Forest office building, Warsaw, Poland

In June 2024 a peer review meeting took place in Warsaw, attended by representatives from eight project partners. It was the first in-person meeting, during which key challenges related to the initiative's implementation were discussed, along with an exchange of experiences and knowledge on climate adaptation efforts. As part of the event, participants also had the opportunity to witness a good practice in climate adaptation: the Forest office building in Warsaw.

The Forest office serves as a model example of how urban spaces can be designed to address climate challenges while being open to the needs of the local community. 

The forest patio

The forest patio is a public space that seamlessly combines natural greenery with the functionality of an urban setting. It features large trees, shrubs, a fountain and meadows, which create a welcoming environment for both people and urban wildlife. The irregularly designed pathways gently divide the space, allowing for a natural flow between relaxation zones. The forest patio is a place where residents can rest in the shade of trees, take a walk, or relax on deckchairs surrounded by lush greenery.

The rooftop garden

The rooftop garden is another unique area, serving both ecological and social functions. Residents and office employees can plant herbs, vegetables, and flowers, fostering a connection to nature even in the heart of the city. The garden was designed as an open space for the local community, including children from the nearby preschool, who can learn about ecology and plant care there. 

The Forest office building also features advanced ecological technologies. Plants are irrigated using rainwater, and energy-efficient systems ensure optimal heating, cooling, and lighting. These innovations earned the project high marks in BREEAM certification, highlighting its sustainable character.

This case demonstrates how responsibly designed spaces can support climate adaptation while enhancing the quality of life for residents. Forest stands as a living example of good practice, combining ecology, functionality, and community engagement in a way that can inspire other cities.

More information: [email protected]

Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles Urban Park, Lisbon, Portugal

The second peer review in November 2024 was designed to showcase the partner's good practices, the strengths of the partnership and how to gain the necessary knowledge from other partners.

In Lisbon, we learned from experts about capacity building and citizen engagement in climate action, understanding ecological patterns at the ecosystem level in response to environmental changes and stakeholders’ engagement in climate action.

We also visited the Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles Urban Park in the city of Lisbon, designed by NPK landscape architecture and RUA Architects. This project was centered on the renaturing of public space through Nature-based Solutions aimed at promoting flood peak flow reduction, controlling frequent floods recorded in this location, and cooling the city.

A 6 hectares green lung

The result of this transformation is a new continuous green space covering an area of 6 hectares, and an extension of the reclaimed water network for irrigation of this public space in the future.

A stretch of watercourse was renatured with the planting of riparian vegetation on the banks. The elevation of the garden near its outer limits seeks to create an acoustic and also visual barrier to hide the traffic, over a thousand trees were planted. A creek is reopened, and ponds were installed to ensure also wildlife and birds can thrive. The area now holds many recreational areas, includes pedestrian paths and a playground. The design of the new park centered on people and climate-proof principles, allowed the connection of previously fragmented urban areas through a consolidated green infrastructure. This promotes efficient water cycle management, and public space cohesion, enables smooth mobility and accessibility, and establishes continuities between neighbourhoods.

Engagement with stakeholders through exhibitions, public debates and an international contest of ideas was essential to build bridges between the public sector and climate change forces. Lisbon needs everyone to act together now. And so does DECA!

More information: [email protected]

Coming up

• The next meeting will be in Kronoberg, on April 2-3 2025. Besides a project meeting, we'll also have the chance to do some site visits and exchange best practices and knowledge with stakeholders, peers and experts. 
• And in October, Roermond in the Netherlands will be hosting our fourth meeting with visits. We'll learn more about the Green-Blue Schoolyard Revolution, a programme for transforming paved schoolyards into green and blue outdoor spaces that contribute to climate adaptation and a healthier living environment!