{"id":5297,"date":"2026-01-20T11:45:58","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T17:45:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/architecture\/?post_type=tribe_events&p=5297"},"modified":"2026-04-16T15:09:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T20:09:40","slug":"overland-flow","status":"publish","type":"tribe_events","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/architecture\/event\/overland-flow\/","title":{"rendered":"Overland Flow Paths: Managing Big Rain Without Big Tunnels"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t<\/span>\n\tVirtual Event<\/div>\n
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\n\t\t\n\t\t\tMay 6\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t | \t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t12:00 pm\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t – \t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1:00 pm\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\"Headshot<\/div>\n\n\n
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Date & Time<\/strong>
Wednesday, May 6 (12-1 p.m.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Location<\/strong>
Virtual<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

An Innovative Cities Lecture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Overland Flow Paths: Managing Big Rain Without Big Tunnels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As extreme rain events become more frequent, communities are rethinking how stormwater moves across urban landscapes. This session explores the use of overland flow paths\u2014subtle, landscape-based features within neighborhoods and public rights-of-way that temporarily store, slow, and convey stormwater without relying on expensive tunnels or lift stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drawing on work by the US firm CIS, international firm Ramboll, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) and examples from Milwaukee, New York City, and Copenhagen, speakers will show how connected networks of parks, streets, and open spaces can reduce flood risk, support climate adaptation provide co-benefits for the community and quietly perform during big storms while remaining largely invisible the rest of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This landscape-based strategy represents a durable, multi-generational investment in climate adaptation and resilience. When designed well, overland flow systems can be largely invisible during dry conditions while significantly reducing flood risk during storms. Learn about policy decisions, phasing, construction aspects and how parks and public spaces can function as stormwater collection and conveyance areas, demonstrating how cities of all sizes can reimagine urban topography to better respond to weather that is increasingly outside of our control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biographies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Simon Kates<\/strong>, AICP, WEDG is a senior project manager and climate adaptation planner at Ramboll, with nearly 20 years of experience in climate adaptation, land use, economic development, and sustainability. Simon\u2019s expertise includes creating climate resilience strategies and vulnerability assessments that address coastal flooding, inland precipitation, and urban heat. Throughout his career, Simon has focused on a community-based approach to planning for complex urban challenges and climate resilience. In his current practice, he works closely with project partners, community stakeholders, and technical experts to find multi-functional solutions that mitigate climate impacts while providing community co-benefits. Simon has served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute and is currently teaching a Capstone course on Integrated Watershed Planning at Brooklyn College.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Karen Sands<\/strong>, AICP, is the Program Director for CIS, a national leader in the development and implementation of public infrastructure solutions. Recognized as one of the top 10 Influential Women of Water by Mazars in 2020, Karen\u2019s sustainability career has focused on planning for green infrastructure, water resources, energy conservation and renewables, environmental compliance, and climate change adaptation \/ mitigation. She integrates forward-looking research and contextual opportunities that enhance the quality of life for people living, working, and playing in cities. Karen uses data analysis and policy analysis to advance innovative environmental solutions. She has worked with and for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District to advance the practice areas of regional stormwater management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Livestream Details<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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AICP-CM credits will be awarded.\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>
If you have questions, please contact Carolyn Esswein: cesswein@uwm.edu<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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