Green densification model

Nelson Mandela Square is located on the south side of the main railway station in Nurnberg. Serving as an important transition zone for pedestrians (25,000 people daily), the neglected square, which was mostly used as a car park is to be redeveloped into a green park providing recreational facilities in the densely populated residential area. (2, 7). The square and the bicycle storage facility opened on September 15, 2020. 70 new trees, a spacious lawn, safe bicycle paths, benches, parking spaces and Nuremberg's first bicycle parking garage now ensure both quality of stay and functionality. (7)

The enlargement of the Dona Casilda park started in 2006 when Bilbao Ria 2000, a public limited company created in 1992 with the collaboration of the Public Administrations in order to lead the recovery and transformation of degraded areas of the Metropolitan Area of Bilbao, decided to invest in the renovation of the park. (Ref 2,4) The park was considered the main lung of the city, thus its enlargement (which is the presented NBS) was seen as necessary. (Ref 3) As such, the main road that traversed the park was removed and 30.000 sqm of land has been added. (Ref 2,7) The green area was broadened, by removing the road and enlarging the park. (Ref 2)

As part of the Fifth Dimension research program of the University of Helsinki that examines green roofs from the perspectives of biodiversity and the three dimensions of sustainable development (ecological, social and economical sustainability), 8 green roofs were installed in Helsinki. The aim was to find economically viable solutions that are applicable to Helsinki’s and Finland’s conditions. The project experimented with green roofs in different parts of the country, over half of which are in Helsinki (ref. 1, 2, 3).

The biggest park to date for the new town of Cherrywood in South Dublin is being developed. Tully Park will be part of a major strategic development in the area which will contribute to the economic growth of the county through the development of a vibrant residential and economic community anchored around a town centre. The park will act as a recreational space, and the plan is to create a high profile, high quality and distinctive flagship park with a range of visitor attractions and diverse active and passive recreational facilities. Schedule of provision to be informed by the current Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Open Space Strategy and local needs at the planning application stage but may include e.g. flagship playground, local pitches, courts, tea-rooms, toilets, public art, litter bins, street furniture, interpretation. The development of Tully Park shall be appropriate to the tranquil character and setting of the cluster of national monuments at its centre. The mature trees in the vicinity of the Tully Church complex shall be retained in so far as possible. (ref 1, 3, 5)

An enterprise called Alicante Forestal constructed a vertical garden in Mallorca, in an office in Santa Ponca (Ref 1). The garden was installed indoors, making a green wall in the headquarters of the local business (Ref 1). There is in 2020 not only this garden, but a service given by Alicante Forestal in Mallorca to design and install these in other parts of Spain, as well as courses for building these gardens in different countries in the world including Spain, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and Mexico (Ref 3).

Parque Central da Asprela is being designed by a team of specialists who see the great challenge of hydrographic control of Ribeira da Asprela and all other surrounding streams as an opportunity to create a unique landscape space in Porto, pleasant not only for the enjoyment of population but also as a crossing solution (pedestrian or cycling) for the academic community that daily studies and works in this area of ​​the city. The park is part of the green lung of the city. This NBS is a continuation of an action implemented in 2015 by the Municipality of Porto that had in mind the creation of a park which eventually had to be renovated and integrated and this is how this new NBS came to be implemented. (1)

The landscaping of the Vuosaari landfill site has appeared to be an excellent example of ”Integrated Planning Approach” as following concepts were applied: restorative design; ecological design; regenerative development and conventional design (ref. 1). The unused Vuosaari landfill hill had been transformed into a natural area where now domestic plants grow in meadows and rocky conditions. The area is now also used for recreational, educational and scientific purposes (ref 1, 2). The purpose of the project was to promote social, economic and environmental activities at the Vuosaari landfill site (ref. 1).

The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, a social welfare organization and regional centre of reference for cornea transplantation and research into epithelial stem cells, is a distinct and iconic project which embraces architect Emilio Ambasz's philosophy of "The Green Over the Gray," or the landscape over the building. It is a triangular-shaped building with a series of landscaped terraces at each floor level on one side. On the opposite side, the building rises as a series of steps that lead to a flat planted roof garden turning it into an outdoor amphitheatre. The combination of the plantings and deep overhangs minimises the impact of heat loads by blocking sunlight during the middle of the day (ref 1).

Kuninkaantammi is a new energy- and eco-efficient residential district by the Vantaa River and Helsinki’s Central Park that is in the construction phase with a dense urban design, consistent with the ecological, experiential and community requirements of modern housing. It will become a climate-smart neighbourhood for 5,000 inhabitants. Environmental factors have already been noted in the zoning of the area, and energy efficiency guides the design and building processes.
Kuninkaantammi will be a pilot project for stormwater runoff management in Helsinki using green infrastructure. The construction is ongoing (2013-2025). Management of storm waters in the area will be carried out through natural methods (ref. 1, 11).

The project of regeneration of Nürnberg's main market square and the resulting increase in attractiveness of the area is a result of negotiations between local authorities, citizens and landscape architects. It aims at increasing greenery in the city centre and its overall environmental and aesthetic conditions (1).
The status of the project is unclear, the project might have been cancelled as there is no indication of any interventions taking place.