Istedgade Green Spots and Sustainable Detours
Istedgade Green Spots and Sustainable Detours is an art project by Kenneth Balfelt Team. The project explores what nature can do for and to people in Vesterbro and initiates concrete greening. Residents and users will be involved throughout all phases of the process.
We have worked on creating green spots on Saxogade/Sidegaden, Viktoria- and Abel Cathrines Gade and Mændenes Hjem as well as some green crosses in side streets to Istedgade. But only at Men's Home (Mændenes Hjem) there was full support for a greening project. We've also had a plant workshop and several field trips with Men's Home to train their employment team to look after plants and flowers.
The purpose of the greening project is:
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To create beautiful green sustainable urban spaces
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To lower stress levels through interaction with plants
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To strengthen community across social backgrounds, cultures and generations through greenery
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To create space for the vulnerable in Vesterbro, for example through green social employment
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Developing new knowledge about the impact of urban nature on a local environment
We have 3 principles for the planting:
1) Seasons into the city
It should not be evergreen, it should wither, sprout green in the spring, bloom, de-bloom, the green leaves should change to beautiful fall colors - and wither again.
2) Species richness
Because it is the most relaxing nature for us. Because nature deserves to be in its own uncultivated element. And because it's a beautiful metaphor for who lives and moves in and around Istedgade.
3) Ecology
We must protect our environment and groundwater. And, as a metaphor, find a way of being together where everyone gets well at the same time - and no one gets worse at the expense of others.
The project is carried out in collaboration with local residents, street people, businesses and institutions.
Read more about the sub-projects here:
