Challenge / Goal
The Walter-Benjamin-Square is located in the centre of Berlin and just meters away from the busy Kurfürstendamm Avenue. Office First, administrators from the square, decided on implementing a solution that could increase the number of visitors, whilst also improving the ambient conditions. There were three aspects specifically reducing the usability and comfort levels of the square:
- Proximity to the Kurfürstendamm Avenue increased the concentration of air pollutants from the high traffic flow;
- A high share of the square's perimeter was surrounded by tall buildings, which reduced the airflow through the square;
- The square had a high impervious area, reducing the capacity for planting vegetation or trees which could provide shade or fresh air.
Solution
Green City Solutions installed six CityTrees to solve the occupational challenges on the Walter-Benjamin-Square. Two triangular set-ups of three CityTrees were created to form "Clean Air Zones". These CleanAirZones aimed to positively impact the local microclimate (improving air quality, the greenery, and seating conditions) and thus attract more people to the city plaza. For scientific purposes, an extensive measurement was made in cooperation with our scientific partners TROPOS and ILK.
Citizen participation
Green City Solutions launched a residents' survey and asked nearby restaurant owners for their opinion on the CityTrees and the installations in the square. Furthermore, they organised an opening event to inform the residents and interested parties about the product and the project targets.
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Log inTime period
Planning time
6 months to 1 year
Implementation time
Less than 6 months
Implementers
Office First
End users
City dwellers and residents
Reducing local air pollution