Cooling in the Netherlands

In Leiden, the Meelfabriek’s roofs combine water management with green infrastructure, making the city more resilient to climate change challenges like extreme rainfall and heatwaves. Similarly, Amsterdam’s Sportheldenbuurt football pitches use natural infill that allows water to evaporate during hot days, creating a cooling effect. These projects show how historic and urban areas can be sustainably redeveloped with a focus on environmental benefits.

Water Management Challenges and Solutions in South Africa and California

Water scarcity is a pressing issue worldwide. In South Africa, Project Greensource SA highlights the critical need for better water management as populations and economies grow, stressing that fresh water availability is limited and climate change only makes things tougher. Over in California, Orange High School is tackling stormwater by detaining it on-site to slow down runoff into sewers during rainfall. These efforts underscore the importance of smart, local water solutions to meet global demands.

Project Impact: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Efficient water management and reuse
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Climate-resilient urban infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Adaptation to climate change impacts
• SDG 15: Life on Land – Enhancing urban green spaces and biodiversity
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Safer, healthier sports and recreational environments

Future Directions: Embracing Circular, Nature-Based Urban Solutions

The Permavoid range of products and systems is at the forefront of creating circular, nature-based solutions for sustainable water management in metropolitan areas. Whether it’s urban trees, blue-green roofs, podium decks, gardens, sports pitches, or SuDS, these solutions focus on water-sensitive design. The key? Source control that ensures no precious water goes to waste by catching, storing, and reusing stormwater for irrigation, evaporation, or infiltration. It’s a smart, holistic approach to building climate-resilient cities worldwide.