Kirchsteigfeld, Berlin
A Sustainable Urban Drainage System

Kichsteigfeld is a 60-hectare urban extension of Potsdam 25 km south west of Berlin. Over 2,600 high-density new homes have been constructed, following a masterplan that adheres to recognised European urban design principles. In line with best practice surface water is channelled into a SUDS.

The system starts with water draining from courtyards into swales where it either soaks away, evaporates or is retained. It then flows along verges into minor streets before being collected into a stream forming part of a formal linear park. From there it flows into a retention basin before draining to the surrounding rural area. Each element of the system creates the potential for wetland ecosystems, with planting selected to reflect the pattern of water retention.

Source: Ruano, M (1999) Eco-urbanism, Gustavo Gili