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Arup reveals its vision for a greener Madrid

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Marina Miceli Marina Miceli Europe Press Office,London
9 December 2015

Arup launches “Madrid + Natural” a series of guidelines to tackle the global concern of climate change through multiple local solutions like greening buildings, infrastructure, streets and open spaces in the city of Madrid.

This forward-thinking report is part of a collaborative assessment to the local City Hall and provides multiple nature-based solutions to regulate Madrid’s urban environment and respond to problems like pollution, increased heavy storm events, drought, periods of abnormally hot temperatures and local biodiversity loss.

Turning buildings green

As cities face increasing population density and shortage of space at ground level, Madrid + Natural highlights the importance of green urban infrastructure as a way to protect buildings from thermal fluctuations and extreme weather. While green walls and large-scale independent vertical infrastructure can improve air quality and acoustics, sustainable roofs can increase the efficiency of PV panels by reducing ambient temperatures, provide cooling, and create habitat for biodiversity.

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Research in the field has demonstrated the potential of green roofs and urban forests as a strategy for adapting urban ecosystems to the impacts of climate change. Temperature reductions up to 4.5 °C over the summer were reported in areas of Madrid where these strategies have been implemented. ” Susana Saiz Susana Saiz Director

As concerns rise over instability of the global food trade and lack of space for agriculture, urban farming can also be implemented on rooftops and unused spaces between buildings, optimising the use of urban space.

Greening infrastructure

In a bid to reduce the carbon footprint of this city, the report also suggests greening of existing infrastructure like transport links, empty spaces, bridges or obsolete infrastructure as a way to provide natural habitats for wildlife and spaces for human enjoyment.

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Increasing tree cover, flood capacity and providing greener streets and spaces are key elements of green networks, and can have positive effects on the economic and social cohesion of neighbourhoods. Research shows that tree-lined streets can encourage people to seek alternative modes of transport and pursue healthier lifestyles; leading to an increased sense of community belonging. ” Tom Armour Global Landscape Architecture Leader

Madrid + Natural also highlights the importance of retrofitting unused social infrastructure to reinvigorate neighbourhoods and improve wellbeing. Low maintenance greening techniques in close consultation with local communities can help overcome maintenance challenges whilst strengthening a sense of ownership.