Water for Symbiosis

Chapter 4 addresses the symbiosis design of water systems with an integrated urban solution approach. The concept of symbiosis, derived from biological sciences where different organisms exist in mutually beneficial relationships, provides a framework for reconceptualising urban water management in the twenty-first century. In the field of water design, researchers use integrated urban solutions to determine water design purposes and to lay the foundation for the subsequent systematic presentation of design ideas, approaches, and methods that can be referred to in urban water design. The second issue discussed in Chapter 4 concerns pressing water design challenges. Climate change-induced sea level rise, water scarcity, and pollution pose significant challenges to sustainable urban development. Population growth and increasing water demand in Asian high-density cities have a significant impact on terrestrial and coastal marine ecosystems. This convergence reflects a paradigm shift from technocratic water management towards symbiotic systems that recognise the interdependencies between human communities, urban infrastructure, and natural ecosystems. The third topic of Chapter 4 identified the water design concepts for multiple goals. Partnerships and Cooperation for Water is the theme of the United Nations World Water Development Report 2023, which takes place in almost any water-related endeavour and water resources management. Overall, urban water design needs to address four agendas: (1) the interrelationship between people and water; (2) the coordination of water design with other urban designs; (3) the ability to cope with the impacts of urban disasters; and (4) the development of ecology and vitality of the watershed. In the era of big data and artificial intelligence, integrated water system design increasingly emphasises interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches, which involve integrating knowledge, fostering innovation, and synthesising elements of “design + culture + users + technology + business”. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as a case, exemplifies how innovative water service design can address complex challenges. As one of the most densely populated and economically dynamic regions in the world, the Greater Bay Area serves as a critical laboratory for developing symbiotic water management approaches that can be adapted to similar urban contexts globally. In the future, the Greater Bay Area needs to devote sufficient attention and energy to water environment management and ecology conservation to promote positive impacts on society, economy, and environment. The last topic of Chapter 4 identified the water design concepts for multiple goals. Partnerships and Cooperation for Water is the theme of the United Nations World Water Development Report 2023, which takes place in almost any water-related endeavour and water resources management. Overall, urban water design needs to address four agendas: (1) the interrelationship between people and water; (2) the coordination of water design with other urban designs; (3) the ability to cope with the impacts of urban disasters; and (4) the development of ecology and vitality of the watershed.