Wrocław's Nowy Targ Square is about to undergo a metamorphosis — the square, which has so far resembled a concrete pan, will get trees and low-growing greenery. This is quite a challenge, due to the underground parking located under the square.
Nowy Targ Square has served the citizens of Wrocław for centuries, and its functions have often changed, just as its underground development has changed. The most recent changes to the square ended in 2013, when the underground shelter, where a music club operated for a while, was turned into an underground parking lot. On the surface, concrete slabs reigned supreme, on which urban furniture was placed.
The space of the square, however, is set to change significantly. What is planned by the Wrocław Greenery Board?
172 trees will be planted in the square
© Zarząd Zieleni Miejskiej w Wrocławiu
Nowy Targ Square is a technological challenge
The most difficult part of introducing greenery to the square is its underground use in the form of a parking lot. According to the magistrate, it will be necessary to demolish part of the existing pavement of the square, as well as to apply „technologies based on the green roof system.” Therefore, the pavement will be demolished to three different depths — 35, 45 and 60 centimeters. In addition, the flowerbeds are to be elevated 25 centimeters upward. Soil substrate will be used instead of soil. Technical work will cover about 60% of the square, plus lighting will be upgraded. A PowerPoint for food trucks will also be organized.
Introducing greenery to Nowy Targ is quite a challenge, but we believe we will be able to present innovative possibilities that will show how to open more industrial areas to such activities in the future, says Jacek Mól, director of the Board of Urban Greenery in Wrocław.
The investment is expected to cost about 8 million zlotys
© Board of Urban Greenery in Wrocław
trees, flowers and perennials
The magistrate boasts that as many as 63,000 plants will appear on the slab of Nowy Targ Square. The green ring to surround the city's deckchair space will consist of 172 trees, 27,000 perennials, 193 ferns, 13,000 grasses and 23,000 bulbous plants and climbers. Benches will be placed among the low and high greenery.
When is the project to be completed? The city authorities hope to award the tender for the work by the end of August, and work will continue until next spring. The cost of the investment is estimated at around 8 million zlotys.
short life of concreted squares
Wrocław's Nowy Targ Square is not the first example of an urban space whose lifespan without changes has been little more than a decade. Similar changes will affect Łódź's Dąbrowskiego Square, which frightened residents after its „revitalization” in 2009.
It is difficult to assess the changes in Wrocław and Łódź spaces, as we will still have to wait a while for the effects — no less we can see a positive signal, which is the debetonation and inclusion of urban greenery in every space. The short lifespan of spaces today no longer applies only to large cities, where social power (due to economies of scale) is greater, but also to much smaller localities. The adjustments that are taking place in the squares and spaces of a few years ago are not all. Changes can also be seen in the competition approach, for example for the market in Racibórz or Trzebiatów.
The green trend is certainly a positive sign, although one still has to be on guard, as false visualizations and greenwashing will stay with us for a long time to come.
