https://climatejournal.news/ en https://climatejournal.news/news/placing-biodiversity-at-the-heart-of-urban-development-in-dublin <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Placing biodiversity at the heart of urban development in Dublin</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/placing-biodiversity-at-the-heart-of-urban-development-in-dublin" data-a2a-title="Placing biodiversity at the heart of urban development in Dublin"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/biodiversity" hreflang="en">Biodiversity</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/urban-planning" hreflang="en">Urban Planning</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/sustainable-city" hreflang="en">Sustainable City</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/biodiversity" hreflang="en">Biodiversity</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="Placing biodiversity at the heart of urban development in Dublin" title="Placing biodiversity at the heart of urban development in Dublin" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1484.jpg?itok=fqM3ksi5" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4598 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4599 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The latest `<a href="https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/urban-adaptation-in-europe-what-works" target="_blank">Urban Adaptation in Europe</a>` report published by the European Environment Agency warns that the average temperatures across Europe are rising faster than the global average, and cities are feeling the impacts of climate change more regularly and more severely.</p> <p>The report stresses that the need for adaptation coupled with raising public awareness has never been more urgent and identifies nature as a formidable ally on both fronts.</p> <p>Dublin is no exception to most European capitals that must fight the climate crisis on multiple levels.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4602 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--66-33"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4600 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p><a href="https://www.dublincity.ie/residential" target="_blank">Dublin City Council</a> (DCC) has been developing a project in the past year that aims to embrace a holistic approach to creating more liveable public spaces, protecting cultural heritage, and enhancing urban green areas.</p> <p>"We are working on bringing a Biodiversity Education Centre to life at the Liffey Vale on a two hectares site that involves reconstructing a Georgian townhouse and connected lands situated on the banks of the Liffey River close to Chapelizod Road,” shares Donncha Ó Dúlaing, Senior Executive Officer at DCC.</p> <p>Uncared for over twenty years, the damaged house and overgrown land are not exactly attractive in their current state, but with a well-planned design, the site will be turned into a multi-purpose space to revive wildlife and provide a place for locals and visitors to experience nature.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4601 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1485.jpg" width="540" height="540" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Donncha Ó Dúlaing, Senior Executive Officer at Dublin City Council.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4603 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <blockquote> <p>“It is a very special location where you would find a range of habitats from forestry to wetlands and the remains of an old orchard, so we have a great potential to restore it into a rich biodiverse green space nestled in an urban environment. It even inspired to add Cois Abhann when naming the Biodiversity Centre, which means close to the river."</p> </blockquote> <p>The decision to transform this land into a Biodiversity Centre is based on thorough preparation that included surveys, considerations of proposals, and discussions with local communities and wider stakeholders, says Donncha.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4606 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--33-66"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4604 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1486.jpg" width="491" height="368" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">The original site to be transformed into Cois Abhann Biodiversity Education Centre at Liffey Vale in Dublin. Image: Dublin City Council</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4605 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>To lead by example, the site's reconstruction and development will also promote sustainable practices by using reclaimed building materials and implementing water management systems and renewable energy sources.</p> <p>The building will retain traces of historic features so the house will be positioned to tell stories as well as provide the setting for stories to be told with additional spaces for interactive sessions and classrooms, a small cafe and public restrooms.</p> <p>Educational activities will focus on bringing nature closer to visitors besides making sustainability and climate action more tangible as they can be more abstract and hard to grasp.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4607 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The outdoor areas will be designed to facilitate experiential learning through rewilding the area and rehabilitating some of the original orchards while enhancing the overall level of biodiversity with species that are typically found on sites like this.</p> <p>Donncha shares what makes this a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of life in the city besides enriching biodiversity:</p> <blockquote> <p>“Here, you will have that sense of being in the city but you can find yourself in a completely different world, surrounded by nature, tuning in to the trickling sound of water with birdsong, getting some countryside vibes.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4608 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1487.jpg" width="720" height="386" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Plans for the Cois Abhann Biodiversity Education Centre at Liffey Vale in Dublin. Image: Dublin City Council</div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4609 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Careful planning and implementation will be carried out over the years with ongoing monitoring so we can demonstrate woodlands and wetlands with native birds, pollinators, and others.”</p> <p>Parts of the site will be left untouched so the rewilding process can also be studied.</p> <p>Donncha explains:</p> <blockquote> <p>“We don`t want to overdevelop or over-cultivate the site. Instead, we aim to embrace its characteristics and transform it into the best version of itself while giving space for nature to recover.”</p> </blockquote> <p>He adds that they also plan to carry out science-driven recultivation to eliminate invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed. Clearing out the site will probably take years, but learnings can be shared and adopted by others to address similar situations effectively.</p> <p>The centre will strive to build strong relationships with schools and communities in this part of the city, including colleges and provide space and activities for practical lessons on sustainability, natural science and other related areas.</p> <p>“Our intention is to link in with these communities as much as we can and also to attract people living nearby and visitors to Phoenix Park.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">June 2024</div> <div class="field field--name-field-collaborative-content-with field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Collaborative content with</div> <div class="field--item"> <a href="/partner/profit-with-purpose-magazine">Profit with Purpose Magazine</a> </div> </div> Tue, 04 Jun 2024 17:57:54 +0000 Szilvia Szabó 333 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/how-is-dublin-utilising-parks-to-make-the-city-greener-and-more-resilient <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>How is Dublin utilising parks to make the city greener and more resilient?</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/how-is-dublin-utilising-parks-to-make-the-city-greener-and-more-resilient" data-a2a-title="How is Dublin utilising parks to make the city greener and more resilient?"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/sustainable-city" hreflang="en">Sustainable City</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/urban-planning" hreflang="en">Urban Planning</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/dublin" hreflang="en">Dublin</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/sustainable-city" hreflang="en">Sustainable City</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="How is Dublin utilising parks to make the city greener and more resilient?" title="How is Dublin utilising parks to make the city greener and more resilient?" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1488.jpg?itok=q1Rp2ctF" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4610 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4611 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>As cities grow, access to open green spaces within the city is at a premium, and research has shown that we need nature for our well-being.</p> <p>Green cities have become a buzzword in the last few years, and this has shifted the approach to designing and managing projects within the Parks Services at Dublin City Council.</p> <p>These types of cities prioritise environmental sustainability by integrating green spaces and developing sustainable infrastructure in our urban environment besides implementing sustainable water management practices, permeable paving and green infrastructure that mitigate flooding and conserve water resources.</p> <p>On top of the environmental benefits, cities should champion green spaces, which have been linked to improved mental health and reduced stress levels.</p> <p>Deirdre Prince, Landscape Architect and Parks Officer for the Central Parks District in Dublin City Council (DCC), works on park projects in the Central District area and highlights that any available green space with the built environment has to work very hard to deliver for all stakeholders.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4614 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--66-33"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4612 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <blockquote> <p>“The challenge is to incorporate as many environmental uses as efficiently while still creating beautiful spaces for people to enjoy, whether it is creating areas for pollinators, implementing Suds (Sustainable Urban Draining Systems), growing trees to absorb particulate matter or creating amenity space for the public,”</p> </blockquote> <p>she explains.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4613 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1489.jpg" width="540" height="540" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Green spaces in cities are essential to mitigate climate risks and improve people`s well-being. Image: Canva</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4615 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Dublin City Council Parks Services are already protecting the natural environment and driving biodiversity in various ways.</p> <p>They are increasing the urban tree canopy, creating green or wildlife corridors within the city, incorporating green infrastructure into urban planning projects, and eliminating the use of pesticides to protect pollinators and other beneficial insects.</p> <p>“One area I feel we should pay attention to is the identification of locations within our city that could have potential for habitat restoration, such as wetlands, canals, and riparian zones along rivers and streams. In the current climate, landscape architects need to consider a range of factors to create resilient and sustainable landscapes,” Deirdre shares.</p> <blockquote> <p>She stresses the importance of designing landscapes that are resilient to the impacts of climate change, such as increased temperatures, extreme weather events, drought and flooding.</p> </blockquote> <p>“We need to select planting which is drought-tolerant or dry-loving to withstand periods of low or no rain,” Deirdre adds, noting that it also involves incorporating more green infrastructure to manage storm-water run-off and designing adaptable spaces that can withstand changing environmental conditions.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4616 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>John Stack, Senior Executive Engineer at the Protection of Water Bodies office in Dublin City Council, shares that under the Water Framework Directive, EU member states are required to develop River Basin Management Plans, and each project involves measures and actions to improve water quality.</p> <p>He also works on several projects that involve nature-based solutions, all of which are at different stages.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4619 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--58-42"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4617 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>One of these is the Santry River Restoration and Greenway Project, a legislative initiative that envisions the future of the Santry River as an attractive river park flowing through North Dublin as an integrated green-blue landscape for ecology and amenity.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4618 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1490.jpg" width="1297" height="331" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4620 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>“This landscape will become the backbone of a new green infrastructure project to facilitate nature, pedestrians and cyclists and form a route from the biosphere of Dublin Bay to St Anne’s Park to Dublin’s winter hinterlands at Sillogue.”</p> <p>To ensure that the project met people's needs, they invited locals and communities from the planning phase to suggest what they would like to see in this area and express their concerns. In saying that, he points out that there is hesitancy and apprehension about leveraging nature-based solutions rather than traditional methods due to a lack of understanding of the concept.</p> <blockquote> <p>“One of my key objectives is to complete some nature-based demonstration projects so that people can just go and look at them. Once they see the benefit of something, they definitely become more open to change,”</p> </blockquote> <p>John further explains.</p> <p>He adds that there are situations that allow them to adopt nature-based solutions, but often, they still have to use traditional methods alongside them to meet planning requirements.</p> <p>John sees the monetary value of preserving and enhancing natural habitats, biodiversity, and clear water, highlighting the importance of a multi-objective approach to handling interconnected issues.</p> <p>“Where we have habitat loss, we have climate issues, where we have urbanisation, we have biodiversity issues, so it tends to grow wings quite easily.”</p> <p>Besides water-related considerations, landscape design also has to factor in sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by planting more trees and other vegetation that store carbon.</p> <p>One of Deirdre`s favourite projects she worked on in recent years was the development of a new park, Bridgefoot Street Park. This park is located in the Liberties area of Dublin City Centre and was designed by Dermot Foley Landscape Architects.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4623 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4621 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <blockquote> <p>“Not only was it exciting to create a brand-new park in an area with a large deficit of access to green open spaces, but the park was also built using a variety of reused building materials and materials on the site.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4622 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1491.jpg" width="630" height="306" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Construction phase of Bridgefoot Street Park in Dublin. Image: Dublin City Council</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4624 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The aim was to create a playful and exciting urban landscape for all ages while transforming a hard landscape site in the city centre with sustainability at its core.</p> <p>To stay true to their mission and reduce the amount of construction waste going into landfills, most materials used were moved from other building sites in Dublin.</p> <p>In the end, 180 new trees, in addition to a mixture of herbaceous and ground-cover planting, have been planted in the park, increasing the urban canopy and assisting in reducing carbon emissions due to the uptake and storage of carbon.</p> <p>These trees provide much-needed shade for park users and increase the space for biodiversity within the city.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4627 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4625 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1494.jpg" width="420" height="212" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Re-used materials on the surface at Bridgefoot Street Park. Image: Dublin City Council</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4626 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Deirdre adds: “The Bridgefoot Street Park design highlights some important sustainability objectives, demonstrating how we can help to reduce our carbon impact in the design of new public spaces and also how to change the public perception of secondary raw construction materials.”</p> <p>In 2023, the park development won the prestigious Landezine International Landscapes Award (LILA) in the Public Landscapes category.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4628 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The jury highlighted the reasons for selecting this project:</p> <blockquote> <p>“Bridgefoot Street Park is a story about public space, community participation, circular economy, and ecological measures, and, above all, it is a project that well reflects our growing care for social and environmental issues of urban open space in the 21st century.”</p> </blockquote> <p>In addition to creating a new green urban area, locals also have a sense of ownership while enjoying the playground and community garden, which adds value to a development like this.</p> <p>“We have no choice but to move in this direction, and working with nature is the key to achieving climate targets and creating more liveable and sustainable cities.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4629 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1493.jpg" width="840" height="472" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Bridgefoot Street Park is an award-winning development in Dublin, demonstrating the integration of nature-based solutions and sustainability in a city environment. Image: Dublin City Council</div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">May 2024</div> <div class="field field--name-field-collaborative-content-with field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Collaborative content with</div> <div class="field--item"> <a href="/partner/profit-with-purpose-magazine">Profit with Purpose Magazine</a> </div> </div> <div class="author-profile col-md-4"> <table> <tr> <td style="width: 60px;"> <div class="field field--name-field-author-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="Szilvia Szabó" title="Szilvia Szabó" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/profile_author_profile_image/public/bsp-images/author/1076.jpg?itok=He8vRoqS" width="75" height="75" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </td> <td> <p class="author"> <span class="name">Szilvia Szabó</span> <span class="dot">⬤</span> <span class="contributor">Author</span> </p> <div class="field field--name-field-author-short-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Journalist, Editor</div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Journalist, Editor</div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> Fri, 17 May 2024 08:16:34 +0000 Bronagh Loughlin 334 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/making-cities-human-and-kind <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Making cities human and kind</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/making-cities-human-and-kind" data-a2a-title="Making cities human and kind"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/city" hreflang="en">City</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/sustainable-city" hreflang="en">Sustainable City</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/urban-planning" hreflang="en">Urban Planning</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/sustainable-city" hreflang="en">Sustainable City</a></div> </div> </div> <img width="32" height="32" alt="Smart city" title="Smart city" class="img-responsive" src="/files/bsp-images/icons/244.svg" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <img alt="Making cities human and kind" title="Making cities human and kind" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1013.jpg?itok=Kb-G2XK6" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="field field--name-field-lead field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">&quot;Cities are hubs for change, places where we dream, discuss, live, grow, and work.&quot; Lior Steinberg, urban planner, shares insights on how to transform city life to be more human and kind.</div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2981 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2982 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p><em>Expert opinion by Lior Steinberg</em>,</p> <p>co-founder of <a href="https://www.humankind.city/" target="_blank">Humankind</a>, an agency for urban change based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.</p> <hr /><p>I believe that places that encourage positive connections between people and the environment are humane and kind.</p> <p>For example, streets prioritising car movement are not human and kind since they do not allow residents and visitors to interact, relax, and socialise.</p> <p>Additionally, it excludes many groups who cannot or will not own a car. On the other hand, a street designed with space for pedestrians, cyclists, transit, benches, trees, interesting shops, and meeting places is human and kind.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2985 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2983 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1014.jpg" width="615" height="410" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Lior Steinberg, urban planner and co-founder of Humankind agency</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2984 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>I co-founded Humankind, an agency for urban change based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, to make cities more human and kind to ourselves, others and our planet. If we create human and kind cities, we create sustainable presents and better futures where we can live a good life together.</p> <p>We provide cities, organisations and changemakers with human-powered data and insights to make sense of the present, creative tools to start shaping the future today and share our knowledge so anyone can be a city maker.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2986 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <blockquote> <p>Cities are complex systems created and experienced by equally complex beings.</p> </blockquote> <p>To make them better, we need better insights. Although we have the data, the real challenge is the lack of connections and interpretation. Local governments and municipalities collect and store a lot of data about their cities. In practice, they often struggle to translate this data into meaningful, actionable insights for improving quality of life.</p> <p>The idea behind our human-powered data approach is to rethink how we collect and analyse data about our cities. The most important thing is to make sure that we are asking the right questions.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-2988"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2987 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>For instance, instead of measuring the number of cars passing in a street, maybe we can measure the comfort of street users?</p> <p>Instead of mapping all playgrounds in the city, could we measure the playfulness of streets and public spaces, regardless of whether they are defined as an official playgrounds?</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2989 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>We strive to create better public spaces by combining spatial analysis with system and trend research. Our <strong>Good Public Space</strong> concept is a humble attempt to capture all the great qualities of public spaces in a simple, affordable, and scalable way.</p> <p>We acknowledge that "Good" can mean different things to different people, but research shows that most people view pleasant interactions with other humans and nature as positive. Therefore, there is a need to analyse whether places are designed to encourage such interactions. Additionally, we observe how people behave in the space.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2990 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Many companies are often too focused on one discipline, whether they are architects, urban planners, or engineers. In order to create great cities for people, you must approach the city from a multidisciplinary perspective.</p> <blockquote> <p>Cities can spend years discussing possible changes with residents, or they can try it and see if it works.</p> </blockquote> <p>One of our unique projects is offering a ‘<a href="https://www.humankind.city/future-imagination" target="_blank">Daytrip to the Future</a>’, allowing participants to imagine a better future. Instead of forecasting or trying to predict the future, we translate future possibilities into present-day choices.</p> <p>Using tactical urbanism - low-cost, temporary changes to the built environment - we help cities try different designs and schemes. For instance, making a street pedestrian-only for the summer or installing a pop-up bike lane instead of a parking lane.</p> <p>Having an authentic experience and not just theoretical ideas can be more powerful, leading to better decisions. You can do something as simple as finding the perfect place to set up a bench or as complex as rethinking an entire traffic circulation plan.</p> <p>To me, it is all about improving our public spaces and streets and creating places that make people smile.</p> <p> </p> <p class="text-align-right"><span style="font-size:10px">Headline image: Ronald Cuyan, <a href="https://unsplash.com/" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></span></p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2991 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <hr /><p>This content was originally published in the <a href="https://business-spirit.news/profit-with-purpose-magazine" target="_blank">Profit with Purpose Magazine</a>.</p> <p>Read more insights on making cities sustainable and inclusive in the <a href="https://business-spirit.news/shop/city-next-summer-2022" target="_blank">Summer 2022 edition</a> of the magazine<a href="https://business-spirit.news/shop/city-next-summer-2022" target="_blank"> &gt;&gt;&gt;</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">June 2022</div> Mon, 20 Jun 2022 10:49:28 +0000 Anonymous 229 at https://climatejournal.news