Greening existing elevated infrastructures

Abstract

The trend of greening existing infrastructures in European cities has been growing for some time. Streets and boulevards have been reconfigured to allow more space for pedestrian use and vibrant public spaces. On the other hand, elevated infrastructures, though not as common as they are in Asia or in the Americas, have also started to be considered in urban projects. Examples of burying, demolishing or fully converting them in other uses are on the rise. In addition to causing physical disruption and social problems, these structures are also the cause of major pollution which raises the risk of higher urban temperatures and health issues in the local population. From Mexico City and Sao Paolo to Hamburg and Rome, initiatives have stemmed from the need of allowing more green and public space and less car space in major urban areas. The challenges are perhaps even more inspiring when the elevated infrastructure is left on the spot, as a support for pedestrian activities. Better quality of life and a more vibrant urban environment may result from this kind of urban intervention. The aim of this article is to compare environmentally friendly solutions for major urban overpasses and to evaluate the benefits, risks, and opportunities they generate. Therefore, we can observe if they can be applied to an existing urban overpass in the city of Bucharest in Romania.