Urban forests
A research project funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
Duration:
06/2009 - 09/2019
Funding body:
Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
Main project:
City of Leipzig, Directorate of Urban Development and Construction
Coordination and management:
TU Dresden, Institute of Landscape Architecture, teaching and research area of landscape planning
Partners involved:
- TU Dresden, Faculty of Environmental Sciences,
- Chair of Forest Botany
- TU Dresden, Faculty of Environmental Sciences,
- Chair of Meteorology
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH, Department of Urban and Environmental Sociology
- Nature Conservation Institute Region Leipzig e.V.
No green roof can match the effect of a forest
Interview by Benedikt Crone with Prof. Catrin Schmidt from Bauwelt 24.2019
On October 22/23, 2018 , a nationwide "Urban Forest" symposium on the testing and development project took place in Leipzig.
The scientific research accompanying the testing and development project has the task of generating a nationwide recommendation from the Leipzig experience and exploring the opportunities and limitations of creating new urban forests.
In terms of content, the effects of urban forests on the ecosystem and biodiversity, as well as on urban design and recreational suitability, are being investigated. The accompanying scientific research also focuses on the acceptance of urban forests by the population and the impetus for urban development.
In addition to the ongoing monitoring of the three newly created urban forests in Leipzig (Stadtgärtnerei Holz, Schönauer Holz and Plagwitzer Bahnhof), the research program includes extensive comparative studies of existing reference forests, fallow land and parks as well as surveys and empirical studies.
The project website www.urbane-waelder.de has been online since August 2016. Information about the accompanying scientific research, such as research reports, visualizations and animations, can be accessed here. The core of the website - the recommendations for action - is a comprehensive toolbox that will be gradually expanded until the end of the main project. For example, in the section "Pre-selection of suitable areas", recommendations are given for the land use plan and landscape plan level and which areas are particularly suitable for the creation of new urban forests. Finally, in the section "Selection of areas and planning", specific tips are given for the establishment of urban forests on a project-specific basis.
Urban Development Award 2012: commendation for "Urban Forest in Leipzig