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TREN

Basic information

Project Title

TREN

Full project title

TREN, a three-part installation that redefines urban spaces.

Category

Prioritising the places and people that need it the most

Project Description

TREN is more than just a piece of furniture; it's a sanctuary amidst the urban jungle. Crafted to provide respite and protection from the urban hustle and bustle, this installation's dimensions adapt to its chosen location, ensuring a harmonious fit.

Geographical Scope

Local

Project Region

anywhere , Serbia

Urban or rural issues

Mainly urban

Physical or other transformations

It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

EU Programme or fund

No

Description of the project

Summary

TREN is more than just a piece of furniture; it's a sanctuary amidst the urban jungle. Crafted to provide respite and protection from the urban hustle and bustle, this installation's dimensions adapt to its chosen location, ensuring a harmonious fit.
Nature's Elegance Meets Urban Resilience
At its core, TREN is a fusion of form and function. It boasts a robust base, designed for both seating and contemplation, and a central structure, fashioned from a white-toned metal mesh, meant for the nurturing of trees. TREN can even be elegantly placed around existing trees, a testament to its adaptability.
Beyond its ornamental role, the trees housed within the installation offer tangible benefits to the urban environment. The leafy canopy provides a soothing ambiance while acting as a protective shield against the sun, transforming urban spaces into tranquil oases.
A Nighttime Spectacle
As the sun sets, TREN takes on a sculptural dimension. Circular lights adorn the mesh, casting a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. It transforms the greenery into a living artwork, enchanting city dwellers with its nocturnal charm.
Refreshing Respite
For those sweltering summer days, strategically placed water sprinklers refresh the canopy, offering both respite and delight. TREN becomes an urban haven, a place to unwind and recharge amidst the urban flurry.
Strategic Urban Placement
TREN is strategically positioned in high-traffic areas, providing urban denizens with a much-needed refuge. Its presence redefines the urban landscape, infusing natural aesthetics and a refreshing atmosphere. The woven metal mesh adds an air of elegance to its surroundings.
A Moment of Reflection
The name "TREN," derived from the English word "moment," carries profound meaning. It serves as a reminder to pause and embrace the fleeting beauty of nature and our surroundings. TREN encourages passersby to seize the moment, find solace, and live in the present.

Key objectives for sustainability

Adaptive Design for Urban Harmony:

Objective: TREN aims to offer a sanctuary within the urban landscape, adapting its dimensions to fit seamlessly into various locations.
Exemplary Approach: The installation's adaptive design ensures it becomes an integral part of the urban environment, fostering a harmonious coexistence between nature and the city.

Functional Aesthetics and Environmental Benefits:

Objective: Combining form and function, TREN provides both seating and contemplative spaces while nurturing trees within its central structure.
Exemplary Approach: The installation not only serves an ornamental purpose but also contributes tangible benefits, offering shade, ambiance, and environmental protection through its leafy canopy.
Nighttime Transformation:

Objective: TREN transforms into a nocturnal spectacle, with circular lights creating a play of light and shadow.
Exemplary Approach: By turning into a living artwork at night, TREN contributes to the aesthetic enrichment of the urban landscape, offering residents an enchanting visual experience.
Refreshing Urban Oasis:

Objective: TREN incorporates water sprinklers to refresh the canopy, providing respite on hot days.
Exemplary Approach: The installation becomes a haven for urban dwellers, offering a refreshing escape and contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
Strategic Urban Placement and Elegant Aesthetics:

Objective: TREN is strategically positioned in high-traffic areas to redefine the urban landscape.
Exemplary Approach: The woven metal mesh not only adds an air of elegance but strategically enhances the urban environment, infusing natural aesthetics into bustling city spaces.

Key objectives for aesthetics and quality

TREN's key objectives are met through its adaptive design, functional aesthetics, environmental contributions, and its role as a transformative urban installation. Its exemplary features make it a lighthouse of sustainable urban design, fostering a balance between nature and the modern cityscape.

Key objectives for inclusion

Tren can be used by anyone. It is designed to fit the needs of city dwellers. It is designed to be more than furniture, providing a space for serenity, rejuvenation, and harmony.
Exemplary Approach: By offering a haven where individuals can reconnect with nature, TREN becomes a symbol of unity, promoting a sense of community and well-being.

How Citizens benefit

Role and Involvement: Community members actively participated in discussions regarding the strategic placement of TREN in high-traffic areas.
Impact: This involvement led to optimal site selection, ensuring that TREN becomes an integral part of the urban landscape, contributing positively to the daily lives of citizens.

Physical or other transformations

It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

Innovative character

The project can be implemented in all urban environments and different stakeholders can use it. The implementation and creation are cost-effective. The furniture is adjustable to the urban environment and space.

Disciplines/knowledge reflected

Research, urban design, and urban planning are combined. The designer is collaborating with an urban planner and researcher and together they have created a project and they are ready to start with the pilot and further development.

Methodology used

The designer used people people-centered approach and the focus was on customizable design and observation of how people behave and use urban design elements in the city.

How stakeholders are engaged

The designer has conducted research through observation and unstructured interviewing with citizens.
This inclusive approach ensured that the project resonated with the needs and preferences of the local community, making TREN a reflection of shared needs.

Global challenges

Urbanization and Green Space Deprivation:

Global Challenge: Rapid urbanization often leads to a lack of green spaces, impacting citizens' well-being and environmental health.
Local Solution: TREN strategically places green installations in high-traffic urban areas, providing residents with accessible and aesthetically pleasing green spaces. This localized solution contributes to mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization.
Climate Change and Urban Heat Islands:

Global Challenge: Urban heat islands exacerbate the impacts of climate change in cities, contributing to higher temperatures and environmental stress.
Local Solution: TREN incorporates trees within its structure, creating a leafy canopy that acts as a natural shield against the sun. This localized approach helps combat local temperature rises and contributes to urban climate resilience.
Mental Health and Urban Stress:

Global Challenge: Urban lifestyles often contribute to increased stress and mental health issues due to the fast-paced environment and lack of nature-based respites.
Local Solution: TREN provides a tranquil and inviting space for reflection and relaxation, addressing the mental health challenges associated with urban living. This localized solution promotes well-being and a sense of calm in the local community.
Biodiversity Decline:

Global Challenge: Urbanization can lead to habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
Local Solution: By incorporating greenery and nurturing trees within the urban landscape, TREN contributes to local biodiversity. This localized effort supports the preservation of plant life and fosters a more balanced urban ecosystem.
Community Engagement and Social Cohesion:

Global Challenge: Urban areas may face challenges in fostering community engagement and social cohesion.
Local Solution: TREN's inclusive design and public involvement strategies contribute to a sense of community ownership and pride.

Learning transferred to other parties

The project can be transferred to almost every urban environment. The methodology is simple and the design is adjustable and cost-effective.

Keywords

urban design
nature
democracy
heat islands
carbon footprint

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