Understanding Public Acceptance of a Multifunctional Water Plaza: A Case Study

Climate change enhances pluvial flood risk in many cities all over the world, especially densely populated urban areas with high impervious surfaces that need to adapt heavy precipitation. For this purpose, multifunctional stormwater infrastructures such as water plazas appear promising there is a competition for open space most areas. Yet, date only very few have been realized at least one implementation hampered by lack of public acceptance. In study, semi-structured interviews are used investigate how plans build plaza city Cologne perceived local residents. Factors crucial acceptance identified. Experience flooding, knowledge planned construction and awareness benefits turned out be important acceptance, whereas social personal norms were less relevant. The identified factors led finding recommendations promote innovative climate adaptation measures like plazas.