Samenvatting

In response to the growing challenges posed by climate change and urbanization, this thesis proposes designing a rain garden as a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) in Vlissingen, the Netherlands. The primary goal of this project is to create design of a nature-based solution that not only manages the increased volume of rainwater runoff caused by extreme weather events and urban expansion, but also improves the quality of the runoff by effectively removing hazardous pollutants like heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).The proposed rain garden is intended to buffer and infiltrate rainwater during peak rainfall events, particularly those with a 20-year return period.
The research methodology includes a thorough analysis of the problem, current situation, and technical and functional requirements. The project site was chosen based on topographic, hydrological, and urban context analyses. The design process includes hydrological calculations, dimension and requirement calculations, Sobek runoff modeling, literature research and consultation with local experts on plants selection based on water quality improvement and biodiversity enhancement objectives and based on this final Multi-criteria analyses for plants selection was created and conducted.
This thesis provides valuable insights into the design of rain gardens in Dutch urban areas, demonstrating their potential to significantly improve stormwater management and water pollution control.