Living with Water

Living with Water explores the perennial, dynamic relationship between water and the built environment in South Asia. This interdisciplinary survey of the unique urban and ecological landscapes of the region presents a diverse selection of cities and projects, and offers practical, contextual strategies for the design and protection of these sites against emergent impacts of climate change and population growth. Water resources in South Asia are some of the most vulnerable to the effects of global warming. In the many historic urban centres that have grown over time along the rivers and waterfronts of the region, deteriorating water systems and rapid population expansion have contributed to problems such as water insecurity, exposure of built structures to weather damage, floods, and erosion.

Case studies drawn from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka illustrate a range of contemporary and traditional approaches to living with water within the ecosystems, floodplains, wetlands, waterfronts, river systems, and water networks of the region. Chapters authored by architects, planners, historians, sociologists, geographers, and environmentalists combine insights into analytical methods and processes of urban planning and development, with critical attention to the importance of cultural heritage, vernacular construction, traditional water systems, and indigenous knowledge in shaping climate-resilient built and natural environments. This context supports resilient ecology and a sustainable approach to building and resource management, offering guidance in the creation of water-sensitive development, integrated urban design, wetlands restoration, and more.

Living with Water is an essential read for researchers and professionals in architecture, urban planning, water management, environmental conservation, real estate development, tourism, and local governance, and will appeal to broad range of readers interested in the history, geography, and culture of South Asia.

Mohammed Mahbubur Rahman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Ahsanullah University, has taught in Canada, Malaysia, Bahrain, KSA, Oman, and Bangladesh, and led academic and professional entities. A Nottingham University PhD-holder, Commonwealth Scholar, and McNamara Fellow, Mohammed studied architecture and urban development. During a World Bank fellowship, he researched housing NGOs. Mohammed has published on and appeared at conferences on the global city, the waterfront, housing, liveability, traditional architecture, conservation, and the like. He has seven books on various urban development and design issues to his credit, and is a reviewer for several international journals on architecture, planning, vernacular settlements, environment, sustainable development, and construction. Mohammed edited the Handbook of Waterfront Cities and Urbanism, published by Routledge in October 2022.

Md. Nawrose Fatemi is the Head of the Department of Architecture, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka. A Monbukagakusho Scholar, Prof. Fatemi completed his PhD research at the Urban Design and Development Studio of the Department of Global Architecture at Osaka University, Japan. His research interests include urban resilience, urban water management, canal restoration, and riverfront development. He earned his Master of Architecture degree from the Department of Architecture at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Prof. Fatemi is also actively connected as a member of the International Water Association―a UK-based nonprofit organization and knowledge hub for the water sector.