Localization: Województwo śląskie
Area: 250 m2
Design scope: dobór roślin, konstrukcja, system nawadniania
Design and construction company: Greenarte Sp. z o.o.
Year: 2014
Market Square in Katowice – the first city with modern vertical greenery in the city center
The Katowice market posed a challenge in terms of urban planning and creating a welcome area that served several tasks. The integration of the tramway traction lines with the pedestrian zone was one of the most difficult designs. The original flower stalls in the plaza were in the center of the square, where the tramway passed [Katowice Market before construction]. Flower Square has now grown and evolved into a positive gathering area, with young people, the elderly, and moms with children spending time here first in the morning.
On the street side, the mentioned pavilions were covered with vertical gardens, introducing approximately 16,000 plants of diverse varieties. The installation provided a logistical difficulty because railway traction runs directly close to the plant walls. Combining modern technology with the intended pavilions resulted in lush flora instead of concrete barriers that could be seen from anywhere in the city center. Passengers on public transport also see beautiful flora just outside their windows. The large-scale vertical garden project in the city center is also the first of its type in Poland. The Katowice market has also been built with several deckchairs, a playground, and an urban gym.
Due to the difficult surroundings – near to tramway traction and significant dust – on green walls grow species that can survive in such environments. Geranium, Pachysandra and Hosta are the main plant species. Due of the widespread appearance of the strawberry beetle, a pest that damaged plant seedlings, the previously planted Heuchera x hybrida was gradually replaced by other species.
