Restoring Balance

A Flood Resiliency Plan to Revive Detroit Community Through the Integration of Green and Blue Infrastructures

Detroit has faced multiple damaging flood events throughout its history, particularly due to urban planning mistakes made in the past. This thesis investigation proposes a combination of infrastructures to reconnect natural hydrological systems by envisioning strategies to redirect flood runoff to reconstructed marshes and wetlands through a series of creeks and ponds, providing an equitable urban environment for residents to live and flourish within their communities. Two projects are referenced in this approach: Bloody Run Creek and Renewing Low-Density projects, both by the Detroit Collaborative Design Center, as well as publications by Abas Shkembi titled “Redlined Neighborhoods in Detroit...” and another publication by Larson et al. titled “Recurrent Home Flooding in Detroit...” This thesis investigation aims to address the intersection of flood resilience and equity in urban environments, posing key inquiries that include the economic potential of restoring urban wetlands and water streams on vacant lots, the implications of rezoning policies for parks and wetlands, and practical approaches to restoring wetlands in residential areas without displacing residents. Additionally, considerations are given to the balance of blue and green infrastructure, water and soil remediation strategies, suitable plant species for flooded and polluted environments, and the integration of various infrastructures to effectively manage water systems.