Ness Botanic Gardens: Growing the Social Role
The intervention at Ness Gardens was a result of the recommendation from the landmark 2010 report - 'Towards a New Social Purpose: Redefining the Role of Botanic Gardens'. (Reference 2). It is part of Growing the Social Role of Botanic Gardens research project, whose aim is to work with local communities on common issues of social and environmental importance (Reference 2). Additionally, as part of the University of Liverpool, the Gardens provide a resource for research programmes (Reference 3).
The project involved workshops, designed to support the botanic gardens through their engagement with their social roles and help them deliver their chosen project. The three participating botanic gardens were asked to develop and deliver a discrete project that would address a social issue or community group relevant to their garden. Ness targeted socially disadvantaged people in its catchment area. A group of students from Shorefields Technology College in Liverpool took part in a joint project where for six days, they swapped the urban classroom for the garden. The evaluation was done by RCMG (Reference 2)
The project involved workshops, designed to support the botanic gardens through their engagement with their social roles and help them deliver their chosen project. The three participating botanic gardens were asked to develop and deliver a discrete project that would address a social issue or community group relevant to their garden. Ness targeted socially disadvantaged people in its catchment area. A group of students from Shorefields Technology College in Liverpool took part in a joint project where for six days, they swapped the urban classroom for the garden. The evaluation was done by RCMG (Reference 2)
Green and sustainable urban development
The project was born from the purchasing of an ex-military area in the Flaminio neighbourhood and the decision to build a city of science with a museum, a public park and residential areas that will have green roofs and sustainable, energy-efficient building. The project was proposed to several architectural studios and the Studio 015 Paola Viganò is the one who got assigned the project in 2015 (3).
Due to changes in public administration and financing already found in 2017 (7), the project still has not started (2020), as in 2019 the citizens were once again consulted over the works and the project (7). Initially, the project should end in 2023 (should last 8 years) (4).
Due to changes in public administration and financing already found in 2017 (7), the project still has not started (2020), as in 2019 the citizens were once again consulted over the works and the project (7). Initially, the project should end in 2023 (should last 8 years) (4).
Tiber river as an ecological corridor
The Tiber is considered strategic to promote a policy of conservation and enhancement of the entire historic city. To transform what has become a "distance" in a resource for the city, it is necessary to involve the river in new spatial, functional, infrastructural and ecological relationships. The rediscovery of the river as a large ecological corridor permits the upgrading of some strong crosses of physical and functional connection to the opposite shores and corresponding enhancement of the river basin; Including the transverse Aventino / Porta Portese, divided into two functional lots, and the transversal Gianicolo-Moretta (1).
Eco campus "Tirone Alto Vesuvio"
"Tirone Alto Vesuvio" is a park situated within the Vesuvio area in Naples, this area was recently qualified as an eco-campus (green infrastructure), a project realized in 2011 according to the European guidelines for sustainable tourism. In particular, the eco-campus has the goal to promote sustainable and zero-impact sports activities, in order to spread awareness on ecological issues. In addition, it provides important health benefits and social and cultural advantages (Ref.1).
Innovative Management Model of Newcastle’s Parks and Allotments
In the course of 7 years from 2010, the Newcastle City Council's budget for Parks has been cut by 90%. A public consultation was carried out in partnership with the National Trust and National Lottery Heritage Fund, on the proposed transfer of the operation, delivery and maintenance of parks and allotments from the government to a new Charitable Trust (Charity). Under the new governing model, the land would remain owned by Newcastle City Council, and the trust would be able to generate additional revenue to maintain the parks. (1, 2, 3). The proposal was accepted and the Urban Green Newcastle, an independent charity was formed in 2019, taking over the management and maintenance of the 33 parks and 61 allotment sites in Newcastle upon Tyne. (10)
Urban Green Newcastle generates its own revenue to pay for operations via fundraising, grants and commercial activities which then are reinvested back into the parks and allotments. The aim is to cover the annual running costs of £2m pounds. (10)
Urban Green Newcastle generates its own revenue to pay for operations via fundraising, grants and commercial activities which then are reinvested back into the parks and allotments. The aim is to cover the annual running costs of £2m pounds. (10)
Swimming pool on the Odra river - swim in the river!
The project aims to create a floating swimming pool on the Odra river, similar to a floating pool in Berlin. The pool would serve as a meeting place and the recreational area, but also as an impressive architectural and floating artwork. The pool would consist of three modules: a relaxation zone; filter module, composed of suitable plants responsible for clearing water straight from the river; and the pool/swimming area, filled with filtered water from the river. The pool should be mobile - made in such a way that by conventional means it could move within the urban waterfront [1].
Restoration of the Lake Rusalka
Lake Rusalka is one of the key elements of Kasprowicz Park, which is a popular recreational area in Szczecin. The shoreline between the Summer Theater and the Japanese Bridge is an attractive stroll. The project aims to improve the functionality, attractiveness and aesthetic value of the coastline and an island on the lake. It envisions going back to the historical tradition of the boats rental as well as includes plans for the revitalization of the part of the shoreline, creation of the Japanese gazebo on the island and construction of mooring berth [1]. In 2020, the project was still on the waiting list in the city’s participatory budget distribution. Local authorities expect its implementation to take place by 2022, the earliest [6].
Vertical Garden
An indoor vertical garden by a French botanist Patrick Blanc installed at the Headquarters office of the InternetSupport company in Bielefeld. The garden cleans the air and serves the aesthetic function of being an interior decoration (1).
Boathouse in Podjuchy by the Regalica river
The initiative aims to ensure open access to the river Regalica for the local community and to create a multifunctional recreational area there. Given current spatial development plans, the chosen location is the only feasible solution to facilitate public access to the river. The project will address multiple NBS domains as its plans include: building new water stand, fishing place, and an observation deck, developing an ecological and educational path along the riverside, developing recreational spaces for the community including outdoor and cultural activities. The project relates to the long-term brand strategy of the city: ‘Szczecin floating garden 2050’[1]. The architectural plan was accepted and put forward for the implementation in 2019; currently, in July 2020, the project is still in the planning phase [4].
Bohnenbach Park
The Bohnenback Park project was one of the first urban redevelopment measures in Bielefeld and was opened its gates for the public in May 2017. The park is the combination of blue and green areas in the Bethel district. It was created by exposing the Bohnenbach stream which previously had been piped and been flowing underground. The park consists of free, bright spaces and lawns with few individual groups of trees. Along the naturally meandering course of the brook, there is a long, north-south oriented promenade, which also forms the backbone of the park. It separates the neighbouring buildings from a parking lot while also connects the Bethel district to its surrounding areas via a green corridor favourable for recreation (1, 7).

