https://climatejournal.news/ en https://climatejournal.news/news/wonders-of-the-underground-world-unveiled-at-amsterdam-s-interactive-exhibition <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Wonders of the underground world unveiled at Amsterdam`s interactive exhibition </span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/wonders-of-the-underground-world-unveiled-at-amsterdam-s-interactive-exhibition" data-a2a-title="Wonders of the underground world unveiled at Amsterdam`s interactive exhibition "><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/soil" hreflang="en">Soil</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/exhibition" hreflang="en">Exhibition</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/urban-development" hreflang="en">Urban Development</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/art" hreflang="en">Art</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/education" hreflang="en">Education</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/art" hreflang="en">Art</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="Wonders of the underground world unveiled at Amsterdam`s interactive exhibition " title="Wonders of the underground world unveiled at Amsterdam`s interactive exhibition " class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1627.jpg?itok=0pqnY177" 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--5043 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--5044 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The interactive exhibition “Unearthed” opened on April 4th at the <a href="https://www.artis.nl/en/artis-groote-museum" target="_blank">ARTIS-Groote Museum</a> in Amsterdam, revealing the hidden world that lies beneath the ground to raise awareness and connect people with the living ecosystem under the surface. </p> <p>Organisers aim to embrace unique formats to spotlight the connection between healthy soil, urban resilience, and climate change by presenting specific insights and actionable approaches to maintaining better ground life.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5047 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--5045 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <blockquote> <p>“To experience the underground life, visitors of the exhibition can literally crawl into the earth, turning things upside down and making the influence of the soil on urban existence visible,” </p> </blockquote> <p>says Karlien Pijnenborg, Head of the ARTIS-Groote Museum. </p> <p>She adds that soil might be unseen for many, but it plays a vital role in contributing to biodiversity, climate adaptation, and ultimately creating a healthy living environment for citizens. </p> <p>The underground world teeming with life, featuring an intricate network of roots, fungi, and other microorganisms alongside pipes, cables, and pillars that support Amsterdam, is at the heart of the “Unearthed” exhibition.</p> <p>“Think of worms that help reduce rainwater puddles or trees less likely to be blown over thanks to a healthy soil.”</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--5046 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/1628.jpg" width="750" height="1014" 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"> Karlien Pijnenborg, Head of the ARTIS-Groote Museum. Photo: Samuel van Leeuwen</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5048 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Besides the interactive installations and an introductory film, the exhibition seeks to answer four key questions: What does the soil of Amsterdam tell us? What lives in the soil? Why is the soil important to you? How do we care for healthy soil? </p> <p>The concept was developed in collaboration with the <a href="https://openresearch.amsterdam/en/page/85036/academic-workshop-soil" target="_blank">Academic Soil Workplace </a>(AWB), a partnership between the municipality of Amsterdam, Waternet, and Naturalis and aligns perfectly with the mission of the ARTIS-Groote Museum to educate and inspire visitors about the interconnectedness of nature and urban living. </p> <p>The collaborative approach was fuelled by the shared passion of Pijnenborg and renowned soil expert Joyce van den Berg, Chief Design and Landscape Architect at the City of Amsterdam and author of the award-winning book “<a href="https://openresearch.amsterdam/en/page/71091/biodivercity" target="_blank">BiodiverCITY_A Matter of Vital Soil!</a>”.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5051 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--5049 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/1629.jpg" width="433" height="451" 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">Joyce van den Berg, Chief Design and Landscape Architect, City of Amsterdam</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--5050 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Berg shares that engaging citizens and raising awareness about the underground ecosystem is very much needed to adopt changes: </p> <blockquote> <p>“Amsterdam is growing; new buildings are rising, and the city is working on sustainable solutions for energy, mobility, and climate adaptation. Where all these future plans converge, space is becoming increasingly scarce – not just above ground but especially beneath the city. How can we all work together to ensure a healthy soil?”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5052 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The Academic Soil Workplace was set up as an experimental, interdisciplinary space and series of events in 2022 to explore innovative approaches to urban soil as part of rethinking urban planning and public space design to address current challenges cities face.</p> <p>Berg explains further:</p> <p>“Imagine you are building a street where people can walk, ride bikes, drive cars, and where trees can grow. When we plan that street, we don’t just look at what goes on top, like the asphalt for cars, the sidewalks for people, or the green spaces for trees. We also pay attention to what happens underground, such as where the tree roots grow and where water and power lines run.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5060 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-column-wrapper paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5066"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-5064"> <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--5063 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>One of the highlights of the “Unearthed” interactive exhibition is the Soil Station, where visitors are encouraged at daily workshops to explore how life goes on in the soil. </p> <p>For instance, they can participate in the game 'Parliament of Underground Affairs' and immerse themselves in the roles of different lifeforms in the soil or get inspired by the `Soil Poems` written by Dutch actress Marjolijn van Heemstra and even get to write their own soil inspired rhymes.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5065 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>But you can also crawl into a huge molehill where films are shown about the world's largest organism, and you might realise that living underground is less dirty than you probably think.</p> </div> </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-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5059 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/1632.jpg" width="371" height="556" 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">Visitors of the &quot;Unearthed&quot; Exhibition can explore life under the ground through various interactive installations. Photo: Henri Bloomers</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5055 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p><a href="https://www.artis.nl/en/artis-groote-museum" target="_blank">ARTIS-Groote Museum</a> is well-known for its particular way of getting people involved with different topics, as it strives to turn visits into personal expeditions where visitors can discover just how many characteristics humans share with plants, animals and even microbes. </p> <p>Pijnenborg explains that revealing surprising connections with nature, like that our intestines perform the same functions as the roots of a tree or that when you learn to crawl as a baby, you move precisely the same way as a crocodile, can help change people`s perspective on how much we connected to and depend on other life forms. </p> <blockquote> <p>“As it turns out, you appear to be connected to every other living thing, right down to the tiniest fibres in your body.” </p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5056 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/1631.jpg" width="1176" height="848" 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">Image: ARTIS-Groote Museum</div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5057 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>This historic museum continuously hosts exhibits, installations, displays, artworks, films, and stories that will hold up a mirror for you, confront you with questions, and introduce you to new and different perspectives while leaving you to discover answers and ask new questions to maintain and enhance your wonder at the beauty of the Earth. </p> <p>Although “Unearthed” is a temporary exhibition, the theme of soil will remain part of the permanent collection in the ARTIS-Groote Museum, keeping the topic for conversations through various displays and other formats.</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">April 2025</div> Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:54:02 +0000 Szilvia Szabó 361 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/the-secret-ingredient-for-sustainable-cities-beneath-our-feet <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>The secret ingredient for sustainable cities beneath our feet</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/the-secret-ingredient-for-sustainable-cities-beneath-our-feet" data-a2a-title="The secret ingredient for sustainable cities beneath our feet"><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-development" hreflang="en">Urban Development</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-urban-development" hreflang="en">Sustainable Urban Development</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="The secret ingredient for sustainable cities beneath our feet" title="The secret ingredient for sustainable cities beneath our feet" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1622.jpg?itok=AONYnuI2" 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--5021 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--5022 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>More than half of the World`s population already live in urban areas, and the trend of rapid migration to cities from rural areas is nowhere near slowing down as the <a href="https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/2018-revision-of-world-urbanization-prospects.html" target="_blank">UN projects</a> that another 2.5 billion people are expected to live in towns by 2050, increasing urban population to 68%. </p> <p>Besides accelerated growth, cities face multiple challenges, such as climate change-induced extreme heat or heavy rainfalls, that they must address when planning a sustainable and liveable future for their residents.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5025 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--5023 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Joyce van den Berg, Chief Design and Landscape Architect at the City of Amsterdam, says their city is no exception to dealing with increasing pressure on space, climate adaptation, energy transition, mobility and other issues in addition to tighter budgets, calling for an urgent need for a fully integrated design and planning strategy.</p> <blockquote> <p>“Focusing only on what happens on the surface, like how we arrange streets and buildings, misses important opportunities.”</p> </blockquote> <p>She argues that putting soil at the heart of urban development and looking for opportunities below the surface can have a ripple effect on addressing aggregating city challenges. </p> <p>Berg has been working on the <a href="https://openresearch.amsterdam/en/page/58877/integral-design-method-public-space" target="_blank">Integral Design Method of Public Spaces</a> (IDM) approach, which focuses on early interdisciplinary planning and collaboration combined with data-driven design considering subsurface levels, practically leveraging the underground space to improve the overall output of urban developments.</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--5024 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/1623.jpg" width="533" height="800" 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">Joyce van den Berg, Chief Design and Landscape Architect, City of Amsterdam</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </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-5028"> <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--5027 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>“By taking care of both above and below, we can make sure rainwater has somewhere to go, trees have space to spread their roots, and we create a physically healthy city. </p> <p>Considering both surface-level and underground challenges from the start and making the planning process more efficient, we can design a more sustainable, resilient, and practical city,” she explains.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5026 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The Integral Design Method has been in development since 2017, kicking off with a housing project that aimed to build 30,000 new homes and infrastructure in Amstel-Stad and eventually became a resounding success, earning several recognitions for IDM, including the <a href="https://worldlandscapearchitect.com/integral-design-method-public-space-city-of-amsterdam-ioor-team/?v=fc9fdf084e29" target="_blank">Honour Award</a> of World Landscape Architect in 2022.</p> <p>After overcoming some initial resistance, this systematic approach, supported by 3D information about both aboveground and underground features, helped them detect potential conflicts early, saving money and preventing major disruptions.</p> <p>“There can be resistance to new methods because people naturally tend to stick to what is familiar. At the same time, these moments of change are opportunities to reach better solutions together. Therefore, overcoming resistance is key, along with being patient enough to see the transformation through to real success.”</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5031 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--5029 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/1624.jpg" width="720" height="480" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </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--5030 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The results of this pilot project speak for themselves. </p> <p>Independent financial validations indicate that this method can potentially avoid a substantial portion of costs during construction, with even more significant savings in long-term maintenance, making it an outstanding choice for futureproofing urban areas. </p> <p>Berg adds, "Various urban governments, public works agencies, and private engineering firms have embraced the method, demonstrating a widespread need for an integrated approach. This broader adoption is a significant step toward changing the standard practices of public space development.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5032 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The city of Almere is one of the trailblazers embracing IDM as it aims to become the “most sustainable city of the future, ecologically, socially and economically”, while providing a home for residents and businesses as part of the growing Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.</p> <p>With almost 225,000 inhabitants today, Almere has become the eighth-largest city in the Netherlands since it was opened in 1975 as part of a planned city expansion to be built up from the ground and is projected to reach 325,000 by 2050. </p> <p>In his role as project manager of the Area Development department, Edwin De Wekker is tasked with the development of Almere city centre, which entails considering multiple factors, from climate adaptation to increasing biodiversity, while planning infrastructure that can serve the exponential growth of its population.</p> <p>He shares that because so many different interests are at play, they decided to use the Integral Design Method of Public Spaces to address challenges and get the best result. </p> <p>He admits that integrating IDM is a relatively new concept that requires a shift in mindset, especially since this type of development is already too massive and complex to be handled by only one organisation. </p> <blockquote> <p>“What is important in this process is that the municipality adopts a flexible and open-minded approach. Our process started with a vision document that faced a lot of resistance, but because it aligned with the overal goals, it began to develop organically,” says Wekker. </p> </blockquote> <p>He adds that sometimes you need to give time and space to overcome refusal while highlighting possibilities and opportunities that can move things forward, emphasising that this integrated method can significantly increase the chance of succeeding in juggling various expectations and delivering long-lasting positive results.</p> <p>“In Almere, everything needs to happen at the same time, but the infrastructure is not designed for this level of density,” explains De Wekker, saying that in their case, budget and policy adaptation also present their own challenges. </p> <p>“The Integral Design Method of Public Spaces can lead to a more efficient allocation of resources, thereby increasing the feasibility of the goals.” </p> <p>However, he believes securing a commitment from all stakeholders internally within the municipality and externally from utility companies and other players is essential to fully integrate IDM.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5035 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-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5033 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/1625.jpg" width="675" height="510" 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">Measures of healthy soil can drive better urban planning and with using the Integral Design Method of Public Spaces.</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--5034 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>This thinking resonates strongly with why the Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) in Ireland is exploring this approach as a testing partner for IDM since the city has been deeply involved in urban regeneration and sustainable planning across various projects. </p> <p>Mick Forde Bradley, Senior Executive Architect working with LCCC, sees IDM as a formidable tool for formalising and strengthening LCCC’s commitment to sustainable, resilient, and community-focused urban planning.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5036 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <blockquote> <p>“In Limerick, we face challenges such as balancing housing demand with quality public space, enhancing climate resilience, and ensuring that urban regeneration efforts are inclusive and community-driven. IDM could help by providing a framework for designing multifunctional public spaces that serve both social and environmental purposes.”</p> </blockquote> <p>He adds that with this method, they can ensure that urban regeneration efforts in their city are data-driven, collaborative, and future-proof. </p> <p>“We are already looking to apply IDM in upcoming projects. For example, in the Sonny’s Lands Housing Project, IDM can help us optimize the integration of green infrastructure into an affordable housing development, ensuring that the public spaces are not just functional but also contribute to biodiversity and climate adaptation.” </p> <p>Besides integrating IDM into urban regeneration projects, Bradley sees potential in adopting it to develop digital planning tools, stakeholder collaboration, public engagement, knowledge sharing, and policy development. </p> <p>As part of their involvement with testing this method they are also evaluating how IDM can be adapted to the specific needs of other Irish cities and feeding back to a work package looking at how the system can be even better.</p> <p>“Our goal is to refine IDM for practical application in Limerick and to contribute to the broader European knowledge platform for public space design.”</p> <p>From Berg`s perspective, the system must be based on clear goals and indicators that allow tangible results throughout a project and after completion. </p> <p>For instance, they measure, among other factors such as biodiversity, ecology, and carbon management, how much rainwater can infiltrate into the soil and how often it can prevent sewer systems from becoming overloaded.</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-5038"> <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--5037 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The Integral Design Method of Public Spaces offers tools like 3D models and cost calculation systems to consistently track the indicators above and feed into broader sustainability targets from the Climate Agreement or local municipal objectives.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5039 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Berg envisions the future adaptation of IDM being widespread from bigger to mid-sized cities, saying that towns have a greater ability to move faster and adopt changes. </p> <p>She clearly sees that despite the many positive outcomes this approach can offer, there is no shortage of challenges in making it the new reality for urban development. </p> <p>From regulations, procedures, budgets, and lack of knowledge to cultural shifts and leadership, many pieces of the puzzle need to be rearranged to make this a widespread routine.</p> <blockquote> <p>“Only when we have the skill and courage to break old patterns and act in new ways can we make the Integral Design Method work on a large scale and speed up making our surroundings more sustainable.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5042 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--5040 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>In the quest to further promote a “soil-first” integral approach, Berg has also contributed to publishing the award-winning <a href="https://openresearch.amsterdam/en/page/71091/biodivercity" target="_blank">book </a>“BiodiverCITY_A Matter of Vital Soil!” in 2021 to unveil what makes healthy and biodiverse soil in cities a must-have for designing better urban life with some practical advice and case studies.</p> <p>“I would like to emphasize that the Integral Design Method is never truly “finished.” It’s an ongoing pursuit of improvement, innovation, and partnership, where we keep learning, collecting data, and sharing experiences. Only then can we continually adjust our public spaces to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”</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--5041 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/1626.jpg" width="500" height="499" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> </div> </div> </div> </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">March 2025</div> Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:58:36 +0000 Szilvia Szabó 360 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/designing-a-better-reality-through-regenerative-urban-development <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Designing a better reality through regenerative urban development</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/designing-a-better-reality-through-regenerative-urban-development" data-a2a-title="Designing a better reality through regenerative urban development"><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" 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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/regenerative-design" hreflang="en">Regenerative Design</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/urban-development" hreflang="en">Urban Development</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/climate-innovation" hreflang="en">Climate Innovation</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/regenerative-design" hreflang="en">Regenerative Design</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="Designing a better reality through regenerative urban development" title="Designing a better reality through regenerative urban development" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1616.jpg?itok=vFhT4FzD" 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--4993 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--4994 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The natural and built environment is exposed to increased pressure due to the impacts of climate change, which is only expected to intensify over time.</p> <p>Architect Kevin Loftus believes that at the heart of addressing this challenge is bad design, which can be and should be replaced with design solutions that positively impact people and the planet.</p> <p>After spending a decade abroad, studying and working internationally from the UK to China and the Netherlands, he recalls experiencing a growing awareness of the built environment's impact on the natural environment.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4997 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--4995 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>“I became disillusioned with the industry and current business as usual. This was the motivation to begin a new form of practice that seeks to find solutions to the key challenges facing the built environment from an environmental perspective, ranging from low-carbon design to creating sustainable communities through co-design.”</p> <p>After returning to his hometown, Ballina, in County Mayo, he set up the social enterprise <a href="https://act-studio.com/" target="_blank">ACT Studio</a>, which stands for Accelerating Change Together, in 2021 with former colleagues James McConville and Tom Lindsay to fulfil this ambition.</p> <p>Their team comprises architects, urbanists, and policy specialists working to accelerate the Green Transition and deliver projects that combine regenerative approaches with social impact.</p> <p>As design director, Kevin oversees setting standards and design processes across projects, including continuous research and developing new techniques to achieve regenerative and net-positive outcomes.</p> <blockquote> <p>He explains that “currently, the design and construction of our towns and cities are disconnected from natural processes that support ecological stability”.</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--4996 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/1615.jpg" width="341" height="722" 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">Kevin Loftus, Architect, Co-Founder and Design Director at ACT Studio</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--4998 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>As Kevin sees it, conventional design approaches often overlook issues like the urban heat island effect, stormwater flooding, fragmentation of natural corridors, dispersed land use, and high embodied and operational carbon emissions.</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-5000"> <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--4999 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>“To design regeneratively means adopting a holistic approach, where we are mindful of the inputs and outputs of the systems we create. This awareness allows us to ensure that outputs can be reused in ways that either reinforce the system or act as positive resources for nature.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5001 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>For example, a regenerative design might include an orchard park that grows fruit for local consumption, composts its waste on-site, harvests energy from the composting process, and uses the compost to plant more green spaces nearby.”</p> <p>Generating surplus energy through renewable sources to be shared elsewhere or using strategic planting to absorb stormwater, thus reducing pressure on stormwater systems while creating green spaces for both people and nature, are other examples of the same logic, according to Kevin.</p> <p>ACT Studio team views nature as a fundamental partner and asset in creating urban spaces while adopting circularity and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) principles.</p> <p>He emphasises that aiming to "do no harm" is insufficient and that we need solutions that actively work to restore the planet, making regenerative design more a necessity rather than a choice.</p> <p>“Achieving social and cultural change, essential for environmental transformation, requires tangible examples that prove a different way is possible.</p> <blockquote> <p>Our projects aim to serve as these examples, showcasing a future where humanity exists in harmony with the natural world.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5004 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-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5002 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/1617.jpg" width="800" height="600" 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">Reimagining Sustainable Town Centre Living - Scotch House Development in Ballina, County Mayo, designed by ACT Studio. Image: ACT Studio</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--5003 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>One of their latest projects is reimagining town-centre living to attract people back to urban areas by transforming <a href="https://act-studio.com/work/scotch-house" target="_blank">Scotch House</a> in Ballina through revitalising vacant, above-shop units and adding new residences by stacking them above existing rear structures, connected by a series of shared gardens.</p> <p>The core concept reflects ACT Studio's regenerative and social approach as it integrates offering amenities like open green spaces, own-door access, and even on-site growing opportunities with a new public laneway to encourage active travel and enhance the public realm.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5005 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <blockquote> <p>“The development will generate a surplus of renewable energy, with new units constructed from a straw panel system that sequesters carbon within the building’s structure”,</p> </blockquote> <p>shares Kevin.</p> <p>Recently granted planning permission, the project aims to create a model for urban regeneration.</p> <p>Having worked with various development projects, Kevin believes embracing complexity and being willing to iterate is crucial to translating regenerative concepts into actual developments.</p> <p>Their development process involves challenging the status quo and exploring options from different angles, including clients, consultants, and other project stakeholders, so this “collaborative approach ensures that ideas for regenerative solutions can emerge from everyone engaged in the project”.</p> <p>Another project that Kevin feels represents the benefits of a holistic approach is the <a href="https://act-studio.com/work/cill-ulta-masterplan-the-bioeconomy-tapestry" target="_blank">Bioeconomy Tapestry </a>development, located at Cill Ulta, a Centre for Sustainability, which aims to promote food sovereignty, sustainable energy, farm-to-fork research, Irish agricultural heritage and crafts, and the Irish language.</p> <p>“In collaboration with Rhatigan Architects, we designed a masterplan to expand the site’s capacity by adding new food production facilities, a greenhouse with labs, a bioeconomy research centre, and new educational spaces."</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5008 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-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5006 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/1618.jpg" width="960" height="720" 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">Designing an Ecosystem for Bio-economy Innovation at the Bioeconomy Tapestry development, located at Cill Ulta, a Centre for Sustainability. Image: ACT Studio</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--5007 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>He adds that 25% of the site is reserved for nature and habitat areas, protecting endangered Irish species like the corncrake, and the site development plans are designed to accommodate crop rotation and designate shifting areas for pollinators.</p> <blockquote> <p>“The centre will explore ways to make native crops more resilient to climate change and promote regenerative farming practices at both local and national levels.”</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--5009 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Despite the significant potential of regenerative design, there are numerous challenges.</p> <p>As Kevin has observed from his experience working on various development projects, one of the primary obstacles is the lack of understanding of the pressing nature of our climate and social situation.</p> <p>Challenging existing mindsets and leaving the certainty of “business as usual” is another area where a lot needs to be done besides shifting government policy and regulation that would support innovative design instead of blocking it.</p> <blockquote> <p>“I wish our culture of consumption could be replaced by a culture of care. If we based our decisions, policies, and laws on the principle of caring for others and the environment, our mission would effectively fulfil itself.”</p> </blockquote> <p>Kevin and his team also developed an in-house tool called Accelerating Action software product to offer a practical solution for making impact matter more by providing metrics and visuals.</p> <p>“This tool uses the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a foundational framework to demonstrate alignment with SDG targets, helping communicate a project’s impact. It can also be used in early-stage workshops to assess the potential impact of a project, guiding its overall direction.”</p> <p> </p> <p class="text-align-right"><span style="font-size:8px">Headline image: ACT Studio</span></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">November 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, 19 Nov 2024 10:16:29 +0000 Szilvia Szabó 358 at https://climatejournal.news