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New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024

Reconnecting with nature

Urban Landscape KVP
Urban Landscape KVP
Revitalizing a housing estate in Kosice, Slovakia, through innovative urban renewal strategies. The KVP Urban Landscape project combines sustainability, community engagement, and creativity to transform public spaces and foster a sense of belonging among residents. Nature-friendly rainwater management, circular economy principles, and inclusive design come together to create a thriving and beautiful environment for all.
EU Member State, Western Balkans or Ukraine
Slovakia
Local
Košice
Yes
Slovakia- Východné Slovensko
Yes
Slovakia- Košice
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2023-06-30
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation, in partnership with other organisations
Yes

The KVP Urban Landscape project aimed to revitalize a housing estate in Košice, Slovakia, through sustainable urban renewal strategies. The project targeted residents, local communities, and stakeholders, with specific objectives to:
The KVP Urban Landscape project is an impulse to think about the new future of the housing estate. A future that is sustainable, beautiful and inclusive. We see the meaning of the intervention as an opportunity to visualise this future and to kick-start the imagination of local people. The intervention consists in creating a 'place' that communicates these future values: (1) Nature-friendly rainwater management. There are a number of elements in the housing estate that allow rainwater regulation, such as concrete gutters. These are protected by a 'soakaway' at the selected site, which allows the water to soak away or retain it, thus allowing it to evaporate. This also increases the moisture content of the soil. The 'soakaway', planted with perennial vegetation, is also an aesthetic landscape feature that promotes biodiversity and improves the microclimate of the site. The perennial planting bed changes its appearance from year to year. A well-designed bed is also sustainable in terms of care - it requires much less human labour than, for example, annual flowers.
(2) Principles of the circular economy. Instead of creating new elements, we work with existing materials. Concrete production is emissions-intensive and extending its lifetime is a way to reduce the ecological footprint of a project to a minimum. By recycling the elements, cleaning and surface treatment, we have a new modular system that can be used in many ways. (3) Inclusivity and diversity. We are creating a new type of furnishing from concrete modules that will last for many years. Its variability makes it possible to create different elements for sitting, lying, planting and other activities.
rain-water management
reinterpretation of concrete as a circular material
creating social spaces
addressing positive futures
post-socialist urban neighborhoods
Rainwater in the housing estate is currently drained into the sewer. In the particular case of the slope where the intervention is located, water from the pavement flows towards the concrete gutter. Current trends in terms of stormwater management are to reduce the amount of water diverted to the sewer. On the contrary, the preference is for seepage in vegetated areas. Such a principle is easy to apply across the whole estate.Once an overall stormwater management plan has been drawn up, it will be possible to identify the locations where intervention will have the greatest impact and allow more water to be captured on the ground. To illustrate this principle, we use the intervention area.For the intervention, we propose to replace the concrete gutter with a vegetated swale that will allow partial retention of water on site and at the same time intercept torrential rainfall. The soakaway is a surface linear measure that allows short-term retention of rainwater with a maximum depth of 30 cm. Dikes may be placed in the slope to regulate the movement of water. The surface of the inlet may consist of a lawn, meadow or perennial bed. Depending on the type of subsoil, the soakaway may be ordinary, with a retention trench or with a regulated outlet. In the case of this intervention, even in terms of the size of the area to be drained, we are considering an ordinary soakaway with suitable vegetation.In general, the subsoil of the housing estate is rather clayey and thus not necessarily unsuitable for soakaway measures. However, in the case of such small-scale interventions, evapotranspiration (evaporation), increasing soil moisture and promoting biodiversity are also objectives.
The key objectives of our project in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people were to create a visually appealing and culturally enriching space that fosters community interaction and promotes well-being. We aimed to achieve this through thoughtful design and cultural programming, including:
Aesthetically pleasing architecture and landscaping that incorporates natural elements and unique design installations, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.
Option to organize cultural events and activities that celebrate diversity and promote intercultural dialogue, such as concerts, festivals, and workshops.
Innovative design features like a rainwater harvesting system, which not only contribute to sustainability but also provide educational opportunities for visitors.
Accessible and inclusive design elements, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the space.
The concrete gutter is prefabricated. It is one of the symbols of universal solutions of socialist prefabricated construction in the locality. It has dimensions of approximately 630 x 300 mm and a material thickness of 80 mm. The gutter contained approximately 60 elements in the eastern part of the site and 90 elements in the western part of the site. The shape of the element allows for a variety of spatial combinations to be formed by solid bonding (e.g. chemical anchors, possibly cement bedding). This creates an abstract furniture for lying, sitting, planting and other activities. The concrete forms were chosen in consultation with the urban district and on the basis of ethnographic observation.
The KVP Urban Landscape project revitalizes a housing estate in Kosice, Slovakia, by embracing innovative urban renewal strategies that prioritize inclusion, sustainability, and community engagement. The project targets a post-socialist neighborhood with issues of democratic transformation and dense urbanism, dominated by cars.
Key objectives of the project include:
1) Ensure that public spaces are easily accessible to all residents, regardless of age, ability, or mobility. This is achieved through the use of nature-friendly rainwater management systems, which create green oases and improve walkability throughout the estate.
2) Implement cost-effective solutions that make sustainable living attainable for all residents. By adopting circular economy principles, the project promotes resource efficiency and reduces waste, resulting in lower costs for maintenance and upkeep.
3) Foster a participatory approach to urban planning and management, involving residents in decision-making processes and encouraging community involvement in the project's design and implementation. The site creates a space for holding public meetings and discussions about sustainability in the district.
4) Promote intergenerational dialogue and community cohesion by creating spaces where children, elderly, and all residents can interact, learn from each other, and build relationships. The site is next to an elementary school and regards childern’s needs as important in public space. However, the space serves all ages and genders.
5) The engagement of local supply chain and social entrepreneurs from socially disadvantaged backgrounds in the realization of the project promotes inclusivity by providing opportunities for diverse individuals to participate in the project's development and implementation, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and belonging among marginalized communities.
Spolka adopted an innovative methodology to tackle the challenges faced by the community in KVP. For three months, we dedicated ourselves to meticulous mapping and research, which served as the foundation for the intervention. This approach allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the area's history, its residents' needs, and the existing social dynamics.


The intervention was designed as a prequel, creating an open space for future interactive initiatives. In addition, Spolka conducted extensive ethnographic research on site, gathering valuable insights from nine in-depth interviews with local stakeholders. These conversations provided valuable information about the community's aspirations, concerns, and ideas for the neighborhood's development.


By combining these approaches, Spolka was able to identify opportunities for strategic planning that would align with the community's vision. Their unique methodology not only addressed immediate issues but also laid the groundwork for long-term positive change in KVP.
The most significant value that emerged was safety, closely followed by accessibility, inclusivity, and democracy. Respondents emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment where people feel comfortable spending time outside of their homes. Related values included the desire for a high quality of life, wellbeing, and a diverse range of sports and leisure activities. These findings suggest that there is a strong intention to transform the housing estate into a vibrant community hub, rather than just a residential area.
Another theme that emerged was the need for effective spatial arrangement and public space management. They also stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness and order in public areas.
Ambition was another category that emerged from the interviews. Many respondents expressed a desire to prove that it is possible to create a successful and attractive housing estate through strategic planning and investment.
Finally, the interviews touched on the topic of ecology and the appearance of the estate. Respondents highlighted the importance of maximizing green spaces, incorporating greenery, and creating a visually appealing environment. They also discussed the need for sustainable water management systems, such as permeable surfaces, to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall.
Overall, the in-depth interviews provided valuable insights into the complex web of relationships between actors involved in the creation and maintenance of public spaces in the KVP housing estate. By understanding their values and priorities, planners and policymakers can develop more effective strategies to create a thriving community that meets the needs of all resident
The project reflects several disciplines and knowledge fields, including architecture, sociology, ecology, botany, and landscape design. The authors of the design, members of Spolka, brought their expertise in architecture and sociology respectively to the table, ensuring that the project met both aesthetic and social needs. Ecologist Jana Kolibábová and biologist-botanist Robert Gregorek were consulted on the landscape design, ensuring that the project was environmentally sustainable and incorporated appropriate plant life. Landscape architect Natalia Budnik was responsible for the landscape design, bringing her knowledge of spatial planning and design to the project.
The interaction between these diverse disciplines and knowledge fields was crucial to the success of the project. The architects worked closely with the sociologist to ensure that the design met the needs of the community, while the ecologist and biologist provided valuable insights into environmental sustainability and plant selection. The landscape architect played a key role in integrating all aspects of the design and ensuring that it was functional and visually appealing.
The collaboration between these experts resulted in a holistic approach to urban development, one that considered not only the physical space but also the social and environmental impacts of the project. This interdisciplinary approach allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the community, leading to a solution that addressed multiple needs simultaneously.
The added value of this collaborative process was significant. By combining the expertise of various professionals, the project team was able to create a unique and innovative solution that would not have been possible within a single discipline. The resulting park is not only visually stunning but also environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and functional for the community.
The project's innovative character lies in its emphasis on circularity and the re-use of concrete, building on the cultural heritage of post-socialist cities, interdisciplinary approaches, openness of design, and climate-adaptation. Unlike traditional projects that prioritize new construction and demolition, this project breathes new life into existing structures, preserving their historical significance and reducing waste. The collaboration between architects, engineers, artists, and local communities fosters a deeper understanding of the area's cultural heritage and ensures that the design is tailored to the site's unique context.


By embracing interdisciplinarity, the project combines cutting-edge engineering techniques with artistic expression, creating a truly distinctive and adaptive space. Additionally, the openness of the design allows for flexibility and adaptability over time, enabling the structure to respond to changing user needs and environmental conditions. Climate-adaptation measures, such as rainwater harvesting systems, further enhance the project's resilience and sustainability.
In contrast to mainstream practices that often prioritize homogeneity and standardized solutions, this project celebrates diversity and uniqueness, showcasing the potential of post-socialist sites to become vibrant hubs of creativity and innovation. By embracing the complexity and richness of the site's history, culture, and natural environment, the project sets a new standard for urban revitalization initiatives, offering a model for future developments that prioritize circularity, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
First, we conducted interviews with local residents, businesses, and stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure that the redesign met their needs. This helped us understand what the community wanted and needed from the space.


Next, we conducted a thorough site analysis, examining the site's history, topography, soil conditions, climate, and environmental impact. This allowed us to identify the best design solutions for the space and inform the concept design.


Using the information gathered during the community engagement and site analysis phases, we developed a concept design that incorporated green infrastructure, public art, and accessible pathways. We also worked with engineering and technical experts to develop detailed designs and models that took into account the site's conditions and constraints. For example, we removed concrete elements from the gutter, cleaned and arranged them into furniture, and re-planted the empty space with water-resistant plants.


Once the designs have been agreed with the local municipality, we collaborated with contractors and construction professionals to implement it, ensuring that the final product met the highest standards of quality and safety.


Finally, we established a maintenance plan and evaluated the effectiveness of the redesigned space to ensure that it continued to serve the needs of the community over time. This involved monitoring the space and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that it remained a vibrant and welcoming urban space that benefited everyone.
The KVP Urban Landscape project offers a particularly appealing solution for environmental transformation in Eastern Europe, where concrete elements are ubiquitous in post-socialist urban neighborhoods. The project's focus on integrating green infrastructure, circular economy, and community engagement can breathe new life into neglected public spaces, while also addressing environmental concerns.


Concrete elements, such as Soviet-era monuments, buildings, and infrastructure, dominate the urban landscapes of many Eastern European cities. These structures often represent a legacy of unsustainable and environmentally harmful practices, contributing to issues like air pollution, heat islands, and stormwater runoff. By incorporating rain gardens, and other natural elements, the KVP Urban Landscape project offers a practical and visually appealing solution to mitigate the negative impacts of concrete sprawl.


Furthermore, the project's reliance on locally sourced materials, such as recycled concrete, supports the transition towards a circular economy. This strategy not only reduces waste but also creates new economic opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs involved in the production and installation of green infrastructure. As Eastern European countries continue to grapple with the challenges of post-industrial decline, the KVP Urban Landscape project provides a timely and innovative response to environmental, social, and economic concerns.


Overall, the KVP Urban Landscape project has the potential to inspire a new wave of sustainable urban transformations throughout Eastern Europe, leveraging the region's unique cultural heritage and environmental challenges as opportunities for positive change. By combining green infrastructure, community engagement, and circular economy principles, this project serves as a powerful model for revitalizing post-socialist urban landscapes and promoting environmental sustainability in the decades ahead.
The KVP Urban Landscape project addresses several global challenges by providing local solutions, contributing to the transformation process of post-socialist urbanism towards climate adaptation. The project tackles issues such as:
Climate Change: The project combats the impacts of climate change by introducing green infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable urban planning. Green roofs, rain gardens, and urban gardens help to absorb CO2, reduce temperature fluctuations, and provide shading.
Urbanization: The project addresses the challenges of urbanization by creating livable public spaces that encourage community interaction, social cohesion, and a sense of belonging. This helps to counterbalance the effects of urban sprawl and promote a more sustainable and equitable use of space.
Biodiversity Loss: The project contributes to biodiversity conservation by incorporating native plant species, supporting pollinators, and creating habitats for urban wildlife. This helps to maintain ecosystem services, enhance urban resilience, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Water Management: The project improves water management by implementing rainwater harvesting systems, reducing stormwater runoff, and enhancing groundwater recharge. This helps to decrease the strain on municipal water supplies, mitigate flooding risks, and protect watersheds.
Cultural Heritage: The project respects and celebrates the cultural heritage of post-socialist urbanism by integrating historical elements, preserving community traditions, and promoting cultural exchange. This helps to create a sense of place, foster community pride, and preserve collective memory.
Our project has achieved significant results, outcomes, and impacts in relation to the category we are applying for, which include:


Creation of a new public place in the neighborhood:
The project has created a new public space in the heart of the neighborhood, providing a safe and inviting area for residents to gather, socialize, and enjoy community events.
Micro-climate adaptation:
The project has served as an example for other developments in the city, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of incorporating green infrastructure in urban design.
Example of usage of concrete materials - its reinterpretation:
The project has showcased innovative ways of using concrete materials, demonstrating their versatility and durability in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing public spaces.
Benefits for direct and indirect beneficiaries:


Direct beneficiaries: Residents of the neighborhood, local businesses, and community organizations have benefited directly from the project by having access to a new public space that promotes social interaction, community engagement, and economic growth.
Indirect beneficiaries: The project's impact extends beyond the immediate community, serving as a model for sustainable urban design and green infrastructure implementation in other parts of the city and beyond. It has raised awareness about the importance of adapting to climate change and promoting liveable public spaces, inspiring others to take action and create positive change in their own communities.
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