From Intention to Implementation of Vertical Green: The Case of Ljubljana

Abstract

This article examines the need and opportunities to implement vertical green in Ljubljana as a case of a medium-sized European city with a relatively green feel. Sustainability-oriented urban development supports the introduction of nature-based solutions in principle; however, there is a lack of vertical green as well as actual legislative and administrative support. Therefore, several methods were applied in the present study to link this idea to execution, starting with semi-structured interviews and a workshop for selected city officials. Legislative and formal backgrounds for implementation were then assessed. An inventory of green façades and other structures (e.g., noise barriers and retaining walls) in Ljubljana was prepared, and a geographic information system-based decision support system was developed to identify the potential areas in the city where additional green space elements would be most favourable for humans, the environment, and climate indicators. The results reveal a gap between opportunities and the actual situation. The general opinion that there is never too much green space in urban areas is confirmed by direct information from the city administration and strategic documents. There are many potential sites for implementation; however, this is hindered by ownership, management, and economic issues. The study concludes with some suggestions for following the best practices in other central European capitals, such as Vienna and Berlin.

Foreign experience in organizing state and business relationship and its impact on urbanization

“…Вместе с тем императивное государственное воздействие часто ограничивается имущественными правами частных лиц на земельные участки и иные объекты недвижимости (Gantar et al, 2022). В связи с этим обращает на себя внимание еще одна закономерность, связанная с тем, что стоимость указанных объектов напрямую зависит от востребованности нахождения тех или иных субъектов на соответствующей территории.…”

The Sound of a Circular City: Towards a Circularity-Driven Quietness

“…For improving soundscape quality, natural sounds seem to be preferred and promoted [79,80]. The promotion of natural sound could be supported through the use of renewable biological resources such as the establishment of plants, acting as part of noise mitigation techniques with noise insulation and sound absorption properties [81,82]. Applying the bioeconomic approach [83] in the management of the urban acoustic environment in terms of materials and strategy plans regarding noise mitigation could be a promising field with multiple co-benefits.…”

Computer-Aided Greenery Design—Prototype Green Structure Improving Human Health in Urban Ecosystem

“…Their impact on human health has been widely discussed-green walls may reduce air pollution and noise, mitigate urban heat island effects, and regulate humidity [22]. However, as some research studies reveal, the realization of such solutions could be time-consuming and often encounters problems related to ownership, maintenance, or organization of the process with many stakeholders [23]. In many cases, the introduction of green roofs and other permanent architectural solutions demands major building retrofits.…”