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Description
The revitalization project of the square in front of the Vltava Cultural Center is part of the action plan of the adaptation strategy of the city of České Budějovice to climate change with the aim of supporting and connecting elements of the blue-green infrastructure. The location is located in the middle of the Vltava housing estate. It contains elements of greenery, but in a long-term unsatisfactory condition. The square has been cut off from groundwater by the surrounding construction of prefab houses, and the plants on it are therefore dependent on the moisture supplied from above. Rainfall in recent years has been extremely below average, the square is drained, so rainwater from the sidewalks and roofs does not reach the trees. All trees are permanently stressed by drought and high temperatures. There is a sudden sudden drying of trees, and the space suffers from the drying of the upper layer of threshing floor and high dustiness.
The aim of the project is to create a pleasant space with a higher proportion of thriving greenery. The modification of roads and green areas is designed so that rainwater is used by vegetation to the maximum extent possible. Additional irrigation will be provided in the form of an automatic irrigation system for permanent and effective recovery of the area. Greater shading of surfaces will help to reduce the heating of surfaces and the associated drying of the space. Taxa that are not significant allergens, tolerate the specific natural conditions of the location and do not require above-standard care in the future are proposed for the new planting of trees. The selected taxa of trees as well as the prescribed mandatory work technologies are in accordance with both the standards for vegetation management and the standards of the AOPK CR.
Summary of project results
The aim of the reconstruction was to design modifications that would eliminate excessive dust, excessive noise, excessive airflow and overheating of the square and the surrounding panel and commercial buildings, that would change the ratio and quality of paved areas to areas with greenery capable of actively working with rainwater, that would direct pedestrian routes, define quiet areas and determine the location of new amenities to make the square usable by a wide range of residents with different needs when using the square space. Residents and visitors to this part of town pointed all of this out with their complaints and reactions on social media prior to the redevelopment. The reconstructed area of the square now allows for a sufficiently large and comfortable space for movement through and within the square, highlighted by the sightline to the front of the community centre by vegetation, sufficient space to remain calm and safe while staying and resting while using the quiet zone in the green (among the flowering plants and under the shade trees) and for cultural events. With the requirement for easy maintenance of paved and green areas, the reconstruction of the space has succeeded in leaving the maximum possible soil surface with a good structure and therefore good water absorption capacity, which is also able to significantly reduce the impact of the dry and intense rainfall. By shading the surface and making use of the water with vegetation, both perennial plants and grass or trees, the water cycle has been restored in an otherwise very stressful urban area of the residential area.
The square in front of the Vltava Cultural Centre is in the very middle of the Vltava residential area. We wanted to make this place more pleasant for residents and visitors, to offer them a pleasant place to spend their spare time and to use the potential of this area. We have removed inadequate paved areas, non-prosperous vegetation, replaced the existing subsoil and replaced it with a high-quality substrate. We have created conditions for rainwater utilisation, installed a remote-controlled watering system, and selected suitable vegetation that will not require excessive care in the future. To make the climate even more pleasant, we have shaded part of the residence area with a shading tarp. An important effect will be to cool down the heavily urbanised site, which is exposed to high temperatures on hot days, and to reduce the amount of dust. The project will therefore contribute to increasing resistance to climate change.
The area of green spaces increased to 4,700 m2, trees that were in poor condition were replaced - 50 in total. The conditions for vegetation to prosper have been improved - the subsoil has been replaced with a modified substrate; watering curbs have been installed. Some of the original areas (paving + mouldings) have been replaced with permanent planting beds and grassed areas. An automatic watering system has been installed to prevent the vegetation from drying out. The watering system includes a rain sensor that automatically reports the need for watering when it detects the absence of water. The watering system can be controlled by computer via Wi-Fi. In order to make better use of the water, we have provided sloping towards the green areas as well as wider pairing. The conditions for faster tree growth have been created. As part of ineligible expenditure, we replaced the furniture and installed a shade tarp. The square is now more aesthetically attractive.
The importance of the project consists in the fact that it has succeeded in creating a pleasant space with a higher proportion of prosperous vegetation, right in the centre of the housing area, where overheating occurs on hot days. The previous state of the area was criticised by the public and the adaptation strategy elaborated in its action plan also proposed to address the site. There has been a reduction in dust, an increase in the proportion of green space, and a reduction in the temperature in the summer in this location. In the longer term, we expect even more shading due to tree growth and climate improvements due to green vegetation.