Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly recognized as critical components in strengthening urban resilience against climate change impacts. However, their implementation frequently encounters challenges that transcend traditional design methodologies. This research investigates the efficacy of Service Design (SD) as a strategic framework for addressing these implementation challenges, drawing on empirical evidence from a Green Roof intervention in Bolzano South, Italy. This study is guided by the following research question: 'How can Service Design tools improve the early-stage implementation of NbS in urban contexts?' We hypothesize that applying Service Design tools fosters stronger stakeholder engagement and more context-specific, sustainable outcomes in NbS projects.
Although the direct causal relationship between SD methodologies and improved NbS implementation remains empirically understudied, this research establishes a coherent theoretical connection between these approaches based on their complementary principles. SD enhances implementation through its emphasis on user-centric methodologies and collaborative design frameworks, while simultaneously optimizing intervention durability and effectiveness. The SD focus on iterative development, stakeholder integration, and systems thinking exhibits notable congruence with NbS principles, potentially augmenting both implementation processes and long-term sustainability outcomes.
By applying SD principles to Green Roof implementation in Bolzano, this research provides a comparative analysis between conventional top-down approaches and collaborative design methodologies. The main objective is to demonstrate how selected SD tools can enhance co-design processes in the Bolzano case study. This case study reveals that SD principles, particularly those related to co-creation processes, facilitate more inclusive and participatory NbS development, especially during initial implementation phases. The Bolzano application demonstrates that this integrated approach significantly enhances stakeholder engagement and contextual adaptation of NbS interventions. Consequently, this paper makes a substantive contribution to the expanding knowledge base concerning innovative methodologies for urban climate resilience and sustainable design practices.
Keywords: Nature-based solutions; Co-design; Nbs implementation; service design; green roofs
Year: 2025
Authors: Francisca Tapia (ABUD), András Reith (ABUD)
Publisher: Elsevier
DOI: 10.1016/j.nbsj.2025.100287