Publication Date
Spring 2025
Abstract
Lisbon’s Plano Geral de Drenagem de Lisboa (PGDL) represents a major step toward modernizing the city’s drainage system in response to growing environmental pressures. This paper explores how sustainable infrastructure, particularly nature-based solutions such as Green-Blue Infrastructure, are incorporated into the PGDL, with a focus on the Avenida da Liberdade area. Through a combination of literature review, fieldwork, and interviews with municipal officials, the research evaluates the environmental, economic, and social benefits of integrating decentralized, sustainable drainage systems alongside traditional gray infrastructure. Findings show that while the PGDL makes important progress in reducing flood risk and improving water quality, spatial and technical constraints in dense urban areas limit the full use of nature-based approaches. Specific recommendations are proposed for Avenida da Liberdade, including the addition of bioswales, permeable pavements, and underground retention systems. By examining Lisbon’s approach, this paper highlights the broader importance of embedding sustainable infrastructure into historic urban environments facing climate challenges.
Disciplines
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Asfahani, Eva, "Enhancing Urban Water Drainage in Avenida da Liberdade: Evaluating Green Spaces and Sustainable Infrastructure in Lisbon’s Master Drainage Plan" (2025). Portugal: Sustainability and Environmental Justice. 7.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/por/7