Sustainable Urban Drainage System in Potsdamer Platz
In an architecturally important area of Berlin, situated between the Landwehr Canal, the Kulturforum (the Berliner Philharmonie and the Berlin State Library) and the new construction on Potsdamer Platz, a combination of green and grey infrastructure has been realised to minimise the burden on Berlin’s existing water infrastructure.
Green and non-green roofs harvest annual rain, which flows through the site’s buildings and is used for toilet flushing, irrigation, and fire systems. The roofs retain and then release water to the large on-site buffer pond, which has five underground storage tanks. Next to the roofs, a series of urban ponds and connecting canals have been implemented, with a combined area of approximately 1.2 hectares. They are filled with rainwater, creating an oasis for urban life. Vegetated biotopes are integrated into the overland landscape and serve to filter and circulate the water that runs along streets and walkways. The lake’s water quality is excellent, forming a natural habitat for animals and cooling the surroundings, while fresh water usage in the buildings has been reduced. (Ref. 1; Ref. 2; Ref. 3; Ref. 6)
The project was implemented in the 1990s as part of the development of Potsdamer Platz in the wake of the reunification of Germany. Several architects collaborated on the implementation that was completely privately funded. Beyond its ecological and technical features, the site is a blue natural site in the heavily built city centre of Berlin and allows people to linger and enjoy natural features. The drainage system won several sustainability prices and is considered a successful integration of nature and technology-based mechanisms to foster climate change adaptation. As the rainwater system stores rainwater in underground tanks and ponds, the urban sewage system is relieved during heavy rain, and water can evaporate. Therefore, the small water circle is closed, and the microclimate is cooled. (Ref. 2; Ref. 6)
Green and non-green roofs harvest annual rain, which flows through the site’s buildings and is used for toilet flushing, irrigation, and fire systems. The roofs retain and then release water to the large on-site buffer pond, which has five underground storage tanks. Next to the roofs, a series of urban ponds and connecting canals have been implemented, with a combined area of approximately 1.2 hectares. They are filled with rainwater, creating an oasis for urban life. Vegetated biotopes are integrated into the overland landscape and serve to filter and circulate the water that runs along streets and walkways. The lake’s water quality is excellent, forming a natural habitat for animals and cooling the surroundings, while fresh water usage in the buildings has been reduced. (Ref. 1; Ref. 2; Ref. 3; Ref. 6)
The project was implemented in the 1990s as part of the development of Potsdamer Platz in the wake of the reunification of Germany. Several architects collaborated on the implementation that was completely privately funded. Beyond its ecological and technical features, the site is a blue natural site in the heavily built city centre of Berlin and allows people to linger and enjoy natural features. The drainage system won several sustainability prices and is considered a successful integration of nature and technology-based mechanisms to foster climate change adaptation. As the rainwater system stores rainwater in underground tanks and ponds, the urban sewage system is relieved during heavy rain, and water can evaporate. Therefore, the small water circle is closed, and the microclimate is cooled. (Ref. 2; Ref. 6)
Urban farm Lak'a Uta
The urban farm of Lak'a Uta is an initiative launched by the NGO Fundación Alternativas, which established the first community garden in Bolivia, located in the city of La Paz at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level (1-3). The initial plan was to develop the garden on private land, but since the goal was to create an open space accessible to all citizens, the project eventually sought a public location (3). The subdistrict of Cotahuma granted them permission to use the Lak'a Uta park, an abandoned area rendered unusable by two landslides in the previous year (3). Through voluntary efforts and an investment of 2,800 euros, the land was transformed over three years to accommodate 40 plots of 16m² each, with individual families cultivating a variety of vegetables (3).
Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the project adheres to many principles of organic agriculture in an urban setting (5). The area has become a biodiversity hotspot, featuring an artificial pond, 16 wild plant species, and 39 fauna species, including 34 bird species, two types of frogs that provide natural pest control, and three bee species (3-5). Compost is produced naturally using waste management practices and worms (4-5). In addition to edible vegetables, the garden produces medicinal plants, some of which help stabilize the soil and prevent further landslides (3-4). The infrastructure also includes a rainwater collection system (3-5).
Originally, the project aimed to improve access to food, particularly in response to the growing urban population (1-3). Over time, it has also fostered a strong sense of community, while promoting urban gardening through educational workshops and disseminating information nationwide (1-5). It is estimated that 20,000 people have been educated on urban agriculture, healthy eating, and reconnecting with nature (5). The project has also contributed to shaping a local government law supporting urban gardening within the municipality (3).
Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the project adheres to many principles of organic agriculture in an urban setting (5). The area has become a biodiversity hotspot, featuring an artificial pond, 16 wild plant species, and 39 fauna species, including 34 bird species, two types of frogs that provide natural pest control, and three bee species (3-5). Compost is produced naturally using waste management practices and worms (4-5). In addition to edible vegetables, the garden produces medicinal plants, some of which help stabilize the soil and prevent further landslides (3-4). The infrastructure also includes a rainwater collection system (3-5).
Originally, the project aimed to improve access to food, particularly in response to the growing urban population (1-3). Over time, it has also fostered a strong sense of community, while promoting urban gardening through educational workshops and disseminating information nationwide (1-5). It is estimated that 20,000 people have been educated on urban agriculture, healthy eating, and reconnecting with nature (5). The project has also contributed to shaping a local government law supporting urban gardening within the municipality (3).
Native Health Traditional Garden
In Phoenix, access to native, traditional foods prepared by Indigenous communities is scarce. This disconnection is rooted in the legacy of colonization and the forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples through practices such as mandatory residential schools. The Phoenix Indian School, which operated until 1990, is a stark reminder of these injustices, and deep-rooted systemic inequalities continue to persist today. In response, Indigenous food activists have worked tirelessly to promote traditional foodways and advocate for food sovereignty.
One such initiative is led by Native Health, an urban Indian health program that provides primary medical, dental, behavioral health, WIC, and wellness services in Phoenix. In 2019, Native Health launched a community-based garden initiative to reconnect urban Indigenous communities with their traditional life ways. The Native Health Traditional Garden was initially established on a 15-acre plot of vacant land, which sat atop the remnants of a notorious boarding school. However, when an investment firm purchased the land, the garden was displaced and forced to relocate. It downsized to less than an acre of space within a larger community garden project known as the "KeepPhoenixBeautiful Garden."
Despite these challenges, the Traditional Garden continues to thrive, drawing from Indigenous agricultural techniques such as Akimel O’odham canal irrigation, Zuni waffle beds, and Diné dry farming. The garden focuses on cultivating traditional, Indigenous, and desert-adapted plants, including corn, beans, squash, gourds, peppers, sunflowers, melons, and medicinal plants. In addition to growing these vital crops, the garden provides interactive learning opportunities for all ages, including workshops, youth clubs, pick-your-own events, and monthly community workdays.
The goal of the Traditional Garden project is to offer the urban Indigenous community opportunities for hands-on learning, and increased access to harvested produce. (1, 2)
One such initiative is led by Native Health, an urban Indian health program that provides primary medical, dental, behavioral health, WIC, and wellness services in Phoenix. In 2019, Native Health launched a community-based garden initiative to reconnect urban Indigenous communities with their traditional life ways. The Native Health Traditional Garden was initially established on a 15-acre plot of vacant land, which sat atop the remnants of a notorious boarding school. However, when an investment firm purchased the land, the garden was displaced and forced to relocate. It downsized to less than an acre of space within a larger community garden project known as the "KeepPhoenixBeautiful Garden."
Despite these challenges, the Traditional Garden continues to thrive, drawing from Indigenous agricultural techniques such as Akimel O’odham canal irrigation, Zuni waffle beds, and Diné dry farming. The garden focuses on cultivating traditional, Indigenous, and desert-adapted plants, including corn, beans, squash, gourds, peppers, sunflowers, melons, and medicinal plants. In addition to growing these vital crops, the garden provides interactive learning opportunities for all ages, including workshops, youth clubs, pick-your-own events, and monthly community workdays.
The goal of the Traditional Garden project is to offer the urban Indigenous community opportunities for hands-on learning, and increased access to harvested produce. (1, 2)
Westwood Tree Planting
Minimizing heat stress is a top priority for Phoenix, the hottest major city in the U.S. In 2023, extreme heat contributed to at least 359 deaths across Maricopa County. Phoenix is particularly vulnerable to climate change, with extensive concrete and asphalt, increased pollution, higher population densities, and concentrated infrastructure that exacerbate the urban heat island effect, drought, and extreme weather. Moreover, the heat disproportionately impacts lower-income and Hispanic neighborhoods, which tend to have less tree canopy and fewer resources to cope with rising temperatures.
To address these challenges and promote tree equity in underserved neighborhoods, the City of Phoenix, along with the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, launched the Community Canopy Grant Program in 2023. The concept of tree equity refers to identifying areas with low tree coverage and high social need, then prioritizing investments in these areas. By improving tree equity, the program aims to assist neighborhood associations and community members in areas that need it most.
The Community Canopy Grant Program targets neighborhoods within Qualifying Census Tracts across Phoenix, and one of the first neighborhoods to benefit was Westwood. In early 2024, community members gathered to plant 200 box trees for residents who received grants, marking the largest City-sponsored neighborhood tree planting event of the season. These tree plantings aim to provide much-needed shade for homes while fostering community engagement, helping to mitigate heat stress and build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. (1-5)
To address these challenges and promote tree equity in underserved neighborhoods, the City of Phoenix, along with the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, launched the Community Canopy Grant Program in 2023. The concept of tree equity refers to identifying areas with low tree coverage and high social need, then prioritizing investments in these areas. By improving tree equity, the program aims to assist neighborhood associations and community members in areas that need it most.
The Community Canopy Grant Program targets neighborhoods within Qualifying Census Tracts across Phoenix, and one of the first neighborhoods to benefit was Westwood. In early 2024, community members gathered to plant 200 box trees for residents who received grants, marking the largest City-sponsored neighborhood tree planting event of the season. These tree plantings aim to provide much-needed shade for homes while fostering community engagement, helping to mitigate heat stress and build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. (1-5)
Leopold Rister park
The Leopold-Rister park, named after a former district officer, is located in the Margareten district in Vienna and was renovated in 2023 based on the community's wishes for recreational opportunities. The park is surrounded by residential buildings and featured a playground for children, some greens and a football pitch. (Ref. 1) On the initiative of the city government, local residents and people using the park were surveyed on their preferences and needs for a potential redesign of the park. (Ref. 8) Within a year, the park was remodelled, featuring the wished for elements by locals, and was opened in 2024.
Spaces for recreation like playgrounds, benches, and gaming tables were increased or installed. To reduce the heat stress of the urban environment, trees were planted that provide shadow and water play for children to cool down were implemented. Already existing lawns and greens were restored, and new shrubs were added to provide habitats for different local insect and bird species. (Ref. 1; Ref. 6)
The project was initiated and financed by the City of Vienna and presents one of many greening activities that the city pursues to adapt to climate change. (Ref. 1; Ref. 2)
Spaces for recreation like playgrounds, benches, and gaming tables were increased or installed. To reduce the heat stress of the urban environment, trees were planted that provide shadow and water play for children to cool down were implemented. Already existing lawns and greens were restored, and new shrubs were added to provide habitats for different local insect and bird species. (Ref. 1; Ref. 6)
The project was initiated and financed by the City of Vienna and presents one of many greening activities that the city pursues to adapt to climate change. (Ref. 1; Ref. 2)
Tree Plantation Month
The "Tree Plantation Month" is an annual national initiative in Romania, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Forests through the National Directorate of Forests. This initiative focuses on afforestation, forest regeneration, and raising awareness about the ecological benefits of forests, while promoting sustainable behaviors (4, 9, 10). Having been in place for 60 years, the program has recently aligned with the principles outlined in the 1991 Paris Declaration on the Sustainable Development of Forests (10). At the national level, the initiative is regulated with overarching goals aimed at protecting and sustainably managing Romania's forests (9). The program allows for the involvement of various actors, including public institutions, municipalities, NGOs, and schools, who collaborate with regional forestry directorates to implement local activities (4).
In 2019, as part of this initiative in Iași, the Asociația Tineretul Ortodox Român Iași (ATOR), a youth-led religious association, actively participated in one of the campaigns . They planted 1,000 tree saplings in the Moara de Vânt district, an area that had suffered from deforestation and was prone to landslides (1, 2). The afforestation efforts were designed to address these environmental challenges by stabilizing the soil, reducing the risk of overflow and flooding, maintaining soil moisture, and regulating extreme temperatures (1). To ensure long-term success, the saplings were regularly monitored, and restoration efforts were carried out in cases where the trees were affected by fires or drought (3).
In 2019, as part of this initiative in Iași, the Asociația Tineretul Ortodox Român Iași (ATOR), a youth-led religious association, actively participated in one of the campaigns . They planted 1,000 tree saplings in the Moara de Vânt district, an area that had suffered from deforestation and was prone to landslides (1, 2). The afforestation efforts were designed to address these environmental challenges by stabilizing the soil, reducing the risk of overflow and flooding, maintaining soil moisture, and regulating extreme temperatures (1). To ensure long-term success, the saplings were regularly monitored, and restoration efforts were carried out in cases where the trees were affected by fires or drought (3).
Real and imagined garden
This project is a year-long (2022-2023), interdisciplinary and transversal environmental education program initiated by the Rotary Club of Fort-de-France Ouest with the main aim of raising awareness of biodiversity conservation. As part of Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Fort-de-France Ouest is a community service club that engages in various service projects that address local challenges relating to education, health, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
The project incited teachers at the François Auguste Perrinon middle school to incorporate environmental education and "créole" (traditional ecological) knowledge into the course curriculum. The program was designed to motivate the schoolkids to practice their newly acquired competences in a religious, artistic or gardening end-of-year project. The initiative reached between 150 to 200 students from 6th to 3rd grade in the neighbourhood of "Ermittage" (Ref 1; 5).
The project incited teachers at the François Auguste Perrinon middle school to incorporate environmental education and "créole" (traditional ecological) knowledge into the course curriculum. The program was designed to motivate the schoolkids to practice their newly acquired competences in a religious, artistic or gardening end-of-year project. The initiative reached between 150 to 200 students from 6th to 3rd grade in the neighbourhood of "Ermittage" (Ref 1; 5).
Urban Oasis Playgrounds
The Urban Oasis Playgrounds project focuses on creating a guide for green regeneration of playgrounds located all over Iasi by using natural climate solutions, with the potential for wider application beyond the city(1 to 6). The project's primary goal is to tackle pollution in playgrounds and address the overall lack of green spaces for children (1). This initiative is led by the NGO Civica in collaboration with the Municipality of Iași and the Architects Association in Iași (OAR) (1). The project secured €50,000 in funding after winning a competition organized by Raiffeisen Comunități, with support from the NGO "Asociația pentru Relații Comunitare" (2 & 3).
In addition to pollution, the project seeks to address other critical issues, such as the heat island effect and the proximity of playgrounds to risk-prone areas (1). The guide will be developed based on public consultations with Iași residents and a comprehensive study to tackle these concerns (1 to 7).
Currently, the first phase of the project is underway, involving assessments of various factors in playgrounds, including existing vegetation, shading, surface quality, infrastructure conditions, and pollution risks (4). These aspects are also reflected in a questionnaire distributed to the public, which gathers opinions on factors like cleanliness, noise exposure, thermal comfort, safety, and preferred natural green solutions (6).
The initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change, actively engaging the community in the process (4). Once completed, the guide will be presented to the municipality with the goal of being adopted as a standard for future playground developments (1, 3, 4, 6). The first phase of the project will regenerate a playground by planting trees and native vegetation (3).
In addition to pollution, the project seeks to address other critical issues, such as the heat island effect and the proximity of playgrounds to risk-prone areas (1). The guide will be developed based on public consultations with Iași residents and a comprehensive study to tackle these concerns (1 to 7).
Currently, the first phase of the project is underway, involving assessments of various factors in playgrounds, including existing vegetation, shading, surface quality, infrastructure conditions, and pollution risks (4). These aspects are also reflected in a questionnaire distributed to the public, which gathers opinions on factors like cleanliness, noise exposure, thermal comfort, safety, and preferred natural green solutions (6).
The initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change, actively engaging the community in the process (4). Once completed, the guide will be presented to the municipality with the goal of being adopted as a standard for future playground developments (1, 3, 4, 6). The first phase of the project will regenerate a playground by planting trees and native vegetation (3).
Shared gardens in vulnerable neighbourhood
Terres Sainville is one of Fort-de-France's priority neighborhoods, known for the precarious living conditions of its residents and the prevalence of illicit activities. Many plots of land in the area have been abandoned and are used as informal dumpsites. In response, the City of Fort-de-France developed the "Jaden Lanmou" (Garden of Love) program, which aims to revitalize neglected spaces across the city’s 145 neighborhoods, Terres Sainville being one of them.
With support from the Terres Sainville town hall, neighborhood associations (such as the Terres Sainville Citizens' Council and local schools), and the Ypiranga Martinique association, the community has been working to transform these wastelands into shared gardens. Since 2021, Ypiranga has created 10 productive gardens, designing each based on the land's configuration, soil quality, and the preferences of local residents, including options for market gardening, medicinal plants, fruit trees, and above-ground containers (Ref 1; 7).
This initiative prioritizes the development of city-owned land and strategic transit sites, while also encouraging private landowners to maintain their abandoned plots or share them with the community. Additionally, the program seeks to enhance existing flowerbeds, create new ones, and incorporate artistic elements like street art and graffiti. Public meeting spaces are being developed to foster community interaction.
The city aims to involve residents by providing equipment, training, workshops, and advice on best practices. Ultimately, neighborhood representatives and residents will be responsible for maintaining these new communal spaces and ensuring they are respected (Ref 2).
With support from the Terres Sainville town hall, neighborhood associations (such as the Terres Sainville Citizens' Council and local schools), and the Ypiranga Martinique association, the community has been working to transform these wastelands into shared gardens. Since 2021, Ypiranga has created 10 productive gardens, designing each based on the land's configuration, soil quality, and the preferences of local residents, including options for market gardening, medicinal plants, fruit trees, and above-ground containers (Ref 1; 7).
This initiative prioritizes the development of city-owned land and strategic transit sites, while also encouraging private landowners to maintain their abandoned plots or share them with the community. Additionally, the program seeks to enhance existing flowerbeds, create new ones, and incorporate artistic elements like street art and graffiti. Public meeting spaces are being developed to foster community interaction.
The city aims to involve residents by providing equipment, training, workshops, and advice on best practices. Ultimately, neighborhood representatives and residents will be responsible for maintaining these new communal spaces and ensuring they are respected (Ref 2).
Greening Reinprechtsdorfer Street
The redesign of Reinprechtsdorfer Street in Vienna is a greening initiative aimed at climate adaptation by reducing local temperatures and increasing green space in a densely built urban area. Implemented within one year, the project included planting trees, adding green beds, and widening the pavement to create a more inviting environment. New seating areas, drinking stations, and water play installations were introduced, providing spaces for relaxation, cooling off during high temperatures, and fostering social interaction. Accessibility and traffic safety were enhanced by leveling the pavement with the street and adopting a one-way system for cars.
The project, realized in 2023, was part of Vienna's city-wide "Out of the Tarmac" initiative and was spearheaded by the district and city council. It originated from discussions and a participatory design process with citizens dating back to 2014. Previously, Reinprechtsdorfer Street served as a congested connection between Wienzeile and Gürtel. The plan seeks to transform it into a “climate-friendly shopping street.”
The redesign involves planting 32 new trees accompanied by flower beds, plus three standalone flower beds. Sidewalks were widened, and amenities included parking for 36 bicycles, nine benches, and seating for 46 individuals. Cooling features such as two water installations, three mist columns, and two drinking hydrants will enhance comfort.
Renovation began in spring 2023, focusing first on the 400-meter stretch between Schönbrunner Straße and Arbeitergasse. A structurally separate one-way cycle path will link Schönbrunner Straße to Bräuhausgasse, while the existing cycle lane against the one-way system remained unchanged. (Ref. 1, 2, 6)
The project, realized in 2023, was part of Vienna's city-wide "Out of the Tarmac" initiative and was spearheaded by the district and city council. It originated from discussions and a participatory design process with citizens dating back to 2014. Previously, Reinprechtsdorfer Street served as a congested connection between Wienzeile and Gürtel. The plan seeks to transform it into a “climate-friendly shopping street.”
The redesign involves planting 32 new trees accompanied by flower beds, plus three standalone flower beds. Sidewalks were widened, and amenities included parking for 36 bicycles, nine benches, and seating for 46 individuals. Cooling features such as two water installations, three mist columns, and two drinking hydrants will enhance comfort.
Renovation began in spring 2023, focusing first on the 400-meter stretch between Schönbrunner Straße and Arbeitergasse. A structurally separate one-way cycle path will link Schönbrunner Straße to Bräuhausgasse, while the existing cycle lane against the one-way system remained unchanged. (Ref. 1, 2, 6)
