Exploration of the potential of new public green spaces as polyfunctional interfaces and sustainability activators in the heart of neighborhoods in transition
At a time of urban transition and climate emergency, expectations on public spaces are particularly high and the issues to be taken into account tend to multiply. Concerning both environmental and socio-cultural dimensions, they include the creation of green spaces for the recreation of city dwellers, integration of productive surfaces in the city (urban vegetable gardens), biodiversity (green networks, corridors), ecological management of floods and rainwater (pervious surfaces), adaptation of cities to global warming and fight against heat islands, interconnection and strengthening of sustainable mobility, and well-being of users (thermal comfort, quality of amenities, welcoming spaces promoting socio-cultural links).
The research project “Maillages fertiles” explores the potential of new public green spaces as polyfunctional interfaces and sustainability activators in the heart of neighborhoods in transition. The selected case study is the “Espaces-Rivières” project, which plans the development of a major public space for the Praille-Acacias-Vernets (PAV) sector in Geneva, around the reopening of two rivers that are currently canalized. The research objectives include the identification of the main issues to be integrated into the design of such a public space – in connection with the transition towards sustainability – and the development of an analysis grid to apprehend the potentials and impacts of such an approach.
Project Partners
Laboratory of Architecture and Sustainable Technologies (LAST), Laboratory of Urban Sociology (LASUR), Etat de Genève (DPAV), Architecture, environment and energy laboratory (Hepia)
Research Team LAST
Prof. Emmanuel Rey, Dr. Sophie Lufkin, Ulrich Liman, Nordine Mahmoudi
Funding
Etat de Genève