Urban green spaces play a pivotal role in creating healthy, functional, and sustainable environments. Landscape architects and urban planners have the crucial task of designing areas that enrich residents’ lives in multiple ways. Here are six essential tips on how to leverage urban greenery to enhance air quality and people’s well-being.

1. Enhancing Air Quality

1.1. Using Trees to Filter Air

Trees are incredibly effective in improving air quality. Through processes like photosynthesis and transpiration, trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen (O2). Additionally, leaves and branches capture dust and other air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and ozone (O3). Planting suitable tree species along streets, in parks, and on squares can significantly improve air quality.

Example: The “MillionTreesNYC” program in New York demonstrated that increasing the number of trees in the city effectively reduces levels of particulate matter and other pollutants.

1.2. Green Walls and Roofs in Event Spaces and Offices

Green walls, or vertical gardens, and green roofs are becoming increasingly popular in event spaces and offices. These innovative installations not only enhance the aesthetics of interiors but also bring numerous health and environmental benefits.

Benefits of Green Walls and Roofs:

• Air Quality Improvement: Plants on green walls and roofs filter the air, reducing levels of pollutants and dust, creating healthier environments both indoors and outdoors.
• Aesthetic and Atmosphere: Green walls add elegance and natural charm to event spaces and offices. They can serve as focal points that attract attention and provide a serene background.
• Noise Reduction: Plants on green walls act as natural sound barriers, absorbing and reducing noise, improving indoor acoustics.
• Cooling Effect: Green roofs and walls help regulate building temperatures, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy costs.
• Increased Productivity and Well-being: Studies show that the presence of plants in workplaces can boost productivity and enhance employee well-being.
• Green walls at events create a natural backdrop and friendly atmosphere.

Example: In London, green roofs are used in public and commercial buildings, helping absorb pollutants and reduce the need for air conditioning.

2. Noise Reduction

2.1. Using Vegetation as Acoustic Screens

Plants, including trees and shrubs, can significantly dampen noise. Densely arranged plants act as natural sound barriers, absorbing, dispersing, and blocking street noise. Planting trees along major thoroughfares or around residential areas helps reduce noise levels and creates a more peaceful urban environment.

Example: In Berlin, green walls and plant screens are used along highways, significantly reducing noise in neighboring districts.

2.2. Creating Quiet Rest Zones

Urban parks and gardens can serve as zones of tranquility and rest in noisy cities. These areas, with strategically placed trees and shrubs, offer places for relaxation and stress reduction. Designing green spaces with acoustic comfort in mind contributes to the improved quality of life for residents.

Our Approach: XXL Planters with Trees

We present our unique solution: XXL planters with trees, perfect for creating quiet rest zones in areas where traditional planting is impossible.

Example: Urban parks in Tokyo are designed to provide quiet spaces for relaxation, despite the city’s reputation for intense traffic and noise.

3. Impact on Residents’ Well-being

3.1. Promoting Mental Health through Contact with Nature

Contact with nature has proven positive effects on mental health. Spending time in urban green spaces reduces stress, improves mood, and increases overall happiness. Designing urban spaces with ample greenery can support residents’ mental health.

Example: Research in London found that access to parks and green spaces correlates with lower rates of depression and anxiety.

4. Building Strong Communities

4.1. Creating Spaces for Social Interaction

Urban greenery supports social interactions, which are crucial for building strong and integrated communities. Parks, squares, and community gardens are places where people can meet, talk, and spend time together. Designing these spaces with social gatherings in mind helps build bonds among residents.

Example: The “Community Gardens” program in San Francisco creates places where neighbors can meet, collaborate, and build relationships, strengthening local communities.

5. Supporting Biodiversity

Our Approach: Green Corridors with XXL Planters

Our XXL planters with trees can play a key role in creating urban ecological corridors. They enable the introduction of greenery in places where traditional tree planting is impossible, such as narrow streets or concrete plazas. These planters can be strategically placed to connect different green areas in the city, creating a network of green corridors. Their mobility and customization options allow them to adapt to specific urban needs.

Benefits:

• Support for Wildlife: XXL planters allow for the creation of connections between different green areas, facilitating animal migration.
• Flexibility: Easy to place and move planters as needed.
• Aesthetics and Functionality: Planters can be tailored to the surrounding aesthetics, making them attractive elements of the urban landscape.
• Customization: Available in various colors and can be decorated with city logos, crests, or other elements.
• Our XXL planters are excellent tools for creating green corridors in cities, supporting biodiversity and the health of urban ecosystems. Even in heavily urbanized areas, they help sustain natural ecological processes.

Urban greenery plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in cities. It improves air quality, reduces noise, supports residents’ mental and physical health, and contributes to biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation. Investing in green infrastructure is an investment in the future of our cities and the well-being of their residents.

Inspiration from Our Projects

As a company specializing in small architecture, we have had the pleasure of participating in many projects that transformed urban spaces through the use of XXL planters and green walls. Check out our gallery for some of our successful implementations:

Every year for several good years, there has been a debate about whether the Christmas tree placed in the city center is a beautiful decoration or an attack on people of other faiths. Interestingly, this dispute often seems to be inflated only in the media because when we talk about it with friends, it turns out that no one (even of a different faith) minds the sight of a glowing Christmas tree.

Let’s assume, however, that the people we talked to just happened to all have similar opinions, and in reality, it’s different. In that case, we should consider where the Christmas tree came from in the first place, but we’ve already discussed that topic—feel free to read the previous article if you’re interested in a historical journey back to the origins of the Christmas tree in our culture.

Next, we should think about what positive things the Christmas tree brings into our lives and what negative feelings it may evoke, and most importantly, where these negative and positive feelings come from. Often, we let emotions take over our hearts before understanding them. Today, we will try to approach the topic rationally, and we invite you to join the discussion!

Let’s start with the negative aspects because it is through them, or thanks to them, that the thought arises, which is, after all, a philosophical thought. If we can all avoid arguing, we can only grow through such conversations.

It is worth noting that the approach to this topic may vary depending on the country, region, or society. In some places, there is acceptance of placing Christian symbols in public places, while in others, it is more controversial. In other places, symbols are placed based on the people living there—meaning symbols of different religions, aiming to enjoy each one. However, atheists often feel left out, so it is not necessarily a “golden mean.” Discussions on this topic often concern the balance between freedom of religion and ensuring neutrality and equality in the public sphere.

Now let’s move on to the positive aspects of the Christmas tree, which often seem obvious. The first that comes to mind is a beautiful decoration. It is an ornament that shines, is colorful, and brings joy to both children and adults. In many cities (especially American ones), people gather for the communal lighting of Christmas trees. Indeed, these are usually huge, majestic trees, so the process of connecting thousands of lights is breathtaking. People celebrate together, creating a sense of community – everyone wants to feel like they belong, so during this period, they don’t want it taken away.

For others, the argument is historical significance. Some people may argue that Christian symbols in our country (Poland) have historical significance that goes beyond the religious aspect. They believe that these symbols are an integral part of the country’s history and have a significant impact on shaping national identity. This is, of course, very close to tradition and cultural heritage, although not entirely the same. Often, a mistakenly interpreted argument in political disputes, which ultimately aims to motivate remembering complex and multidimensional elements of national identity, such as language, history, culture, values, territory, and symbols. Religion had an influence on all these elements, and I would gladly describe how, but maybe not now 😉. If you’re interested, comment below, maybe I’ll make an objective material on it!

The last point is social stability – some supporters of Christian symbols in public places may believe that these symbols contribute to social stability by providing a common reference point for society. Especially since it is difficult to make everyone always feel noticed, it is worth choosing one path characterized by at least a generally common trend for most people in the country, which positively influences mental strength. After all, we know that we feel safer when we know that there is a society around us with which we are united.

As you can see, there are numerous arguments for and against a Christmas tree in a public space, and each of them is important. Perhaps that’s why this debate continues, as it’s a situation where satisfying everyone’s needs is challenging. We don’t necessarily want to take sides here; rather, we aim to present each perspective and potentially open a discussion on this topic.

We wonder about the holidays that can be celebrated during the winter season, and it turns out there are several. For example, in Judaism, Hanukkah is observed, and in Islam, Muslims celebrate Id al-Maulid, a holiday commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. In Hinduism, winter festivals include Diwali, the festival of lights.

It’s essential to note that Christmas has also become a widespread cultural and social holiday, celebrated by people of various faiths and cultures worldwide, often regardless of their religious beliefs. Therefore, some customs and traditions associated with Christmas may be embraced by individuals who are not followers of Christianity.

Conversations on this topic often become aggressive, and participants feel attacked, usually stemming from a lack of understanding and space to express their opinions. We often find ourselves feeling attacked as well. We would like to hear your opinion on this matter. Do you like the Christmas tree in the city center, or do you believe it shouldn’t be there? Perhaps you’d like a blend of various aspects of celebrating holidays in different cultures and religions? Share your thoughts!

It’s long been known that during our work day we look for a few minutes just for ourselves to regenerate, collect our thoughts and breathe. Some of us go to drink coffee, other go outside. People go outside, and where do they go? It turns out that the vast majority are looking for a quiet place close to nature. Our brain rests best around trees, grass and flowers. Saturated colors fill us with energy and willingness to act. The rustle of leaves soothes our nerves and calms our thoughts. Of course, we don’t always have available space with trees and meadows, but even in the urban jungle you can relax close to nature.

Today, we would like to present to you some of our projects, along with photos from the cities where our implementation took place.

For us, the most important thing was the combination of steppingstone, numerous colors, interesting design and nature. The combination of these features and needs resulted in projects that had never been dreamed of before. We are happy to see our products that have traveled to the other end of the world. Unfortunately, we will not be able to share everything. So we selected photos for you that show the diversity which we want to share.

The first city we want to present you is the Austrian city of Attnang-Puchheim, which has chosen GIANTO SITO flower pots – many of us also use them as benches. Who wouldn’t want to go out for a break and sit on a giant flowerpot? Or at least put a cup of coffee on it and look at the clouds… We like that!

Another Austrian city, Söll, chose colors, because when the world is becoming grayer and the day at work becomes monotonous, colors will give us dynamism and enthusiasm for further action! Of course, our offer includes neutral versions, but we admit it ourselves – the more color, the more life!

The Austrians used flower pots from the GIANTO series. They have also used WAVE benches, thanks to which they can already enjoy a break in an undeveloped place. Our modular WAVE benches can be freely combined so everyone can create a unique space. Don’t like such saturated colors? No problem. There is a whole catalog of shades!

In the Czech city of Zvolen, very elegant (in our opinion) compositions appeared. The concrete-gray of the PLANE RING LUX flower pots and the crimson red of the flowers created a unique, stylish, and luxurious effect. Comfort and chic – this is what Czechs focus on!

Finally, we will introduce you to two more German cities – Stadt Gütersloh and Dreieich. A lot has happened here this year. The Germans focused not only on pastels and modern patterns, but also bright colors, which we have already seen above. But it is not everything! In addition to the explosion of color and design, natural classicism also appears in theese cities. GIANTO flower pots and ZEBRA benches from the TERRA CITY series appeared in Stadt Gütersloh. Beautiful choices please the eyes.

In Dreieich, there are URBANA, ZEBRA and WAVE benches. Some are very reminiscent of the old style, which we all miss sometimes. Modern seating, made of modern material, visually resembling wood – this is our solution. It’s nice to see such a variety of choices!

Where would you sit for your break?