In times of advancing urbanization, the promotion of biodiversity in cities is increasingly recognized as the key to a sustainable and liveable future.

A recent study by the Technical University of Munich (TUM ) shows how the targeted design of urban spaces can not only increase people’s well-being, but also optimize the habitat for plants and animals. This article sheds light on how the urban planning of tomorrow will benefit both people and nature by focusing on biodiversity and ecological sustainability.

Biodiversity – the diversity of animal and plant species – is the basis for stable and resilient ecosystems. In urban areas in particular, which are characterized by sealing and high building density, it is becoming increasingly important to promote this diversity. Species-rich green spaces not only help to improve the urban climate, but also strengthen the human immune system, promote well-being and have positive effects on the microbiome, the microbial organisms that live in and on the human body. These findings underpin the urgency of focusing environmental design in cities more on biodiversity.

The benefits of a biodiverse environment are far-reaching: studies show that green spaces can reduce stress levels, improve air quality and increase the quality of life. Especially in densely populated urban areas, green oases are essential for the mental and physical needs of residents. Urban greenery therefore not only has an aesthetic function, but also makes a real contribution to people’s well-being.

As part of an extensive study, TUM researchers have analyzed 103 public spaces in Munich for their biodiversity. The aim was to find out how different design elements such as plant species, soil composition and proximity to natural habitats influence the occurrence of flora and fauna. The results show a clear picture: significantly more species settle in places that have been deliberately and differentially landscaped than in largely sealed areas.

One example: on the heavily sealed Marienplatz, the researchers found only 20 species, including some insects and a few birds. The Pfrontener Platz, which was equipped with trees, bushes and lawns, was quite different – 156 species, including 21 bird species, were recorded here. This study makes it clear that more greenery in the city, especially a careful selection of plant species, plays a key role in biodiversity. The researchers also pointed out that the size of the area also plays a role – larger areas offer more space for different species to colonize.

The research findings underline that not every type of green space has the same positive impact on biodiversity. While lawns generally benefit many species, especially ground-dwelling organisms that serve as food for larger animals, trees and shrubs are particularly important for certain animal species. Varied planting that provides different habitats and food sources is therefore crucial for promoting biodiversity.

Combined green spaces that combine trees and shrubs with open lawns and flowering plants are particularly beneficial. This mixture creates a diverse habitat for different species and makes it possible to specifically promote biodiversity in the city. The choice of plants also plays a role: native plant species are often better adapted to the local climate and therefore provide a better habitat for native fauna.

In addition, different tree species can also play an important role as they provide different food sources and habitats for animals such as birds, insects and small mammals. Vertical greening, such as green walls or roofs, can also create additional habitats, especially in densely built-up areas.

A central point of the study is that the design of public spaces should not be based on a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Every place has its own characteristics that need to be taken into account when planning. The needs of the resident animal species and the climatic conditions of a district play a major role in determining which plants and structures are suitable for promoting local biodiversity.

A practical example: if you want to attract specific bee species, you should not only plant nectar-rich flowers, but also provide open areas for nesting. As bees prefer warmth, city center areas with sufficient sunlight are also good locations for such measures. It also makes sense to create artificial nesting opportunities for birds or bats in order to further promote biodiversity. The focus should not only be on the visible aspects of nature, but also on the promotion of microhabitat structures, such as compost heaps or dead wood, which serve as habitats for many animals.

The results of the TUM study make it clear that a lot can be achieved with just a few targeted measures. Large-scale redevelopment is not always necessary; it is often sufficient to design existing areas in such a way that they promote biodiversity. Integrating natural elements into urban planning is therefore a simple but effective way of not only improving the quality of life of city dwellers, but also making an important contribution to the preservation of biodiversity.

The urban planning of the future must therefore focus on the interaction between humans, animals and the environment. A sustainably designed urban landscape not only offers people a better quality of life, but also promotes the preservation of valuable ecosystems and helps to combat the climate crisis. The TUM study provides an important impetus to actively promote this change in urban planning.

The targeted promotion of biodiversity in urban areas is not a luxury, but a necessity. Cities that incorporate the needs of flora and fauna into their planning not only create liveable spaces for their residents, but also make an active contribution to preserving our environment. By designing public spaces sustainably, cities can not only become greener, but also more resilient to the challenges of climate change.

Sustainable cities are characterized by their ability to combine nature and urban infrastructure. When nature is considered as an active part of urban planning, a space is created that not only promotes biodiversity, but also benefits the social and cultural values of a community.

You can find out more about the results of COP15 and the global efforts to protect biodiversity in our article on the subject – read on here.

The photo series “Arrival” by Andreas Gehrke documents temporary refugee accommodation in Berlin. The photographer has now received an award for his work.

The image series “Arrival” by Andreas Gehrke documents temporary refugee accommodation in Berlin. The photographer was awarded the European Architectural Photography Prize Architectural Image 2017 for his work.

The theme of this year’s competition was “Borders | Grenzen”. The aim was to explore the built environment through photography – the concept of borders could be interpreted as physically present or subtly perceptible.

Gehrke’s four-part series alternates between shots in black and white and color – a reference to the past and present. The black-and-white shots show a former Stasi office building and a domed building at Tempelhof Airport. The latter was to be converted into a building for refugees. While it remained unused for a long time, there was an acute shortage of space elsewhere.

The colored interior picture shows the Hotel President, which was closed in 2015. The Palestinian flag on a makeshift shelter in an exhibition hall indicates the identity of a person.

The jury justified the award for Andreas Gehrke’s work by stating that it deals with a current topic of great importance: “By focusing on different environments of refugees, the viewer gets a comprehensive impression of the extent of alienation and the psychological effects of borders on people.”

Further awards

Three prizes, five awards and 19 commendations were also awarded.

The “Revier” series by Matthias Jung shows boarded-up facades in night shots. The photographer only used the light from the existing street lighting for the staging. The buildings in the motifs and other villages are located within the defined boundaries of a long-term relocation plan of the energy company RWE in North Rhine-Westphalia.

“Stone Record” by Daniel Poller refers to the permanent transformation of our cities. With seemingly harmless everyday street scenes, he documents reconstruction, demolition and new construction. Construction sites, detours and traffic jams form physical boundaries for city dwellers.

“On closer inspection, a complex interplay of shielding and opening, of façade and volume develops in the depths of the images. Contemporary buildings press up against the historical remnants, transforming them and degrading them to backdrops. Poller thus also shows us the consequences of a limitless real estate market,” was the jury’s summary.

Wilhelm Schünemann’s series “Those in the dark” deals with political borders. Initially, the viewer sees reflections in large windows and curtains behind them, which prevent a view into the interior of the building. “The conceptually designed photographic work conveys with visual clarity something of the feeling of powerlessness in the face of political processes and the effects on people’s lives.”

The Architekturbild prize has been awarded every two years since 1995. Cooperation partners are the DAM and the Bundesstiftung Baukultur.

The award ceremony will take place on May 5, 2017 – at the opening of the exhibition of the same name “Grenzen | Borders” at the DAM Frankfurt. The 28 best series will be on display.