Multifunctional Urban Vegetation

The urban land is increasingly being covered with hard materials, creating a plethora of problems such as heat islands, noise and reduced well-being. At RISE, we work in interdisciplinary teams to find green solutions that contribute to better air quality, local carbon storage and increased well-being for different target groups.

A multitude of functions must be accommodated in the modern cities and vegetation tend to be down prioritised in comparison to buildings and transports on paved surfaces. This results in increased risks of flooding, heat islands, strong winds, poor air quality and disturbing noise. There is a great need to work more with urban vegetation, biodiversity, and ecosystem services to create a sustainable and healthy environment for those who live and work in the city. The nature in cities affects health, partly because people feel better about having lush green areas around them and partly because vegetation actually contributes to a better microclimate. People from all cultures want to live in a beautiful place, most of us enjoy green spaces for recreation, play, or just the opportunity to be at peace. There is also a need for green schoolyards and playgrounds that focus on the needs of children of different ages. At RISE, environmental psychologists, environmental scientists, horticulturists, engineers, ecologists and architects and others collaborate to optimise the solutions that are developed with a multidisciplinary approach.