Reconnecting with nature
Green NEST
Green NEST (Nature, Elderly, Social Togetherness)
Green NEST – Rebuilding Nature, Restoring Community
Built from reclaimed materials of demolished buildings, Green NEST transforms neglected residential spaces into vibrant green pockets. Designed especially for elder residents, this mini-forest brings a “nature feeling” to urban blocks, offering a peaceful retreat where they can nurture plants, connect with neighbors, and combat loneliness. A living space where care, greenery, and community grow together!
Built from reclaimed materials of demolished buildings, Green NEST transforms neglected residential spaces into vibrant green pockets. Designed especially for elder residents, this mini-forest brings a “nature feeling” to urban blocks, offering a peaceful retreat where they can nurture plants, connect with neighbors, and combat loneliness. A living space where care, greenery, and community grow together!
Albania
Local
Tirana
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Early concept
No
No
As an individual
Green NEST is an innovative green infrastructure project designed to address the lack of accessible green spaces in dense urban areas, while re-using parts of demolition materials particularly focusing on the well-being of older adults. The project aims to transform neglected, overcrowded residential blocks into vertical green spaces that promote both ecological resilience and social connection.
Target Groups:
Primarily targeting older residents in urban environments, GROVE fosters a sense of belonging and well-being by providing them with opportunities to care for plants, interact with neighbors, and combat social isolation.
Specific Objectives:
To create flexible, adaptable green structures in areas with limited greenery, focusing on residential neighborhoods.
To improve the mental and physical well-being of older adults by offering them a space to engage with nature and one another.
To enhance community resilience by promoting sustainable, climate-adaptive solutions.
To design a scalable, universally applicable model that can be replicated in various cities globally, with specific features tailored to local climate needs, such as cooling stations for summer heat.
Achieved Outcomes:
Successfully designing and building a prototype vertical green space in a dense urban area, providing a visible and accessible nature retreat.
Empowered older adults to actively participate in plant care, boosting their sense of purpose and reducing loneliness.
Fostering social interaction among residents, creating a stronger sense of community.
Developing a flexible, scalable model that can be adapted for use in cities worldwide, offering both environmental and social benefits, with climate-responsive features like cooling stations.
Green NEST proves that integrating nature into urban spaces not only improves environmental resilience but also enhances the quality of life for urban dwellers, particularly those most in need of social connection and green space.
Target Groups:
Primarily targeting older residents in urban environments, GROVE fosters a sense of belonging and well-being by providing them with opportunities to care for plants, interact with neighbors, and combat social isolation.
Specific Objectives:
To create flexible, adaptable green structures in areas with limited greenery, focusing on residential neighborhoods.
To improve the mental and physical well-being of older adults by offering them a space to engage with nature and one another.
To enhance community resilience by promoting sustainable, climate-adaptive solutions.
To design a scalable, universally applicable model that can be replicated in various cities globally, with specific features tailored to local climate needs, such as cooling stations for summer heat.
Achieved Outcomes:
Successfully designing and building a prototype vertical green space in a dense urban area, providing a visible and accessible nature retreat.
Empowered older adults to actively participate in plant care, boosting their sense of purpose and reducing loneliness.
Fostering social interaction among residents, creating a stronger sense of community.
Developing a flexible, scalable model that can be adapted for use in cities worldwide, offering both environmental and social benefits, with climate-responsive features like cooling stations.
Green NEST proves that integrating nature into urban spaces not only improves environmental resilience but also enhances the quality of life for urban dwellers, particularly those most in need of social connection and green space.
Greenery
Community
Re-cycling
Well-being
Adaptability
is designed with sustainability at its core, aiming to create a positive environmental impact while fostering social cohesion. The project aligns with several key sustainability objectives:
Resource Efficiency
By utilizing recycled and repurposed materials from building demolitions, GROVE minimizes waste and reduces the demand for new resources. This approach not only conserves raw materials but also gives a second life to construction debris, lowering the environmental footprint of the installation.
Urban Greening
In densely populated urban areas, green spaces are often scarce, impacting both the environment and public health. GROVE tackles this by integrating vertical gardens into residential blocks, contributing to biodiversity, improving air quality, and offering residents a natural environment for relaxation and social interaction.
Climate Resilience
The design of GROVE incorporates climate-adaptive features, such as cooling stations to reduce urban heat island effects, particularly in summer. This enhances the resilience of both the community and the built environment, offering climate-responsive solutions tailored to local weather conditions.
Community Well-being
Sustainability is not just about the environment—it extends to the social sphere. By providing a green space where older adults can engage with nature and one another, GROVE improves mental and physical well-being, reduces social isolation, and fosters a sense of belonging.
Exemplary in Sustainability:
Green NEST stands out as a sustainable urban intervention by combining recycled materials, nature-based solutions, and climate adaptation to meet both ecological and social goals. Its holistic approach to sustainability sets a precedent for future urban greening projects, offering scalable solutions that can be replicated in cities worldwide.
Resource Efficiency
By utilizing recycled and repurposed materials from building demolitions, GROVE minimizes waste and reduces the demand for new resources. This approach not only conserves raw materials but also gives a second life to construction debris, lowering the environmental footprint of the installation.
Urban Greening
In densely populated urban areas, green spaces are often scarce, impacting both the environment and public health. GROVE tackles this by integrating vertical gardens into residential blocks, contributing to biodiversity, improving air quality, and offering residents a natural environment for relaxation and social interaction.
Climate Resilience
The design of GROVE incorporates climate-adaptive features, such as cooling stations to reduce urban heat island effects, particularly in summer. This enhances the resilience of both the community and the built environment, offering climate-responsive solutions tailored to local weather conditions.
Community Well-being
Sustainability is not just about the environment—it extends to the social sphere. By providing a green space where older adults can engage with nature and one another, GROVE improves mental and physical well-being, reduces social isolation, and fosters a sense of belonging.
Exemplary in Sustainability:
Green NEST stands out as a sustainable urban intervention by combining recycled materials, nature-based solutions, and climate adaptation to meet both ecological and social goals. Its holistic approach to sustainability sets a precedent for future urban greening projects, offering scalable solutions that can be replicated in cities worldwide.
The project achieves its objectives through thoughtful design and a commitment to enhancing the urban landscape:
Aesthetic Appeal
The design of it incorporates vertical gardens and green installations that transform otherwise utilitarian urban spaces into visually stimulating environments. By integrating lush greenery into grey residential areas, the project enriches the urban landscape, offering a serene, vibrant, and inviting atmosphere. The natural beauty of plants, coupled with the structure’s clean, modern design, creates a harmonious space that appeals to the senses and invites residents to immerse themselves in nature.
Cultural Integration and Meaning
It is designed to foster a connection between residents and their environment. It goes beyond aesthetics by encouraging the active participation of older adults in the care of plants, allowing them to cultivate a sense of ownership and pride in their green space. This cultural engagement enhances the social experience and strengthens community bonds, turning the space into a collective, living artwork.
Well-being Through Design
The carefully curated design of Green NEST ensures that the space supports both physical and mental well-being. The green installations not only offer a visual escape from the concrete jungle but also contribute to improving air quality, lowering stress levels, and creating a soothing environment. Additionally, by providing a space where older adults can socialize and engage with nature, GROVE contributes to reducing social isolation and fostering a sense of connection and purpose.
Inclusive and Accessible Design
The design of Green NEST prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that older adults of all abilities can enjoy the space. Features such as raised garden beds and accessible
Aesthetic Appeal
The design of it incorporates vertical gardens and green installations that transform otherwise utilitarian urban spaces into visually stimulating environments. By integrating lush greenery into grey residential areas, the project enriches the urban landscape, offering a serene, vibrant, and inviting atmosphere. The natural beauty of plants, coupled with the structure’s clean, modern design, creates a harmonious space that appeals to the senses and invites residents to immerse themselves in nature.
Cultural Integration and Meaning
It is designed to foster a connection between residents and their environment. It goes beyond aesthetics by encouraging the active participation of older adults in the care of plants, allowing them to cultivate a sense of ownership and pride in their green space. This cultural engagement enhances the social experience and strengthens community bonds, turning the space into a collective, living artwork.
Well-being Through Design
The carefully curated design of Green NEST ensures that the space supports both physical and mental well-being. The green installations not only offer a visual escape from the concrete jungle but also contribute to improving air quality, lowering stress levels, and creating a soothing environment. Additionally, by providing a space where older adults can socialize and engage with nature, GROVE contributes to reducing social isolation and fostering a sense of connection and purpose.
Inclusive and Accessible Design
The design of Green NEST prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that older adults of all abilities can enjoy the space. Features such as raised garden beds and accessible
Accessibility for All
Green NEST is designed with universal accessibility in mind, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can engage with the space. The design also takes into account the needs of people with disabilities, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy gardening, socializing, and the overall benefits of the space.
Affordable Green Spaces
One of the central goals of Green NEST is to make green spaces more accessible in densely populated urban areas where land for parks and open spaces is scarce and expensive. By repurposing recycled and upcycled materials from building demolitions, the project keeps costs low while providing a high-quality green area. This affordable approach allows Green NEST to be implemented in communities that otherwise lack green spaces, promoting equity in urban living and offering benefits to all residents, regardless of socio-economic status.
Inclusive Governance and Community Engagement
Green NEST fosters a sense of ownership and community participation by involving residents, particularly older adults, in the care and maintenance of the green space. Rather than being passive users, they are encouraged to take on active roles in planting, nurturing, and maintaining the gardens. This participatory governance model not only empowers individuals but also strengthens community bonds, making Green NEST a shared, collective resource for all.
Design for All Principles
Features like shaded areas, cooling stations, and comfortable seating make the space accessible for residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
New Societal Models for Urban Living
The project proposes a more sustainable, socially connected, and equitable approach to urban life, where communities thrive in shared green spaces. The project demo
Green NEST is designed with universal accessibility in mind, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can engage with the space. The design also takes into account the needs of people with disabilities, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy gardening, socializing, and the overall benefits of the space.
Affordable Green Spaces
One of the central goals of Green NEST is to make green spaces more accessible in densely populated urban areas where land for parks and open spaces is scarce and expensive. By repurposing recycled and upcycled materials from building demolitions, the project keeps costs low while providing a high-quality green area. This affordable approach allows Green NEST to be implemented in communities that otherwise lack green spaces, promoting equity in urban living and offering benefits to all residents, regardless of socio-economic status.
Inclusive Governance and Community Engagement
Green NEST fosters a sense of ownership and community participation by involving residents, particularly older adults, in the care and maintenance of the green space. Rather than being passive users, they are encouraged to take on active roles in planting, nurturing, and maintaining the gardens. This participatory governance model not only empowers individuals but also strengthens community bonds, making Green NEST a shared, collective resource for all.
Design for All Principles
Features like shaded areas, cooling stations, and comfortable seating make the space accessible for residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
New Societal Models for Urban Living
The project proposes a more sustainable, socially connected, and equitable approach to urban life, where communities thrive in shared green spaces. The project demo
Citizens, particularly older adults, have been at the heart of Green NEST from the outset. The project was designed with direct input from the community to ensure it addresses their needs and preferences. Residents will be actively involved in the design process, participating in surveys and workshops to share their views on the kind of green space that would best serve their well-being.
Older adults, the primary beneficiaries of the project, play an ongoing role in its development and maintenance. They are encouraged to take part in planting, nurturing, and caring for the plants, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment. This active involvement not only promotes physical and mental well-being but also creates strong social bonds among participants, reducing isolation and encouraging community interaction.
Additionally, local community organizations and civil society groups will contribute by providing resources and supporting outreach to ensure that the project reached those most in need.
The impact of citizen involvement can be transformative. It can lead to a deeper connection between residents and their environment, improving social cohesion, and a stronger sense of community ownership. This participatory approach will ensure that Green NEST is not just a space but a community-driven initiative that is sustainable, meaningful, and impactful for all involved.
Green NEST will engage stakeholders at multiple levels to ensure its success and sustainability. At the local level, residents, especially older adults, will be directly involved in the design and implementation through workshops, surveys, and collaborative planning sessions. Their input will be invaluable in shaping the space to meet community needs and preferences.
At the regional level, local authorities and community organizations will play a critical role in providing support, resources, and promoting the project. They will facilitate community outreach and help integrate the project into urban planning strategies.
At the national level, relevant governmental bodies will be engaged to ensure that Green NEST aligns with policies on urban greening and social inclusion. Their involvement will also help secure funding and create frameworks for replicating the project in other cities.
At the European level, civil society groups and EU-funded initiatives focused on sustainability and urban resilience will provide additional expertise and potential funding streams. Their engagement will help amplify the project’s impact and ensure its alignment with broader European green and social policies.
The added value of this multi-level engagement lies in the diverse perspectives, resources, and expertise that will help make Green NEST a successful, adaptable, and scalable project with lasting impact.
At the regional level, local authorities and community organizations will play a critical role in providing support, resources, and promoting the project. They will facilitate community outreach and help integrate the project into urban planning strategies.
At the national level, relevant governmental bodies will be engaged to ensure that Green NEST aligns with policies on urban greening and social inclusion. Their involvement will also help secure funding and create frameworks for replicating the project in other cities.
At the European level, civil society groups and EU-funded initiatives focused on sustainability and urban resilience will provide additional expertise and potential funding streams. Their engagement will help amplify the project’s impact and ensure its alignment with broader European green and social policies.
The added value of this multi-level engagement lies in the diverse perspectives, resources, and expertise that will help make Green NEST a successful, adaptable, and scalable project with lasting impact.
The design and implementation of Green NEST reflects several disciplines to ensure a holistic and sustainable approach. Key fields include urban planning, architecture, environmental sustainability, social work, and community engagement. As an architect, I integrate urban planning principles to create a flexible, modular structure suitable for dense urban areas, with a focus on space optimization and accessibility. I collaborate with environmental experts to select sustainable materials, optimize energy efficiency, and integrate biodiversity, ensuring the project supports local ecosystems.
I work closely with residents, particularly older adults, to co-create a space that promotes social interaction and well-being. Their involvement helps me ensure that the design addresses the emotional and social needs of the community, fostering inclusion and connection.
This interdisciplinary approach adds significant value by combining technical expertise with community insights, resulting in a practical, socially impactful project that meets both environmental and human needs.
I work closely with residents, particularly older adults, to co-create a space that promotes social interaction and well-being. Their involvement helps me ensure that the design addresses the emotional and social needs of the community, fostering inclusion and connection.
This interdisciplinary approach adds significant value by combining technical expertise with community insights, resulting in a practical, socially impactful project that meets both environmental and human needs.
While vertical green structures are not new, this project introduces several unique features. The use of recycled materials from building demolitions is central, reducing waste and giving new life to otherwise discarded resources. This sustainable approach not only addresses material scarcity but also fosters a deeper connection between residents and their environment.
Additionally, the design prioritizes self-sufficiency, with plans for the structure to function independently in the future. The integration of renewable energy sources, water management systems, and low-maintenance green spaces ensures that Green NEST will thrive without external dependencies. This innovative combination of reusing materials and creating a self-sustaining green space makes Green NEST more than just another green installation; it represents a forward-thinking solution for urban environments, promoting long-term environmental and social resilience.
Additionally, the design prioritizes self-sufficiency, with plans for the structure to function independently in the future. The integration of renewable energy sources, water management systems, and low-maintenance green spaces ensures that Green NEST will thrive without external dependencies. This innovative combination of reusing materials and creating a self-sustaining green space makes Green NEST more than just another green installation; it represents a forward-thinking solution for urban environments, promoting long-term environmental and social resilience.
The methodology of Green NEST is rooted in a participatory, sustainable, and adaptable approach. It begins with engaging local residents, particularly older adults, to co-create the design, ensuring the space meets their needs for social interaction and well-being. Through workshops and surveys, their input shapes the green space’s functionality and layout.
The project adopts a circular design principle, utilizing materials from building demolitions to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Environmental considerations are key, with an emphasis on creating a low-maintenance, self-sufficient system that integrates renewable energy, water conservation, and biodiversity.
Flexibility is at the core, with the design adaptable to various urban settings and climates. The modular structure can be easily replicated in different cities, with additional features like cool stations for summer heat or climate-responsive elements, ensuring long-term environmental and social benefits. This approach ensures that Green NEST is both context-sensitive and future-proof.
The project adopts a circular design principle, utilizing materials from building demolitions to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Environmental considerations are key, with an emphasis on creating a low-maintenance, self-sufficient system that integrates renewable energy, water conservation, and biodiversity.
Flexibility is at the core, with the design adaptable to various urban settings and climates. The modular structure can be easily replicated in different cities, with additional features like cool stations for summer heat or climate-responsive elements, ensuring long-term environmental and social benefits. This approach ensures that Green NEST is both context-sensitive and future-proof.
Several elements of Green NEST are highly transferable and can be replicated in other locations and contexts. The methodology, based on participatory design with local communities, can be adapted to different urban settings, engaging various beneficiary groups such as elderly residents, marginalized communities, or those lacking access to green spaces.
The use of recycled materials from building demolitions is another key aspect that can be implemented globally, contributing to waste reduction and sustainable urban development. The modular design allows for flexibility, enabling it to fit into various urban environments, from dense city centers to more suburban areas.
Additionally, the self-sufficiency model, incorporating renewable energy, water management, and low-maintenance green spaces, offers a blueprint for future-proof urban interventions worldwide. The learnings from integrating social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and adaptability can be applied in diverse contexts, fostering resilient communities in cities around the globe.
The use of recycled materials from building demolitions is another key aspect that can be implemented globally, contributing to waste reduction and sustainable urban development. The modular design allows for flexibility, enabling it to fit into various urban environments, from dense city centers to more suburban areas.
Additionally, the self-sufficiency model, incorporating renewable energy, water management, and low-maintenance green spaces, offers a blueprint for future-proof urban interventions worldwide. The learnings from integrating social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and adaptability can be applied in diverse contexts, fostering resilient communities in cities around the globe.
The project addresses several pressing global challenges by providing local, context-specific solutions. It tackles urbanization and the lack of green spaces in dense city areas by creating vertical gardens, transforming underutilized spaces into sustainable, community-driven green zones. This approach mitigates the effects of climate change by promoting biodiversity, improving air quality, and reducing urban heat islands, especially important in cities facing extreme temperatures.
The project also addresses social isolation among older adults, a growing concern worldwide, by providing a space for social interaction, gardening, and community-building. By incorporating recycled materials and fostering sustainability, Green NEST contributes to the global push for a circular economy and waste reduction. Furthermore, its self-sufficiency model aligns with efforts to create more resilient cities, reducing dependence on external resources and ensuring long-term sustainability. These solutions offer adaptable models for cities worldwide, addressing both environmental and social challenges.
The project also addresses social isolation among older adults, a growing concern worldwide, by providing a space for social interaction, gardening, and community-building. By incorporating recycled materials and fostering sustainability, Green NEST contributes to the global push for a circular economy and waste reduction. Furthermore, its self-sufficiency model aligns with efforts to create more resilient cities, reducing dependence on external resources and ensuring long-term sustainability. These solutions offer adaptable models for cities worldwide, addressing both environmental and social challenges.
In the year following the application, the focus will be on refining, promoting, and implementing Green NEST. The first step will be to finalize the design based on further community feedback, ensuring it meets the specific needs of local residents. I will collaborate with urban planners and environmental experts to adapt the concept to different urban environments, ensuring flexibility for diverse cities.
I will actively seek partnerships with local municipalities, environmental organizations, and funding bodies to secure the necessary support for the first prototype installation. The project will be promoted through local events, online platforms, and collaboration with sustainability networks to raise awareness.
Additionally, I will focus on documenting the process and results to create a replicable model that can be expanded to other cities. The goal is to complete the first installation, showcase its benefits, and set the foundation for future implementations in urban areas worldwide.
I will actively seek partnerships with local municipalities, environmental organizations, and funding bodies to secure the necessary support for the first prototype installation. The project will be promoted through local events, online platforms, and collaboration with sustainability networks to raise awareness.
Additionally, I will focus on documenting the process and results to create a replicable model that can be expanded to other cities. The goal is to complete the first installation, showcase its benefits, and set the foundation for future implementations in urban areas worldwide.
