Scientists at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) have unveiled an ambitious blueprint to establish a comprehensive citywide green network spanning 200 distinct locations. Developed to help Lublin withstand environmental stressors like extreme heat, drought, and urban flooding, the two-year initiative represents a shift in municipal management. It merges existing parks with targeted urban planning interventions.
A Comprehensive Strategy for Urban Resilience
Titled “Green Systems for Cities Fit for the Challenges of the 21st Century,” the project received PLN 980,000 in funding from the Ministry of National Education. Researchers from KUL’s Department of Landscape Architecture and Design examined local planning documents, spatial data, field conditions, and public consultations to formulate 613 distinct recommendations for urban planning and investment.
The initiative positions natural systems as core urban infrastructure. The proposed network weaves together forests, traditional parks, 46 designated green streets, and unused railway corridors into a cohesive ecological web. Project researchers-including Jan Kamiński, Ewa Trzaskowska, and Joanna Renda-prepared detailed inventories for every target location, identifying specific measures to strengthen vegetation, expand walking and cycling infrastructure, and implement traffic calming measures.
Collaborative Frameworks and Global Inspirations
The initiative runs from March 2024 through September 2026. It will culminate in a major international conference titled “Green Networks – Green Systems for Cities,” scheduled for September 23-24, 2026, at Hotel Victoria in Lublin. The research effort involves the City of Lublin as the main partner alongside the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Institute of Urban and Regional Development, and the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation.
To ensure robust planning standards, the KUL team drew inspiration from international models of urban green infrastructure. They examined successful frameworks implemented in:
- Hamburg, Germany
- Singapore
- Helsinki, Finland
- Memphis, United States
- Stockholm, Sweden
Integrating Student Vision and Community Needs
A vital pillar of the initiative has been active community engagement through public consultations and student projects. Landscape architecture students at KUL have produced forward-thinking design concepts for critical city connectors. Notable student-led proposals include ecological connectors for the Chekhov Valley sections, pedestrian and bicycle bridges like the “Przyjaźni” bridge over the Bystrzyca River, and better integration paths between Saski Park and the Chekhovka Valley.
These contributions support the long-term vision championed by the European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029 programme, aligning with the RE:UNION Green Network concept. By bridging gaps across dry valleys, ravines, and neglected urban spaces, Lublin is setting a standard for sustainable urban adaptation across Poland.
