What happens when young designers face the challenge of creating ecological and functional spaces connecting urban green spaces? The answers to this question were provided by landscape architecture student projects from the Catholic University of Lublin, which were presented at the unique event "Green Network for Lublin - Student Connector Projects." Interest in these initiatives was not limited to the academic community alone. Among the participants were also representatives of city authorities, institutions and residents, having the opportunity to learn about innovative solutions that can permanently change the face of Lublin's public space.
location collectively
© KUL students
green connectors - a new approach to the city
Designing public spaces in cities has become an increasingly complex task, in which both the needs of residents/residents and concern for the environment play a key role. Green connectors, which are elements that integrate green spaces, including parks, squares, or recreational areas, allow to create continuity of the urban ecosystem. Students of landscape architecture at the Catholic University of Lublin had a chance to present their concepts for solutions that can help solve problems related to the lack of communication links between different green areas in Lublin.
meme
© KUL students
A number of projects were presented during the presentation, responding to the challenges of existing barriers in the city space. Through the analysis and diagnosis of various problems, an innovative approach to building new green corridors that improve the accessibility, aesthetics and functionality of public spaces in Lublin was presented.
Chekhov Valley
The three projects cover different sections of the Chekhovka Valley, with a total length of about 6 km. The goal of each was to create cohesive, ecological connectors that improve pedestrian and bicycle transportation, as well as enhance the natural and recreational functions of this space.
western part
The project by Karolina Kawalec, Natalia Wójcik-Suwała, Aleksandra Lalik, Weronika Goldy and Anna Przewoźnik concerned the western section of the Chekhov Valley, which faces the problem of overdeveloped road infrastructure. The students proposed solutions to improve communication and recreational connectivity in the area, while preserving the natural values of the valley. The project includes the construction of footbridges, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and plantings of naturalistic plants. The proposed solutions use plant species resistant to urban pollution, including vegetation that prefers moist sites and native plant forms. Particular attention was paid to the need to uncover the riverbed in the Podzamcze area, which would help restore the natural character of this space.
Western Czechówka
© Karolina Kawalec, Natalia Wójcik-Suwała, Aleksandra Lalik, Weronika Goldy and Anna Przewoźnik
central part
The project by Jakub Jakubowski, Marcin Pawlak, Aleksandra Mamona, Julia Miroslaw, Magdalena Ciosek and Wiktoria Mizak focused on the central section, which is also dominated by extensive road infrastructure. The students proposed solutions to improve recreational spaces and create new natural pedestrian and bicycle routes. Greenery was also included in the design to enhance biodiversity. The use of plants resistant to urban pollution and the introduction of educational and recreational functions in this space were intended to strengthen the character of this section as a place to spend time in harmony with nature.
Central Czechówka
© Jakub Jakubowski, Marcin Pawełczak, Aleksandra Mamona, Julia Mirosław, Magdalena Ciosek and Wiktoria Mizak
eastern part
The project by Mateusz Jagodziński, Magdalena Niedziela, Katarzyna Wilk, Aleksandra Wójtowicz and Mateusz Porzak required a special approach due to the confinement of this space in the underground part and communication barriers resulting from the extensive road network. As part of this project, the students proposed not only improving communication, but also restoring the natural character of the area, which has great recreational and natural potential. One of the main elements of the project was the uncovering of the riverbed, which was a key element of the planned revitalization of the area. The use of natural building materials and plants resistant to harsh urban conditions was intended to improve the quality of the environment in this part of Lublin.
Eastern Czechówka
© Mateusza Jagodziński, Magdalena Niedziela, Katarzyna Wilk, Aleksandra Wójtowicz and Mateusz Porzak
Old Town - Przyjaźni neighborhood (Friendship Bridge)
The project by Gabriela Łaziuk, Aleksandra Matuszczak and Natalia Prajsnar is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge Przyjaźni across the Bystrzyca River, connecting four districts: Stare Miasto, Kalinowszczyzna, Bronowice (Osiedle Przyjaźni) and Tatary. Historically, there was a railroad bridge at this location, but today the river valley is a transportation barrier. With its key location, the project aims to create a new point-to-point link that solves the accessibility problem and contributes to better integration of these neighborhoods. The realization of this intervention has been on the city's agenda for many years, and the student project has given it concrete visual form.
Prztjaźni Bridge
© Gabriela Laziuk, Aleksandra Matuszczak and Natalia Prajsnar
Saski Park - Chekhovka Valley
The project by Yana Borysovska, Renata Kosieradzka and Klaudia Jaroszuk is a non-obvious connection between Saski Park and the Chekhovka River valley, almost forgotten areas such as the Former Jewish Cemetery, and the little-used space of the Lublinianka stadium. Saski Park is a popular recreational area among residents, but few realize that there are other valuable areas in its vicinity that are not properly connected. The authors of the project proposed creating new crossings, including through the stadium embankment, making the cemetery accessible, and building new, legible pedestrian and bicycle routes along the Chekhovka River. The proposal aims to improve accessibility and facilitate movement between these important areas.
Saski Park - Chekhovka Valley
© Yana Borysovska, Renata Kosieradzka and Klaudia Jaroszuk
Pipe Park - Bystrzyca River
The project by Rafal Palka,Wiktoria Panek, Aleksandra Smolinskaya and Paulina Strzalinskayais about improving the legibility of the link between two important green areas - Rury Park and the Bystrzyca Valley. Although both areas are popular, the connection between them remains insufficiently exposed and not very legible, with narrow paths and barely visible pedestrian crossings. The team proposed improving this link by reducing paved areas, moving the pedestrian crossing to a more ergonomic location, and improving the accessibility of the space to better connect the two areas.
Pipe Park - Bystrzyca
© Rafał Palki, Wiktoria Panek, Aleksandra Smolińska and Paulina Strzalińska
Gorge of Generations - Bystrzyca
The project by Tomasz Bojarski, Martyna Denis, Kamila Jagielo, Lena Jungowska and Daria Makarewicz covers the area of the Gorge of Generations, which is an important element of the recreational space. The student team also included a civic project by residents for a section of the gorge. It includes the former ski slope, the former shooting range and part of the ravine on Nadbystrzycka Street. The main goal of the project was to create city-wide links. It was proposed to create a pedestrian and bicycle route along the entire ravine, connecting the city center (the Zana Business Center area) with the Bystrzyca River. The project also proposes the construction of a new footbridge over the ravine and the renovation of the underpass under Zana Street, which will create a new link between the city center, the university district and the LSM and Czuby neighborhoods.
Generations Gorge - Bystrzyca River
© Tomasz Bojarski, Martyna Denis, Kamila Jagieło, Lena Jungowska and Daria Makarewicz
cooperation with residents and residents
One of the most important aspects of these projects was the involvement of residents/residents in the design process. Thanks to such initiatives, male and female students not only learned about real needs and expectations, but also had the opportunity to discuss and exchange opinions. Such meetings provide an excellent opportunity to better understand the challenges facing the city and to test new solutions in the context of real social needs.
Gorge of Generations - Bystrzyca
© Tomasz Bojarski, Martyna Denis, Kamila Jagieło, Lena Jungowska and Daria Makarewicz