Participation in the implementation of nature-based solutions at the Katowice Airport

• Location: Pyrzowice, Poland• Year: 2022-2024• Area: 2260 m2• Type: participation in the conceptual design• Client: Katowice Airport• Entity performing comprehensive project development: Investeko S.A.

Before implementation

Landscape architect and biologist Oleh Bykh, during his employment at Investeko S.A., was one of the participants in the project to rebuild the parking lot in front of the passenger terminals to implement Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). As part of the investment rain gardens, flower meadows, deciduous trees, green walls with climbers, and pergolas over pedestrian crossings were created.
In this project, Oleh applied an approach based on the local ecosystem. This means that the designed landscape aimed to create habitats largely reminiscent of the characteristic meadow plan communities (all. Molinion caeruleae) of the region. Not only were the species and spatial structure meticulously designed, but the biotope conditions were also necessary for the development of selected species. Some rain gardens replicate the vegetation and habitat elements of alder floodplain forests (cl. Alnetea glutinosae).

For me, the local landscape is a valuable resource that, in addition to its important ecological features, also represents the genius loci of a given location. What will catch the attention of passengers and city guests leaving the terminals are green islands that refer to the local nature. Such landscape assumptions can serve as a business card not only for the airport but also for the entire region.

Oleh Bykh

After implementation

Due to the significant differences in habitat conditions between the parking zone and the natural habitats where the mentioned landscape elements are found, each design assumption was adjusted to the actual adverse abiotic factors through:
● The introduction of species resistant to thermal stress and water pollution,● Special zoning of vegetation patches, which takes into account the subtle differences in conditions of the mosaic of newly created microhabitats,● Considering the hydrological conditions of individual rain gardens and adjusting the species composition to the nature of the water regime in a distinct garden.
Within the project's scope, flower meadows with native perennial species, a green wall and pergolas with climbers, and green bus stops were also designed and built. The removal of the hard surface allowed for the introduction of most of the green space.
Despite the fact that the implemented compositions differed somewhat from the designed ones, it was possible to obtain positive climate and ecological effects:
● an increase in biodiversity by creating diverse habitats with vegetation characteristic of local plant communities● Contribution to a lower degree of isolation of landscape islands and facilitating the movement of plants and animals within the entire landscape● reducing the load on the stormwater system● reducing the risk of flooding of one of the terminals● an increase in bioretention area (management of rainwater by creating rain gardens)● reducing the urban heat island effect by lowering the air temperature in the most shaded areas

Deep Eco is a member of the TNFD Forum.

Guiding businesses towards harmony with nature through expert ecological insights, ESG compliance, and innovative digital solutions.

Fundacja Rozwoju Przedsiębiorczości "Twój Startup"ul. Żurawia 6/12/766, 00-503 Warsaw
KRS: 0000442857NIP: 5213641211Regon: 146433467


2024. All rights Reserved

Deep Eco is a member of the TNFD Forum.

Guiding businesses towards harmony with nature through expert ecological insights, ESG compliance, and innovative digital solutions.

Fundacja Rozwoju Przedsiębiorczości "Twój Startup"ul. Żurawia 6/12/766, 00-503 Warsaw
KRS: 0000442857NIP: 5213641211Regon: 146433467


2024. All rights Reserved