Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Management: Urban Design Guidelines for Climate Adaptation set in a Norwegian Context

Nature-based solutions (NBS) have gained attention in the past decade as a way to adapt urban environments to the changing climate. However, the progress of implementing these solutions is considered to be slow. A reason for this may be due to unstructured and scattered information. Therefore, this thesis aimed to create urban design guidelines with nature-based solutions for climate adaptation in urban projects in a Norwegian context. Several qualitative methods were used to achieve the aim. Initially, necessary knowledge regarding feasible solutions and a suitable urban framework was collected through a literature search. Then interviews were conducted with local planners to understand challenges on the relevant scale, and case studies were reviewed to learn from previous projects. Finally, the findings were systemised and illustrated in a simple format. The result of this work is a design guideline that provides recommendations for the use of nature-based solutions for local water management caused by pluvial flooding for different landscapes pattern. The design guidelines are directed to planners in a Norwegian context and can be used as a guide for several zones characterised by various landscape forms and urban intensity