Mobile Urban Green 2

Mobile Urban Green is an innovative project that aims to measure, model and spatially predict the cooling effects and social impact that mobile urban greening has on the urban environment.

Factsheet

Schools involved School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences
School of Social Work
Institute(s) Institute for Digital Construction and Wood Industry IDBH
Multifunctional Forest Management
Research unit(s) Digital Fabrication group FGDF
Strategic thematic field Thematic field "Sustainable Development"
Funding organisation Innosuisse
Duration (planned) 01.02.2025 - 31.07.2026
Head of project Prof. Stefan Jack
Project staff Nikita Aigner
Dr. Estelle Noyer
Prof. Dr. Jerylee Wilkes-Allemann
Áron Korózs
Prof. Dr. Luuk Dorren
Partner Bauer Baumschulen AG
Keywords Urban greening, urban climate, GIS modelling, meteorology, cooling effect of city trees, evaporative cooling, potted trees, water consumption by urban greening, secondary planting, urban microclimates, urban climate adaptation, urban ecology, social area analysis, utilisation patterns by urban residents, AI people-counting, the Burano Method, participative urban development, temporary greening, the environmental psychology of urban environments, cooling effect modelling, district development, smart urban forestry, urban heat islands, sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure business models, data-based urban development, urban greening market analysis, green infrastructure services

Situation

Cities in particular are suffering increasingly from the high temperatures brought on by climate change. Greening – especially using trees – can help ease this tense situation due to the shade that they provide and their cooling effect. However, in many places, large trees cannot be planted in suitable locations within urban environments without adversely affecting underground installations. Mobile urban greening in the form of potted trees (5-7 meters in height with a 4-5-metre crown) offers a solution to this problem. We seek to use Mobile Urban Green to investigate to what extent this is the case.

Course of action

The project encompasses four areas. Basic research is being conducted to investigate which types of potted trees are suitable for cooling urban environments. Studies of the relevant literature and practical experience will be used to determine how much substrate is required for a long-term impact, how much water is required on hot days in particular, as well as how secondary planting can upgrade urban areas from an ecological and structural perspective. This will be followed by the measurement and modelling of cooling effects. A measurement concept will record temperature, sunlight, wind, water consumption and evaporation. This data will serve to model the cooling effects of individual trees, while spatial models will help with planning and forecasting at the district and street level. In parallel with this, the sociospatial impact of mobile greening will also be researched. Gathering places, meeting points and transit areas will be analysed in Solothurn, Wohlen (AG) and Sissach. The focus will be on perception, social benefits, changes in user behaviour and differences to permanent greening. Data will be gathered with the aid of AI-based counting, observation (Burano Method) and interviews. This will lead to the creation of a business model comprising an analysis of the market structure and definitions of target groups and segments, while at the same time optimising the marketing strategy and the mobile-green.ch platform for targeted positioning of the service.

Result

A preliminary study found that, when evaluating tools for simulating the impact of urban trees, existing models often profit from measurement data and must be made more intuitive. The SOLWEIG Model, which models mean radiant temperature (MRT) while taking vegetation into account, found very high perceived temperatures at a measurement location without greenery. Trees reduce these temperatures significantly, as was confirmed by drone measurements. A monitoring solution for recording climate data and existing trees was developed. This data serves to evaluate simulation models, simplify use of the model and identify suitable types of trees. The installation of the measurement solution showed the cost and necessity of a robust solution resistant to vandalism and theft. The data gathered thus far suffices as a proof of concept, but does not enable more in-depth analysis. The required data will be measured and evaluated within the framework of this project. Workshops conducted with potential customers, such as municipalities and landscape architects, were used to enquire about the benefits of the planned models and the willingness to pay. An appropriate business model was developed on the basis thereof.

Looking ahead

The preliminary project clearly showed the positive effects trees have in urban areas and that this impact can be measured and simulated. This will be investigated in greater detail in this Innosuisse project so that greening can be employed in a targeted manner in public spaces. We will also take a closer look at the compromise between the cooling effect and the water consumed by employed plants, as well as their resistance to environmental influences. As mentioned above, we will also be investigating changes in the use of public spaces with and without trees, with the aim of integrating these findings into the model as well. In addition, we will develop a business model that will enable our business partner to offer simulation services and sell data in a practical manner to the relevant submarkets.