The benefits, synergies and conflicts of green design in urban policy, a case study of Kosice city

Abstract

The end of climate change must begin with cities. 75% of Europe's population chooses the city as a place to reside. How does one maximize the supply of fresh air and provide enough green areas for built-up areas? Cities are growing fast, strengthening the effects of thermal islands by sealing the spaces, removing natural habitats and creating heat. The principle of green design is a response to many questions. But the question remains, what is green design? Designing healthy cities, bringing nature, greenery and water into urban areas, covering building roofs with soil, integrating wilderness, building green roofs and walls, water retention and recycling? The paper explains the problematic new term "sponge city" using a case study of the green roofs in Kosice.