The Rain Gardens project was created in response to the challenges faced by modern cities dealing with the effects of climate change. Extremely high temperatures, reduced air quality, flooding and waterlogging, biodiversity loss and unsupportive local spaces in urban centers – these are just some of the challenges modern metropolises are already facing.
Sponge cities
Weather forecasts predict an increase in the effects of climate change, such as precipitation and high winds, causing flooding, damage to infrastructure and traffic problems in cities. Nearly 70% of rainwater is discharged into the sewer system, increasing the risk of flooding and thus causing the loss of this valuable resource. The lack of green spaces raises temperatures and worsens heat waves. An effective solution is to increase landscape retention through ponds, rain gardens and permeable paving. Involving cities, companies and residents in this process can transform cities into “sponge cities” capable of storing water.
Blue-green infrastructure
Blue-green infrastructure is an urban planning concept that combines elements of water infrastructure (blue) with green areas (green) to promote sustainable urban development and mitigate the effects of climate change. It includes elements such as parks, rain gardens, green bus stops, green walls, permeable sidewalk or parking lot surfaces, retention ponds, green areas, but also stormwater drainage systems or retention basins.
Blue-green infrastructure is an important tool in urban planning that helps cities adapt to changing climate conditions, improve the quality of life for residents and protect the environment.
Rain gardens
Rain gardens are a solution taken from nature (nature-based solutions) that promote water retention and retain water in the landscape. It is a specially designed space in the garden or landscape in such a way as to collect, treat and use rainwater. The solution supports retention and biodiversity. We distinguish between rain gardens in a container and rain gardens in the ground.
Why create rain gardens ?
Rain gardens, is a solution that allows:
A rain garden in a container, on the grounds of the Montessori Kindergarten in Wieliczka. On the right, the garden just after construction – April 2023, on the left – July 2023.
