Redesigned urban space: Mobile gardens enliven Neues Marktplatz
Neuwied Introduces Mobile Vertical Gardens for Cooling and Biodiversity
In a bid to combat the urban heat island effect and enhance biodiversity, four mobile vertical gardens have been installed on the Neuwied market square. These innovative systems, equipped with high-pressure mist spray technology, are designed to provide refreshment and improve comfort in hot summer days.
The high-pressure misting system is a game-changer in urban cooling. In South Korea's "smart streets," high-pressure spray sessions reduced asphalt temperatures by up to 68°F (about 38°C) and surrounding air temperatures by 5 to 7°F (about 2.7 to 3.9°C) within minutes [2]. This demonstrates the significant cooling effect of misting on hard surfaces and air in urban settings.
These mobile vertical gardens, with their integrated high-pressure mist systems, offer more than just cooling. They also provide humidification and air purification, making them multifunctional urban climate solutions [1]. The mist spray fan technology is optimized to maximize these effects.
Mist cooling uses significantly less water than traditional sprinklers or wetting systems. By generating very fine droplets that evaporate quickly, these systems cool effectively with minimal water use [1][4]. This makes them environmentally friendly and cost-efficient.
The systems are often implemented alongside shading and greenery, which further enhances cooling in urban heat islands. Vertical gardens, like those in Neuwied, utilize limited urban space effectively, reducing radiant heat gain and increasing evapotranspiration [2].
The mobile vertical gardens in Neuwied can provide up to 12 degrees of cooling on hot summer days. They are new and innovative solutions for cooling urban areas, especially in densely built-up urban areas where planting more green spaces can be challenging.
The water consumption of the mist spray system is only two to three liters per hour, and rainwater is collected and used for irrigation in the integrated tank. The nozzles are activated for about a minute when the sensor is touched.
The installation of these mobile vertical gardens is part of Neuwied's adaptation to the consequences of climate change. Daniel Ragonese, the city's climate adaptation manager, is responsible for making the city more livable and sustainable. He can be contacted for questions about the mobile gardens at 02631/802 144 or [email protected].
The "MobiGa" systems, developed in cooperation with the Technical University of Bingen from 2018 to 2022, are already in use in numerous cities in Germany and Switzerland. The installation of the four mobile gardens on the Neuwied market square is co-funded by the funding program "Future-Proof Cities and Centers" of the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB).
Recent heatwaves in Germany, with temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius in certain areas, highlight the need for such solutions. The mist spray system can lower the ambient temperature on hot days by up to twelve degrees, making the city center of Neuwied more livable and sustainable. These mobile vertical gardens aim to increase biodiversity in the city as well.
[1] "Multifunctional Urban Climate Solutions: Mobile Vertical Gardens with High-Pressure Misting Systems." (2022). Retrieved from [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360612837_Multifunctional_Urban_Climate_Solutions_Mobile_Vertical_Gardens_with_High-Pressure_Misting_Systems]
[2] "Cooling Effect of High-Pressure Misting in Urban Heat Islands." (2020). Retrieved from [https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/18/4231]
[3] "Water-Efficient Cooling Strategies for Urban Heat Islands." (2021). Retrieved from [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629621005460]
[4] "Mist Cooling: A Sustainable Solution for Urban Heat Islands." (2019). Retrieved from [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629619314864]
Science and environmental-science intertwine in the innovative mobile vertical gardens installed in Neuwied's market square. These systems, equipped with high-pressure mist spray technology, are not only designed to help combat urban heat island effects by providing cooling and improving comfort during hot summer days, but also to contribute to biodiversity by increasing it. With sustainable-living front and center, these gardens are optimized for minimal water use, making them cost-efficient and water-efficient in comparison to traditional sprinkler or wetting systems. Furthermore, the integration of home-and-garden elements like these vertical gardens can help transform urban lifestyles into more sustainable ones, as mentioned by Daniel Ragonese, the city's climate adaptation manager.
