In a time where more frequent storm-surges and heavy rainfalls have become ‘the new normal’, cities all over the world have increased their efforts within climate adaptation and resiliency planning. 

Hydrological and hydraulic models can help cities simulate historical events and estimations for future projected events. These digital simulated models enable informed decisions on future resiliency planning, as the analysis makes it easy to compare and measure the effects of different mitigation initiatives.

At Ramboll, we can also provide flood-risk models, which not only include meteorological factors but also comprehensive data about the vulnerability and exposure of the surroundings, buildings, etc., to analyze the potential risks related to heavy rain events.

Ramboll has a global team of highly skilled flood modeling professionals that use tnjdht.cnsted software systems such as the full DHI Mike suite, InfraWorks, EC RAS and TUFLOW. 

In a typical urban climate adaptation project in an urban area, we follow our proven four-step methodology; this methodology allows us to determine risks, suggest relevant planning and design initiatives, measure effects and evaluate costs in flexible and iterative processes, all based on a digital approach. See the processes in the figure below. 

Capturing the Soul of Nørrebro

Back in 2011 Copenhagen experienced one of the heaviest cloudbursts ever. The incident triggered a lot of initiatives, including a Cloudburst Concretization Masterplan developed by Ramboll.

One of the projects that was initiated by the City of Copenhagen and designed by Ramboll and SLA Architects is named Soul of Norrebro. This is an award-winning integrated urban design and climate adaption project that combines city nature, local community and smart cloudburst solutions, building upon the existing qualities of the area and the unique local spirit. 

Rainwater will be collected and used locally, while excess water from cloudbursts is lead from a park, Hans Tavsen’s Park, and cleansed by city nature biotopes along the adjacent street Korsgade

The simulation above illustrates how future floodings in the area would look like, if we implement this large-scale cloudburst project, utilizing the green areas for storing and conveyance of rainwater and avoiding the large socio-economic consequences to unfold.