Design-Based Solutions for Water Challenges: The Value Case Approach

Authors

  • Matteo D’Agostino Delft University of Technology
  • Carola Hein Delft University of Technology

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58981/bluepapers.2024.1.06

Keywords:

values, value case approach, water values, ecosystem thinking, long-term perspective

Abstract

The concept of values has become increasingly important in many fields, including water management, heritage preservation and design. Politicians, economists, water managers, heritage specialists and designers often consider values as guiding principles for their interventions. While water management has traditionally focused on technological and economic values, in recent decades there has been growing recognition of the significance of socio-cultural aspects. This shift is evident in initiatives like the United Nation’s Valuing Water Initiative, which recognized five “Valuing Water Principles” as guidelines for incorporating the values associated with water in decision-making. However, how to define and implement these values in particular contexts has not yet been clearly established, with approaches varying across disciplines and fields. Understanding the complex interdependencies and values characterizing each water system can help develop a strategy for integrated management of water with the goal of sustainable development with a long-term perspective and a design focus.

How to Cite

D’Agostino, M., & Hein, C. (2024). Design-Based Solutions for Water Challenges: The Value Case Approach. Blue Papers, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.58981/bluepapers.2024.1.06

Published

2024-05-06

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): Water & Heritage for Sustainable Development

Section

challenges, concepts and new approaches

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Matteo D’Agostino, Carola Hein

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Author Biographies

Matteo D’Agostino, Delft University of Technology

Matteo D’Agostino is a researcher at Delft University of Technology, a member of the PortCityFutures research group, and is affiliated with the UNESCO Chair for Water, Ports and Historic Cities. Matteo is a cultural anthropologist experienced in the analysis of differing perceptions and the relational dynamics between public and private actors. His research focuses on understanding multiple structural, spatial and socio-economic factors as the basis for spatial planning and social interventions. Other interests include how to implement policies designed to improve access to basic resources, such as water, and the strategic reinterpretation of heritage by institutional and activist organizations.

Carola Hein, Delft University of Technology

Carola Hein is Professor History of Architecture and Urban Planning at Delft University of Technology, Professor at Leiden and Erasmus University and UNESCO Chair Water, Ports and Historic Cities. She has published widely in the field of architectural, urban and planning history and has tied historical analysis to contemporary development. Among other major grants, she has received a Guggenheim and an Alexander von Humboldt fellowship. Her recent books include Port City Atlas (2023) Oil Spaces (2021), Urbanisation of the Sea (2020), Adaptive Strategies for Water Heritage (2020), The Routledge Planning History Handbook (2018) and Port Cities: Dynamic Landscapes and Global Networks (2011).

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