Flowerbeds on Trinity square
Basic information
Project Title
Flowerbeds on Trinity square
Full project title
New urban active Flowerbeds on Trinity square
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
The design of the flowerbeds composition is based on the plan analogy of the historical block structure of the city of Trnava.
Three thematic blocks are designed around the Holy Trinity statue.
- Lawn with an emphasis on landscaping. The whole area of this block has a stay-and-play character.
- Flower planting with seating at its edge.
- Plateau with lawn and informal seating.
We are completing the square into a vibrant place where residents and visitors will spend their leisure time.
Three thematic blocks are designed around the Holy Trinity statue.
- Lawn with an emphasis on landscaping. The whole area of this block has a stay-and-play character.
- Flower planting with seating at its edge.
- Plateau with lawn and informal seating.
We are completing the square into a vibrant place where residents and visitors will spend their leisure time.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Trnava, Slovakia
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
We came up with our proposal on the basis of the request of the Trnava city management to build a new flower bed on Trinity square. Our aim was to take into account the requirements of several stakeholders who had different demands on the use and operation of the flower bed.
We consider it important that the flowerbed should be a popular place for all generations and social groups, that it should become a pleasant place to spend leisure time and improve the quality of life in the city.
The main idea of the concept becomes a plan analogy with the historic block structure. The location of the design of the flower bed fully respects the pedestrian and supply routes. It leaves exposed views of the Holy Trinity statue and does not compete with it.
The design maximises the seating and stay-and-play areas. We are shape the square into a vibrant, experiential place where residents and visitors will enjoy spending extended periods of time. We treat the flowerbed not as a static structure, but as an active urban element.
We have addressed the microclimate of the environment and sought to improve it by planting new vegetation, flowers and placing water features.
Three thematic blocks are designed around the Holy Trinity statue.
On the west side, a lawn is located with an emphasis on landscape modelling. The whole area of this block has a stay-and-play character.
On the south side, a flower bed is proposed with full seating on its edge.
On the eastern side, almost in the centre of the square, there is a sitting pyramid - a plateau, with a lawn. On its top are placed informal seating elements.
We consider it important that the flowerbed should be a popular place for all generations and social groups, that it should become a pleasant place to spend leisure time and improve the quality of life in the city.
The main idea of the concept becomes a plan analogy with the historic block structure. The location of the design of the flower bed fully respects the pedestrian and supply routes. It leaves exposed views of the Holy Trinity statue and does not compete with it.
The design maximises the seating and stay-and-play areas. We are shape the square into a vibrant, experiential place where residents and visitors will enjoy spending extended periods of time. We treat the flowerbed not as a static structure, but as an active urban element.
We have addressed the microclimate of the environment and sought to improve it by planting new vegetation, flowers and placing water features.
Three thematic blocks are designed around the Holy Trinity statue.
On the west side, a lawn is located with an emphasis on landscape modelling. The whole area of this block has a stay-and-play character.
On the south side, a flower bed is proposed with full seating on its edge.
On the eastern side, almost in the centre of the square, there is a sitting pyramid - a plateau, with a lawn. On its top are placed informal seating elements.
Key objectives for sustainability
Our proposal was conceived with sustainability in mind from the very beginning.
One of the primary ideas behind the design of the flower bed was to improve the micro-climate of the area.
Planting lawns, flowers and plants in an exposed and paved environment such as the main square improves local ecosystems, biodiversity, encourages pollinators and contributes to a healthier urban environment.
Sustainable water management practices have been incorporated, including rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems.
The flowerbeds are designed to function as green infrastructure that helps absorb and filter pollutants, improve air quality and regulate ambient temperatures. This enhances the overall livability of the plaza.
As the main structural element, we designed wooden spruce timbers from local forests, which reduces the ecological footprint and transportation costs.
The project can be an example in the context of sustainability, as it shows how urban development can harmonize with nature and improve the overall quality of life in the city.
The Trinity square flowerbeds not only beautify the area but also demonstrate how urban landscapes can be both functional and sustainable.
One of the primary ideas behind the design of the flower bed was to improve the micro-climate of the area.
Planting lawns, flowers and plants in an exposed and paved environment such as the main square improves local ecosystems, biodiversity, encourages pollinators and contributes to a healthier urban environment.
Sustainable water management practices have been incorporated, including rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems.
The flowerbeds are designed to function as green infrastructure that helps absorb and filter pollutants, improve air quality and regulate ambient temperatures. This enhances the overall livability of the plaza.
As the main structural element, we designed wooden spruce timbers from local forests, which reduces the ecological footprint and transportation costs.
The project can be an example in the context of sustainability, as it shows how urban development can harmonize with nature and improve the overall quality of life in the city.
The Trinity square flowerbeds not only beautify the area but also demonstrate how urban landscapes can be both functional and sustainable.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Flower beds are already very often used during city events such as the city market, the flower market, the traditional Trnava Fair, the Lumen Music Festival, or the Foodfest on the square.
The stay-and-play block with terrain modelling is a great place for active relaxation of children and their parents or grandparents
Residents and visitors use the informal seating area to relax, stay-and-play activities or enjoy drinks and food.
Floral planting and terrain landscaping can be a pleasant aesthetic treat for many people. The flower bed is also very popular on social media, where we can find many photos of this place.
Despite the fact that the main square is a natural meeting point, the new flower bed further enhances this feeling of an important, vibrant public space in the city centre.
We aim to show how a simple but thoughtful new urban element can transform the local spirit and feel of a place into a popular city spot.
The stay-and-play block with terrain modelling is a great place for active relaxation of children and their parents or grandparents
Residents and visitors use the informal seating area to relax, stay-and-play activities or enjoy drinks and food.
Floral planting and terrain landscaping can be a pleasant aesthetic treat for many people. The flower bed is also very popular on social media, where we can find many photos of this place.
Despite the fact that the main square is a natural meeting point, the new flower bed further enhances this feeling of an important, vibrant public space in the city centre.
We aim to show how a simple but thoughtful new urban element can transform the local spirit and feel of a place into a popular city spot.
Key objectives for inclusion
The design of the flowerbeds promotes social interaction and encounters and brings people from different backgrounds together in a shared public space.
The beds serve as a platform for community events, art installations and cultural celebrations and events, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity.
The square becomes a playground for the youngest, a spot for the youth, as well as a resting place for their parents and seniors.
We believe that the flower beds in Trinity square are not just a physical space, but a place of experience for all generations.
As part of the design, we had accessibility in mind, so that the northern part of the flowerbeds are wheelchair-friendly and there are ramps for people with mobility issues. This makes the flowerbeds welcoming and usable for people with different abilities.
Our design can be exemplary in the context of inclusion by showing that public spaces can be accessible, available and welcoming to all regardless of physical ability, socio-economic status or cultural background.
The beds serve as a platform for community events, art installations and cultural celebrations and events, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity.
The square becomes a playground for the youngest, a spot for the youth, as well as a resting place for their parents and seniors.
We believe that the flower beds in Trinity square are not just a physical space, but a place of experience for all generations.
As part of the design, we had accessibility in mind, so that the northern part of the flowerbeds are wheelchair-friendly and there are ramps for people with mobility issues. This makes the flowerbeds welcoming and usable for people with different abilities.
Our design can be exemplary in the context of inclusion by showing that public spaces can be accessible, available and welcoming to all regardless of physical ability, socio-economic status or cultural background.
How Citizens benefit
The management of the city of Trnava prepared several physical and online meetings with the residents.
From the many feelings maps and questionnaire, Trinity square emerged as a space that residents find uninteresting, unpopular and especially without greenery.
As Trinity square is a very busy place, we decided to take all the data from these questionnaires to prepare a strong architectural study.
This architectural study was subsequently presented by the city management on its website and social networks.
The residents had the opportunity to comment on the concepts and design proposals. Their input influenced the final design of the planting beds and led to the creation of elements that were more suited to the community's preferences.
The completed flower bed was very well received by the general public, as demonstrated by its popularity among residents and visitors to the city.
From the many feelings maps and questionnaire, Trinity square emerged as a space that residents find uninteresting, unpopular and especially without greenery.
As Trinity square is a very busy place, we decided to take all the data from these questionnaires to prepare a strong architectural study.
This architectural study was subsequently presented by the city management on its website and social networks.
The residents had the opportunity to comment on the concepts and design proposals. Their input influenced the final design of the planting beds and led to the creation of elements that were more suited to the community's preferences.
The completed flower bed was very well received by the general public, as demonstrated by its popularity among residents and visitors to the city.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
Despite the fact that in the past the city of Trnava tried several times to revive the square with similar urban elements, we are convinced that only after a complete historical analysis, prioritization and contextual design we can talk about a lively and perspective urban element that managed to bring life back to the square and create a vibrant atmosphere.
We created a simple and cost-effective design that has helped to enhance the quality of the environment, micro climate and has become a fixture at a number of popular events. The entire design is easily adaptable to any changes that may arise with the arrival of cooler weather, or the dynamically changing demands of the city's actors and residents.
The flower bed with in the middle of Trinity Square is a great platform to easily bring together different groups of residents and visitors of all categories in one place. With the design we are completing the square into a democratic space for all social groups.
Within the region, such city-forming elements located in busy places are more or less the exception. We are therefore pleased to have been given the opportunity to participate in its design and implementation.
We created a simple and cost-effective design that has helped to enhance the quality of the environment, micro climate and has become a fixture at a number of popular events. The entire design is easily adaptable to any changes that may arise with the arrival of cooler weather, or the dynamically changing demands of the city's actors and residents.
The flower bed with in the middle of Trinity Square is a great platform to easily bring together different groups of residents and visitors of all categories in one place. With the design we are completing the square into a democratic space for all social groups.
Within the region, such city-forming elements located in busy places are more or less the exception. We are therefore pleased to have been given the opportunity to participate in its design and implementation.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Our design is based primarily on the architecture, historical analysis of the site and the design of the flower bed itself, its shape and the setup of the use program.
However, several professionals were involved in commenting on the architectural study. We have discussed funding opportunities with the City's Department of Investment and Development. We have discussed with the City's Property Management Department the possibilities of using and adapting the flower bed during big events.
The representatives of the City Cultural Centre had the greatest requirements for our proposal, as most of the events on the square are directed by them and therefore they wanted the flowerbed to be adapted to their needs as much as possible.
However, several professionals were involved in commenting on the architectural study. We have discussed funding opportunities with the City's Department of Investment and Development. We have discussed with the City's Property Management Department the possibilities of using and adapting the flower bed during big events.
The representatives of the City Cultural Centre had the greatest requirements for our proposal, as most of the events on the square are directed by them and therefore they wanted the flowerbed to be adapted to their needs as much as possible.
Methodology used
Throughout the design process, we worked mainly with the analysis of the requirements of the city management, residents, representatives of the cultural life in the city and the requirements of the green administration.
From the architectural point of view, we were primarily concerned with the historical analysis of the block structure from which the composition of the flowerbed itself is based.
With a responsible approach and after taking into account the requirements of the stakeholders, we came up with several alternative solutions. After many discussions, we developed the final version of the architectural study, which was subsequently implemented.
From the architectural point of view, we were primarily concerned with the historical analysis of the block structure from which the composition of the flowerbed itself is based.
With a responsible approach and after taking into account the requirements of the stakeholders, we came up with several alternative solutions. After many discussions, we developed the final version of the architectural study, which was subsequently implemented.
How stakeholders are engaged
From the very beginning we consulted our proposal with the Trnava city authorities, the Office for urban planning and concepts, the City cultural centre, as well as with the Department for green space management and planting. As the flower beds are located in the historical centre of the city, we also presented our architectural study to the Heritage Office.
We then incorporated the changes from the various stakeholders involved into the final architectural study.
A few minor design changes were incorporated after consultation with the contractor and directly during the implementation.
All meetings were stimulating and developed an interesting discussion on how to enter such an informal urban element into an exposed part of the city centre, where several cultural and city events take place.
Finally, these discussions contributed to the final design not clashing with the events in the square, but being a full part of them.
We then incorporated the changes from the various stakeholders involved into the final architectural study.
A few minor design changes were incorporated after consultation with the contractor and directly during the implementation.
All meetings were stimulating and developed an interesting discussion on how to enter such an informal urban element into an exposed part of the city centre, where several cultural and city events take place.
Finally, these discussions contributed to the final design not clashing with the events in the square, but being a full part of them.
Global challenges
Many European cities face the problem of empty, depopulated squares, public spaces and streets.
We believe that even small environmental interventions like this can bring immediate results in the form of lively and atmospheric public spaces full of people.
The overall revitalisation of such public spaces is often lengthy and expensive. A similar solution can be a temporary intermediate step, before larger environmental interventions. It can serve as an indicator-tester, a means of feedback from residents before a complete renovation.
Our proposal can serve as an example for similarly sized cities with limited financial possibilities.
We believe that even small environmental interventions like this can bring immediate results in the form of lively and atmospheric public spaces full of people.
The overall revitalisation of such public spaces is often lengthy and expensive. A similar solution can be a temporary intermediate step, before larger environmental interventions. It can serve as an indicator-tester, a means of feedback from residents before a complete renovation.
Our proposal can serve as an example for similarly sized cities with limited financial possibilities.
Learning transferred to other parties
In the design, we have been looking at the possibility of transforming the flower bed from the beginning. After discussions with the city management, we considered that similar principles could be applied to other busy places in the city, where they could bring back a vibrant atmosphere and improve the overall quality of the urban environment.
For these reasons, we designed a simple structural model that consists of individual wooden beams to create an easily modifiable and adaptable module.
The structure is easy to dismantle and can be moved to any location or adapted to a new environment and context in which it should be located.
The individual blocks can be combined into one larger unit, or divided into several smaller ones according to the need of the use and the location where they will be placed.
We can imagine that similar projects of this scale could bring to life several squares and public spaces not only in the region but throughout the country.
For these reasons, we designed a simple structural model that consists of individual wooden beams to create an easily modifiable and adaptable module.
The structure is easy to dismantle and can be moved to any location or adapted to a new environment and context in which it should be located.
The individual blocks can be combined into one larger unit, or divided into several smaller ones according to the need of the use and the location where they will be placed.
We can imagine that similar projects of this scale could bring to life several squares and public spaces not only in the region but throughout the country.
Keywords
Placemaking
Vibrant Place
Social Equality
Urban Intervetniton
Modular Architecture
