#UPSURGE – Conference of the Katowice Place Lab

On October 3, 2024, the UPSURGE conference on the economic aspects of NBS entitled "Architecture Inspired by Nature - Practical Aspects of Implementing Solutions Based on Nature's Resources in Urban Space", took place. The conference, one of many activities of the Katowice PlaceLab, was organized by Instytut Ekologii Terenów Uprzemysłowionych, UM Katowice, Zakład Zieleni Miejskiej w Katowicach. Guests were welcomed by Katowice Deputy Mayor Jaroslaw Makowski.

The interesting topic attracted landscape architects, architects, greenery designers, gardeners, contractors and local government officials, i.e. everyone involved in introducing various forms of greenery to cities. The meeting was a good opportunity for interesting discussions and exchange of experiences of specialists, experts and practitioners.

Speakers presented both their experiences of design, execution and maintenance of NbS, as well as the economic aspects of implementing solutions in which plants are an important element. The costs of implementing and maintaining green investments were juxtaposed with economic, social, natural and aesthetic benefits, and conference participants were able to see for themselves whether it pays to use nature-based solutions.

As a part of the conference an interesting field session was organised. Participants saw green investments in Katowice - the green wall at the MERCURE Hotel, a green oasis in Katowice's Market Square - and rain gardens at Katowice International Airport in Pyrzowice.

More about UPSURGE project