Construction projects shifting focus towards eco-friendly designs and natural materials
In a bid to improve environmental quality, enhance biodiversity, and create better outdoor learning and play environments for children, the city of Düsseldorf has launched the "Lively Schoolyards" initiative. This municipal project aims to transform paved or sealed schoolyards into greener, more natural spaces.
The project, which is financially supported by the German Postcode Lottery, involves the removal of impermeable surfaces and the replacement of them with vegetation, playgrounds, gardens, and natural elements. This initiative aligns perfectly with the city's plans to invest in schools and green spaces, as emphasised by Mayor Thomas Geisel at the official press event at St. Michael's School.
Each participating school will have a unique, individually designed space. For instance, at St. Michael's School on Kempgensweg in Eller, work has begun on transforming a 250 square meter area from concrete wasteland into a blooming landscape. The design for the garden at St. Michael's School was created by landscape architect Joachim Reck from Oberhausen.
The resulting fenced-in area, equipped with terraces, will allow students and teachers to test their green thumbs. They can choose to plant and harvest fruits and vegetables or create a flower meadow for insects, or do both. Sabine Tüllmann, chairperson of the Citizens' Foundation, believes the project will teach students about nature, insects, fruits, vegetables, and environmental protection.
Gisela Minz, the principal of St. Michael's School, is thrilled about the creation of a natural area on the schoolyard, as it fulfils a long-held dream. The funds are sufficient to transform approximately 10,000 square meters of concrete wasteland into blooming landscapes across more than twelve schools in the city.
The city of Düsseldorf is also contributing an additional 500,000 euros to the project. Annemiek Hogenbaum, the lottery's CEO, states the project has a significant impact, improving the climate and quality of life.
As the project at St. Michael's School marks the first of more than twelve schools in the city to undergo a similar de-sealing process in the coming months, it is clear that Düsseldorf is committed to creating lively, green schoolyards for its students. For precise details such as which Düsseldorf schools are participating, specific project goals for 2025, and progress updates, you would need to consult official Düsseldorf city websites, local government press releases, or relevant municipal environmental and education departments directly.
- The "Lively Schoolyards" initiative, supported by the German Postcode Lottery and the city of Düsseldorf, seeking to enhance biodiversity and outdoor learning spaces, will transform schoolyards from concrete wasteland into lush, green spaces with gardens, playgrounds, and natural elements.
- The project aligns with Düsseldorf's investment in education and green spaces, as it equips schools with unique, individually designed natural areas to teach students about nature, insects, and environmental protection.
- By transforming approximately 10,000 square meters of schoolyards into blooming landscapes across more than twelve schools in the city, Düsseldorf is committing to improving the climate, quality of life, and creating a significant impact in general news and environmental-science sectors.
