[Urban Planning] Q&A: Designing Resilient and Walkable Futures

Brad Barnett, Director of Urban Design at Cooper Robertson, discusses innovative strategies for stormwater management, flood resilience, and walkable urban planning to create sustainable and community-focused spaces.

In an era marked by rising seas, intensifying storms, and increasing urbanization, designing cities that are both resilient and livable is more critical than ever. Brad Barnett, AICP, Director of Urban Design at Cooper Robertson, leverages 15 years of expertise to create sustainable and resilient urban spaces that balance functionality and community well-being. In this interview, he discusses innovative strategies for stormwater management, flood-resilient architecture, and walkable communities, offering a forward-thinking vision for addressing climate challenges while enhancing urban livability.

In this interview, Barnett shares insights into Cooper Robertson’s innovative approaches to stormwater management, flood-resilient architecture, and pedestrian-friendly urban planning. 

Porous Surfaces and Stormwater Management

ArchiExpo e-Magazine: How is Cooper Robertson integrating porous surfaces in urban design projects to manage stormwater?

Brad Barnett: There are many different expressions of this. For example, in streetscapes, particularly new streets or sidewalks, we often use porous paving or interlocking pavers that are permeable. Porous concrete or asphalt allows water to infiltrate the base layer and eventually into the soil, which takes pressure off the stormwater or combined sewer systems. It also effectively filters pollutants from stormwater, improving water quality.

ArchiExpo e-Magazine: How do these porous designs enhance a city’s resilience to extreme weather events, particularly in coastal areas?

Brad Barnett: By reducing runoff into pipe networks, we mitigate the risk of system overload during cloudbursts or heavy rains. In coastal areas, this can help manage flood risks and improve the overall resilience of infrastructure. It’s about placing the right material in the right context—such as parking lots or low-traffic roads—to provide maximum benefit without excessive maintenance.

It’s a mix of creativity and practicality. For example, we might use porous pavers around the edges of a parking lot with conventional paving for the main driving surface. This balances durability with stormwater management. The goal is always to create multifunctional public areas that are effective at managing water and attractive for community use.

Flood-Resilient Building Design

ArchiExpo e-Magazine: Could you share examples of projects where elevated ground floors have been implemented effectively?

Brad Barnett: In Middletown, Connecticut, we worked on a riverfront revitalization project where flood-prone areas were transformed into parks or floodable landscapes, while buildable sites were designed with elevated ground floors to meet the design flood elevation (DFE). 

In my previous work in Boston, I focused on retrofitting existing buildings to enhance resilience by following the city’s resilience design guidelines. These guidelines emphasize raising mechanical systems above the DFE, particularly in areas where elevating entire structures isn’t feasible, and include strategies like dry floodproofing to protect vulnerable components.

ArchiExpo e-Magazine: What challenges or innovations have you encountered in designing systems that mitigate flooding risk?

Brad Barnett: One innovation is creating multifunctional spaces—parks or public areas that serve as recreational amenities during dry conditions and double as stormwater detention ponds during peak rain events. Sacramento, for example, is prone to sudden heavy rains. For the River District, we designed large blocks with integrated stormwater facilities serving as recreational spaces.

We also focus on a community-centered approach. Engaging residents in the design process helps them understand and support these strategies while incorporating their local knowledge. We’ve embraced 3D visualization tools to make the implications of flood risks more tangible. Showing people where water might reach during a flood can shift the conversation from abstract concepts to actionable solutions, sparking excitement and collaboration. This method proved highly effective in Red Hook, New York, where visualizations post-Superstorm Sandy helped secure community buy-in and drive significant infrastructure investments.

ArchiExpo e-Magazine: How do local regulations or policies influence the implementation of these flood-resilient strategies?

Brad Barnett: Regulations are crucial. For instance, New York City, post-Sandy, prohibited new below-grade residential units in flood zones. Policies like these, combined with design guidelines, create a toolkit for resilience. It’s about balancing regulatory requirements with creative design solutions to address future flood risks.

Walkable Communities: Turning Failed Malls into Walkable Villages

ArchiExpo e-Magazine: What drives Cooper Robertson’s focus on designing walkable communities?

Brad Barnett: Walkable communities address issues of sustainability and improve livability by creating complete, safe, and pleasant networks for pedestrians. Public spaces play a huge role—parks, plazas, and ground-floor design all contribute to a vibrant community.

ArchiExpo e-Magazine: What challenges arise when planning for walkability in car-centric cities?

Brad Barnett: The biggest challenge in the U.S. is starting from a deficit; most areas are not walkable. In Chesapeake, Virginia, we’re retrofitting a commercial district by creating a public realm, mixing land uses, and prioritizing people over cars. Projects like retrofitting failing malls into walkable downtown villages are examples of this approach. Mixed-use developments make it easy to access daily needs without a car. By blending apartments, shops, and public spaces into a cohesive urban grid, people can live, work, and play in the same area, reducing car dependence significantly.

ArchiExpo e-Magazine: How do you engage with communities to ensure walkable designs meet the needs of diverse populations?

Brad Barnett: Engagement is essential. We create tailored plans for each project, identify stakeholders, host events like community open houses or farmer’s market booths, and ensure a two-way dialogue. It’s about building understanding and trust to align designs with community needs.