Green densification model

The park has been upgraded to include newly planted trees and shrubs, a meadow, children playgrounds, sitting areas for adult visitors, a wooden footbridge, and a water retention pond which collects rainwater from the roofs of nearby houses. The aim of the project was to establish and restore near-natural vegetation in the urbanized area, enhance biodiversity at the site, handle rainwater in a smart way, and provide a place for recreation (Ref. 2; Ref. 3; Ref 4). Additional restorations have included the creation of barbecue areas for gathering and cooking, and events are hosted at the space as well (Ref 8). Through voting, wider park expansions have also been approved (Ref 9).

The Kersentuin (Cherry Garden), an environmentally, socially and economically friendly community in Leidsche Rijn, an urbanization-from-scratch area in the west part of Utrecht, has been founded and developed by the residents themselves. The area is very popular and is seen as an interesting best practice in ideal green neighbourhood developments (ref. 4). It is a sustainable neighbourhood which integrates technical and social sustainability by building sustainable houses and creating public green spaces that promote biodiversity and social cohesion. The main characteristic of the Cherry Garden is the self-management of the green spaces which is achieved by gardening days. The project was innovative at the time of implementation and inspired many other projects (ref. 1).

Coventry City Council's 'Public Realm Scheme' included a shared space scheme at Gosford Street. Work included newly planted trees, and landscape areas as well as an enlarged and improved pond. The project was funded by Coventry University and the European Regional Development Fund. (Ref. 1-4)

A former American military base was purchased by a private investor in 2014. Due to this event, the city decided to redevelop the whole area covering 27 ha and to create a development plan for a forward-looking quarter based on an architectural competition. In parallel to the development, information events for the wider public took place. The new quarter will be constructed according to criteria set out by the German Association for Sustainable Construction. Objectives of this plan are also to improve the microclimate, biodiversity, connectivity, social and functional diversity of the district (Ref. 1 and 2). In 2020, construction work had not yet started. Plans are to begin construction in 2024 the earliest and to complete it by 2027. (Ref. 7)

A temporary new pocket park in Bishop Street. "Previously the plot had been boarded off since a 2009 fire led to a row of shops and takeaways being demolished. The park has been created to improve the derelict land on the corner of Bishop Street and Well Street before any future developments and is part of the second phase of city centre improvements following work which included transforming Broadgate and the station to Bull Yard link." (Ref. 1)

The project focuses on the development of a sustainable, social and ecological park that promotes citizen participation (ref. 2), which is one of the largest city parks in the Netherlands. It combines various blue-green infrastructure elements (ref. 1). The park includes recreational facilities, a butterfly garden and special constructions that provide habitat for species. The Máximapark runs largely on volunteers and the citizen participation is the outstanding character of the development of the park (ref. 2).

The project was born with the idea of solving the huge debate around the creation of a city park that connects different parts of the city. The area close to the railway will be regenerated thanks to an above-ground park. This solution will allow to have a new green space in the city, and an additional panoramic view that will be experienced thanks to a new cycling path. In this way the whole area that surrounds the rails of the central station will be regenerated, providing at the same time an attempt to mend the urban and social fabric. (Ref.1.)

“The Hub, a new purpose-built student building (at the heart of the Coventry University campus) was designed to enhance the student experience, i.e. offers space to meet up with friends or study informally.” The building also includes a number of green credentials such as: ground source cooling from a borehole on-site; natural ventilation; grey water harvesting (rain water for the toilets); solar water heating and a green roof.” (Ref. 1)

Little France Park is the city’s newest park reclaiming unmanaged grassland for the local community and carving out a green corridor from the city centre to Midlothian. It will establish a new corridor for wildlife whilst offering a network of paths, cycleways spread across 45 hectares. ELGT have submitted a Pre Application Notice to create new public parkland. It will establish a new corridor for wildlife whilst offering a network of paths, cycleways spread across 45 hectares. It is expected to provide a valuable green asset to new and existing communities. The parkland will be an important part of the green network with enhanced biodiversity. The existing landscape features will be enhanced, including wetland habitats, woodland planting, meadow grassland and space for events or informal sports. It is an opportunity to create active travel routes integrated with green infrastructure. The fully realized Little France Park will include 3 parkland areas, which together create habitat and species-rich areas. The project is due in late 2020. (ref 1, 2, 5, 6)

Hailes Quarry Park (HQP) is a large open space in the south-west of Edinburgh. It covers an area of 12.15ha. HQP was a very boggy area in the centre of the park which was effectively out of use. A project was planned which aimed to make environmental improvements and engage the local community and encourage healthy living. One of the main features of the park’s recent development is the creation of a wetland area with a range of wetland plant species. This new habitat will be home to birds, amphibians and native wetland plants, and will be a part of the green corridor. Additionally, a Biodiversity enhancement project was carried out at the site (ref 1, 7).