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School Front Transformed by "Wanderers" with Greenery

Tree colouring will enhance the current tree population.

"Eco-friendly Wanderers transforming the school's front facade with vegetation"
"Eco-friendly Wanderers transforming the school's front facade with vegetation"

School Front Transformed by "Wanderers" with Greenery

In the heart of Pforzheim, Germany, a unique urban greening initiative has taken root - the Wanderbäume concept. This innovative project, designed by Rudolf Petermann, aims to address environmental and social challenges in the city by introducing mobile trees.

Background

Pforzheim, like many urban areas, grapples with issues such as air pollution, urban heat islands, and limited green spaces. Recognizing the vital role urban trees play in improving air quality, providing shade, and enhancing overall quality of life, the city sought a solution that would offer flexibility and adaptability in urban planning.

The Purpose of Wanderbäume

The Wanderbäume concept introduces the idea of mobile or movable trees planted in large containers or planters that can be relocated as needed. The primary objectives are:

  1. Flexible Urban Greening: By moving the trees around public spaces, the initiative aims to maximize green coverage in changing urban environments.
  2. Increasing Green Visibility: The project encourages awareness and appreciation of urban greenery and its environmental benefits by moving the trees to various locations.
  3. Combating Urban Heat Island Effect: Mobile trees can be placed in heat-prone areas during the hottest periods to mitigate temperature spikes.
  4. Community Engagement: The project involves local citizens and stakeholders in urban greening efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and environmental responsibility.
  5. Enhancing Air Quality and Biodiversity: By adding greenery in various parts of the city, the trees contribute to filtering air pollutants and supporting biodiversity even in dense urban settings.

The Redesign of the Nordstadt School's Forecourt

The Wanderbäume concept was specifically designed for Pforzheim by Rudolf Petermann and was recently implemented in the forecourt of the Nordstadt school. The redesign, which included the creation of new perennial beds, seating areas, and the placement of four Wanderbäume, was completed after the gymnasium of the Nordstadt school was finished last year.

The redesign was a collaboration between the Green Space and Civil Engineering Office, the Technical Services, and the Planning Office of the city of Pforzheim. The Sparkasse Pforzheim Calw donated 6,000 euros towards the redesign of the Nordstadt school's forecourt, contributing to the creation of the Wanderbäume in front of the new gymnasium.

The Benefits of Wanderbäume

The Wanderbäume offer opportunities for short rests or "Schwätzle" (informal chats), making them a welcoming addition to the school's forecourt. In addition, the accompanying planting boxes of the Wanderbäume can be used to plant herbs for future use by the Nordstadt school. The green accents in the redesign supplement the existing tree population, providing a more vibrant and sustainable environment.

The Wanderbäume are a unique Pforzheim concept, developed by Rudolf Petermann while supervising the woodworking shop at the Carlo Schmid School. By moving the trees around the school's forecourt, students and visitors can enjoy the benefits of urban greenery while learning about its importance and the role they play in preserving and nurturing it.

The Wanderbäume concept in Pforzheim is an innovative approach to urban forestry that enables adaptable, seasonal, and strategic placement of trees to improve environmental conditions, enhance urban aesthetics, and engage the community in sustainable city living. It reflects a modern response to the challenges of urban greening in a dynamic city environment.

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