What is the detail of future adaptation solutions that will genuinely lessen a city’s vulnerability? People encounter the micro-scale details of climate exposure and adaptation on a daily basis: bus shelters with poor sun protection, lack of shelter for walking trips, no access to hydration. Cities also have multitudes of small scale physical vulnerabilities such as localised flooding, structures built to outmoded standards; uncovered car parks subject to widespread hail damage. Systematic attention to these details and the progressive implementation of solutions (or avoidance of exacerbating vulnerabilities) is critical to reducing vulnerability over time. Integrated and thoughtful solutions can target multiple beneficial outcomes (e.g. using vegetation to provide shade while mitigating flooding and the urban heat island effect). They will yield immediate as well as long-term benefits.

Our presentation is a thought piece using situations from the sub-tropical City of Brisbane and a variety of illustrated design solutions based on local and international experience and the application of problem solving methods rooted in design techniques. Design is a proven method for handling complexity. We show solutions that respond to the known high priority vulnerabilities identified through the body of adaptation research. These real world solutions also required financially viable means of implementation; accordingly, we demonstrate how a progressive program can be incorporated into management of urban areas through standards, planning and infrastructure investment.