Several factions on the Groningen municipal council want to collaborate with local artist Martin Borchert to create “green streets” in the Schilderswijk, Selwerd and Noorderplantsoen neighbourhoods.
Translation by Traci White
The Groningen municipal factions of the labour party and the Party for the Animals are advocating for tiles and bricks with holes for plant life, designed by the Groningen artist, to be installed in the streets as a pilot.
The so-called “green streets” or paths will permit more greenery in the urban landscape. The holes in the bricks and tiles will help to trap particulates and soot, and the plants themselves will improve air quality by taking in carbon dioxide. Increased urban green space has been linked to improved mental and physical well-being of the local population.
The political parties are eager to get the project going by installing the bricks and tiles, which are available in a number of sizes, on existing pathways in order to see results more quickly. If the pilot is successful, the project will likely be expanded to other neighbourhoods across the city in consultation with the local community.
