Vegetable Streets in Paris

Under the motto: streets should offer the possibility to be lived in, Paris is trying to transform some selected areas to provide a more healthy and liveable way of street life, even in crowded cities. In two out of 20 districts of Paris the project has already been implemented, further such streets will follow soon, in four other districts.

The streets are designed to increase the space for pedestrians and to encourage gentle mobility. The following design elements help to do so:

• Paving Stones instead of tarmac – to encourage grass to grow on the streets
• Partial greening of sidewalks by creating grass strips next to the asphalt
• Plants growing on facades (vertical gardening), balconies and in raised flowerbeds
• Put pots and planters on the sidewalks
• Planting of trees and shrubs

With these tools the project is able to decrease air pollution and generally to revitalise the city. In addition, the sewer systems are relieved because the high permeability of the natural surfaces can store more rainwater. Biodiversity in cities is usually mostly limited to parks, gardens or cemeteries. Vegetable streets also have a positive influence in this respect. Because of all these benefits a vegetable street is planned in all districts of Paris.

The success and sustainability of the measure builds on the cooperation between administration and local residents. Continuous negotiations and joint implementations, to fulfil the needs and requirements of both parties, are the key points in this case.

Side by side with the municipality the project enables the locals to create a street life which fits perfectly into their daily life and at the same time increase their quality of life.

Link:  https://www.paris.fr/ruesvegetales