Joan Batlle Blay reflects on water management in an interview with NAN Arquitectura

Joan Batlle Blay, partner and Director of R&D at Batlleiroig, has shared an insightful reflection on the crucial role of architecture and urbanism in water management for climate change adaptation, in a recent interview for NAN Arquitectura magazine.

In the conversation, Joan emphasizes that “simply saying ‘you can’t build in a flood-prone area’ is no longer enough. What was once not flood-prone may now be. We need more demanding solutions, adapted to the new reality.” This approach highlights the need to rethink urban strategies in the face of new climate challenges, which require a more proactive and adaptable vision.

Throughout the interview, Joan highlights concrete examples implemented in Batlleiroig projects, such as lamination ponds, floodable parks, and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), innovative solutions aimed at optimizing water use and reducing flood risks in cities. He also underscores the importance of combining infrastructure with education and political will to achieve a more efficient and sustainable management of this essential resource.

Joan also reminds us that sometimes the most effective solutions are the simplest: “Designing a roundabout as an impluvium to collect water is as simple as it is effective.” A clear example of how design can integrate functional and practical solutions to improve the resilience of our cities.

Don’t miss the full interview.