2018 - 2020
Rome reforested, Rome
2018 - 2020
Rome reforested, Rome
Bureau B+B proposes Rome Reforested – the tree as a cure for the urban streetscape. It is a strategy in which the upcoming mobility transition towards new sustainable models is placed parallel to the gradual development of nature in the city. The idea is to enrich the city with 3 million trees planted along streets in the next decades. Basically one tree per inhabitant. In comparison: at the moment, Rome has one tree for every 10 inhabitants. To introduce trees into the current street profiles, we will have to take space from other uses. In general, the space of one tree equals one parking spot. Increasing the number of trees in the city’s territory not only helps to reduce the heat island effect and runoff water in streets and flooding events, but it will also improve the people’s health and well-being and will connect the existing green spaces into a green network.
Location
Rome
Year
2018 - 2020
Surface Area
1200 ha
The idea for the city of Rome is a long-term strategy developed in different phases. The first phase is to start planting trees along the consular roads. These streets are fundamental connections between the inner city and the surrounding areas. They are the most used streets by cars and introducing here trees will have direct benefits on the surrounding; improving the quality of the air, reducing urban heat islands, and mitigating flooding events.
Rome is the city of the imagination. Considered a cradle of contemporary culture, the city has played the role of the centre of civilization for centuries. At the same time, it is also a place where almost 3.0 million people live, work, and want to have the best possible life. In a recent report by the Wuppertal Institute, Rome scored poorly in road safety and mobility management. It also scored below average in air quality and public transportation. In a total comparison of the sustainability of transportation for all 13 European capitals that were included, Rome scored last. The report especially commented on Rome’s potential for bicycling and the necessity to create a better infrastructure for slow mobility.
