An integrated framework for waterfront development to recognize nature-based solutions (NBS) in urban areas: evaluating the condition of two projects in Bangladesh

This research proposes a holistic framework that assimilates the components of 'water-sensitive urban design (WSUD)' with the concept of ‘integrated urban water management (IUWM)’ that mainly focuses on governance, management, and stakeholders’ engagement. The framework includes detailed criteria for water sensitive approach and acts as a holistic checklist for evaluating or designing waterfront development projects. 

To test the framework, the research conducts a comparative study among two waterfront projects in Bangladesh and through a scored evaluation based on the proposed framework, reveals the lack of water sensitive planning, design and management processes of the projects, which has narrowed down the scope and the opportunities of practicing NBS through reviving lost urban waterbodies.