Green and blue corridor in Skanste neighbourhood of Riga city

Skanste neighborhood is a rapidly developing mixed use are in Riga city. The blue & green infrastructure approach had been tried out and is proving to be successful. A cascading system of swales, canals, ponds has been designed and is now in the construction procurement phase. The system offers multiple functions: stormwater runoff attenuation before restricted discharge into sewer network, groundwater recharge, stormwater treatment by plants and soil, landscaping function, space for snow storage during winter. More importantly, the water is designed to be passively used for microclimate regulation and actively for firefighting and greenery watering purposes.
The green & blue corridor is implemented as a cascade of bioswale, vegetated canal with a gabion support wall, creek and dry river in the park and a series of ponds, before limited discharge into the sewer storm sewer system. The system services the area of around 100ha. The system is designed so that it is attractive and functional both in dry season and in rain events, as well as extreme rain. The system is designed to function also as protection against flooding and with the thought that water should be visible and be a part of everyday life in the city.
The main stakeholders are municipality, developers, residents, and businesses in of the area. Also, public and expert communities are important stakeholders as the site is a popular showcase of green and blue infrastructure in Latvia and Baltic countries.