Sponge City – Book of Ideas

Interesting Solutions for Sustainable Cities and Districts

On October 3-4, 2024, another edition of the PLGBC Green Building Summit conference took place, during which Horizone Studio had the honor of being a supporting partner. These were two days full of inspiring lectures by experts, discussion panels, case studies and opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas. Our stand became a space for creative conversations, where we shared innovative solutions for sustainable cities and districts with the participants. This year, we used LEGO bricks to stimulate our imagination.

⇓ Below we present selected ideas that we managed to collect together

Flower-shaped solar chargers – an ecological solution combining aesthetics with functionality, supporting renewable energy, idea: Tomasz Noszczyk (Graner + Partner)
Rain garden – a solution aimed at retaining water near housing estates, contributing to better rainwater management.
Tree planting systems in difficult urban conditions, collects rainwater, enabling the survival of trees in densely populated urban areas, idea: Aleksander Lech (GCL)
Performance “I don’t mow” – a campaign promoting the idea of not mowing lawns to support biodiversity and improve soil quality, idea: Anna Sulińska (AHA Real Estate)
Establishing flower meadows instead of lawns – an alternative to traditional lawns, supporting the ecosystem and CO2 storage, idea: Giardini Polska
Retention ponds, green roofs and other retention systems, supporting water retention and reducing the carbon footprint.
Higher PBC coefficient in local plans – idea: Midori Project
Changes in local law aimed at protecting undeveloped areas. l
Small retention along communication routes – depressions along roads helping to retain water, inspired by the development of “Warszawianka” (Sołtan), idea: Paweł Wołejszyn

Water retention in suburban areas – Retention system in suburban areas, including proper tree cutting and dispersed development, idea: Izabela Makowska-Kwiecieńska (Colliers)
Urban planning! Retention tanks along streets – filtration and pre-treatment of rainwater in tanks along the streets, enabling its later use on site, idea: Paweł Kubacz
Small architectural object “PARO” – a concept from 2019 designed by GWPA, a facility supporting the care of green areas along urban communication routes with a retention function. lRain gardens in city squares and parking lots
Green spaces that retain rainwater, prevent flooding and improve air quality.
Polders – Areas that are rarely used but are key to protecting against flooding, requiring proper maintenance.
Maintenance of old trees
Protection of older trees as key elements in the urban greenery system.

Other innovative concepts include retention systems, sustainable spatial planning and green roofs on bus shelters. Many of these solutions are based on the idea of biophilic design, integrating nature with urban infrastructure.

Thank you to everyone who visited our stand! Your commitment and inspiring conversations have shown that together we can build a more sustainable future. See you at the next events!