Green densification model

In 2011, the Great Lines Heritage Park was formed by connecting the Great Lines, Lower Lines, Inner Lines, Forst Amherst and Medway Park together. To do so, a former military area was transformed. The intervention connects the heritage towns of Chatham and Gillingham and the Chatham Waterfront. By connecting the heritage of the town and the waterfront, the project aimed to emphasize both these aspects of the area, but also to improve visitors' access and be a habitat for a number of species (Ref 2). The area has been created from a site that is of international heritage significance. The park is located within the Thames Gateway priority housing area, Europe’s largest regeneration project (ref. 3).

Following the Reading Growallot scheme, a derelict land area in Florian Gardens, Southcote was transformed into an allotment site. The scheme is part of Food 4 Families which is a community allotment project. One in four residents in Southcote live in flats with no garden to enjoy; local families have therefore transformed the land into a thriving allotment, growing fresh, healthy fruit and vegetables. This means that Southcote GrowAllot gives residents the chance to start growing food together. (Ref. 1, 3)

Park Track North (Park Spoor Noord) is built on a former railway territory and was aimed to provide a social, green and mobility 'corridor' as the territory disconnected parts of the city (Ref. 1,4). Now, the park has a sustainable drainage system, allows a maximum diversity of people to use the park and has trees that will last for a long time. The park is further considered sustainable because of the use of FSC wood, re-used materials and energy-efficient lighting while the historical railway elements are restored or reused (Ref. 1,7).

The NBS is a large green roof on top of "ATRIUM PARK", which is a modern neighbourhood of 4 buildings in Bydgoszcz. The spacious green park of 5,000 m2 is located on the roof of a multi-storey garage that extends under all buildings. It is divided into zones: a playground, an area for active recreation, and the relaxation area. The description of the project stresses its beneficial effects on the health and well-being of the residents [1].

Focus Park is a large shopping mall with green terraces (900 m2) and green walls in the city of Bydgoszcz. The project serves marketing purposes – the green areas outside the mall are visible from various vantage points. Due to the selection of pollution resistant plants and installation of an automatic irrigation system the project also involves water retention and supports local biodiversity and good air quality [1].

The NBS is a 200 m² green roof created as a complementary element to the concept of a low-emission building of the Demonstration Centre of Renewable Energy Sources at the School of Mechanical Engineering No. 2 in Bydgoszcz. The roof serves as a recreational area for students and visitors, provides thermal insulation for the building, increases biodiversity and improves the image of the construction [1].

The NBS was inspired by the first social garden created by citizens on Chrobrego Street. Later, the municipality provided funds for 4 additional projects. Social gardens were created in the housing estates of Wyżyny, Okole, Jary and Wilczak. Residents planted new bushes, flowers, trees, grass, and perennials, and arranged the existing nature in their pocket gardens. In some cases, they also established 'hotels' for insects and pollinators or created thematic paths. Common efforts are to grow healthy plants, herb and vegetable, and to create a friendly atmosphere in the gardens. The gardens are small, 100 square meters on average [1,4].

Since introducing the Tree Strategy, the Reading Council has working closely with partners and local people to promote the importance and benefit of trees. Work has included a (street) tree planting scheme. Reading has a committed Tree Warden Network (which has the objectives to e.g. engage the community and raise awareness of trees in neighbourhoods). (Ref. 1, 2)

The green roof and courtyard/patio on a new campus building of the University of Applied Sciences consist of trees and plants that reduce temperature and improve air quality. The plants are grown on a thick substrate layer that allows for extra stormwater storage. The vegetation also provides habitat for species such as insects, filters particulates from the air and reduces noise, and creates aesthetic value for patients in a nearby hospital (Ref. 1).

The intervention takes place in one of the most important parks in Palermo, and the area plays an important role, by hosting several plant and animal species, and the intervention consisted of creating an agricultural area within the park with a community-based approach. This proved that agricultural initiative had an economic role to play for the city, and at the same time can enhance social inclusiveness. (Ref.1.)