Linear parks are increasingly appearing in Poland as a new solution to the affliction of betonosis. How does a linear park differ from a "normal" one? Where is it worth introducing such solutions. To what extent do they allow the creation of new green spaces? We talk about the use of linear parks with Kinga Kimic, PhD - a landscape architect who teaches at the Department of Landscape Architecture at the Institute of Environmental Engineering of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences.
Wiktor Bochenek: Let's start with the basics, what are linear parks and how do they differ from ordinary parks?
Dr. Kinga Kimic (Department of Landscape Architecture, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences): Linearparks are distinguished from other green spaces by several features. The first is the spatial form - an elongated, linear shape. This is a key element. Also important is the location, often directly related to the linear form of the elements they accompany or replace. Linear parks are usually created in places with numerous constraints - along urban streets, on architectural surfaces that hide other functions underneath, but also along the banks of rivers and lakes.
In the context of revitalizing urban spaces, it is important to convert areas covered with hard structures into natural ones, which are lacking in cities. These include viaducts, areas on tunnels and disused tracks, the best example of which is the High Line Park in New York. The linear park allows for the introduction of park space into highly urbanized urban areas.
High Line Park in New York City
Photo by Mike Peel, © CC-BY SA 2.0
Wiktor Bochenek: How can linear parks build better architectural and transportation relationships?
Kinga Kimic: The elongated form is the basis of a linear park, allowing to improve existing traffic routes or create new ones. Here the aspect of social needs should be invoked. What was once interrupted by an element that creates a kind of barrier, by an expressway or overpass, for example, can be reconnected by a linear park. Another aspect is the improvement of environmental conditions - the linear park is one of the valuable elements of the city's blue-green infrastructure. In the spatial and functional context, it can be a great complement to urban planning solutions and architecture by improving the exposure of buildings and their surroundings.
Wiktor Bochenek: Where is it worth using such solutions, and where will they fail?
Kinga Kimic: This is a difficult question. Today's approach of shaping urban space based on the idea of sustainable design obliges us to integrate greenery into the city landscape comprehensively. The most difficult thing is to overcome the extremes in the case of objects and spaces that are difficult to adapt, such as architectural surfaces, or narrow, unfriendly and claustrophobic "corridors" between buildings, but it is still possible.
Kinga Kimic works scientifically on linear parks
© Kinga Kimic
Wiktor Bochenek: What functions do such parks allow to fulfill - to what audience will they be better suited?
Kinga Kimic: Just like any other green space, linear parks have recreational functions. Whether it is a quiet intimate rest, a walk, or the increasingly popular activities of cycling or organizing games on the grass. Sports functions can also be carried out in a linear park. Even in narrow, elongated facilities it is possible to create a space that will meet such different social expectations - the key is to meet the expectations of those for whom the park is created.
Wiktor Bochenek: What size should a park be to define it as linear.
Kinga Kimic: There are no minimum or maximumparameters. The key is to meet social needs and initiate natural functions to the greatest extent possible. Even an elongated form of green area will improve environmental conditions and increase biodiversity. Any share of greenery, even a small one,allows minimizing the negative effects of climate change. There are no pageico restrictions on size. Of course, the larger the area allocated for a park, the more its value will increase in relation to both of the above-mentioned aspects.
Linear parks are not just narrow green belts with a pathway. Pictured here is the playground at Petuelpark in Munich
photo by WZWZ, © CC-BY SA 2.0
Wiktor Bochenek: If you had to point out good examples of linear park applications, where would we find them?
Kinga Kimic: Interesting linear parks are being created all over the world in very different spatial situations. The most famous is the already mentioned High Line Park in New York, created on the overpass of the former city railroad. It is a unique and organized space with high environmental and social values. Similar facilities have also been created in Chicago (The 606 - Bloomingdale Trail), or Philadelphia (Rail Park). An extremely impressive green space in Barcelona - Jardins de la Rambla de Sants - was realized on a former railroad overpass. Linear parks are found on different levels of land. An interesting example is the Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände - one of my favorites, which was created on an area of former railroad sidings in Berlin, much of which is protected due to the formation of unique plant communities in the process of natural succession. Petuelpark in Munich is an example of covering with greenery a tunnel in which a city bypass was hidden. The park overflows with grassy areas, tree plantings in an avenue pattern, themed gardens and playgrounds. It is directly adjacent to residential areas. Baana in Helsinki is a linear area that permeates the city arranged as a walking route and bicycle path - a facility with limited greenery due to its narrow width and location in a lowered area. Modern developments also include a spectacular example from Copenhagen - the multicultural Superkilen Park. Meanwhile, the Tanghe River Park in Qinhuangdao, China, was developed as a large-scale revitalization of several kilometers of waterfront for vegetation preservation in conjunction with the introduction of a leisure program.
Superkilen linear park in Copenhagen
Photo Fred Romero © CC-BY SA 4.0
Wiktor Bochenek: What is the most important thing to watch out for in such projects?
Kinga Kimic: The key is to overcome the difficulties - the narrow space and what is underneath, which in many cases requires complex structural solutions. On post-industrial sites, land reclamation is important. Any linear facility must fit the conditions of its surroundings, and its program must be interesting enough to encourage visitors. It is rare, however, that even a not entirely well-planned facility captures the value of the space in which it was created. The benefits from the introduction of greenery and the opportunity to commune with it are irreplaceable in a city, while raising the profile of a place.
Wiktor Bochenek: Thank you for the conversation.
