Through the Autodesk Public Spaces program, we help improve the environment of urban areas and thus support the concept of sustainable development in real life
The increase of green spaces in built-up urban centers by just 10% will lower the average temperature by up to 4 degrees Celsius.
The company Autodesk, a world leader in design software, announced that it regionally supports the Public Spaces program. This program is managed by the Environmental Partnership for Sustainable Development, a consortium of six foundations from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. The organization is dedicated to improving the environment, supporting local communities, and community development.
The essence of the Public Spaces program is to encourage and support communities to transform public spaces into vibrant centers of community life while striving to preserve the principles of sustainability and environmental protection. It aims for transportation, parks, squares, public markets, promenades, and streets to primarily serve citizens and simultaneously represents a concept of citizen participation, urban renewal, revitalization, and “progressive growth.” In this way, the program helps the community address not only questions of a healthy environment and improved living conditions but also builds capacity for future positive changes. Researchers from the research and development department at the University of Manchester found that a mere 10% increase in green spaces in built-up urban centers could lower the average temperature by up to 4 degrees Celsius. The created green spaces also help better retain stormwater, while reducing the risks of pollution, flooding, or drying out. “Autodesk is a proud partner of the Public Spaces program and helps to initiate activities in urban communities. Together with the Environmental Partnership for Sustainable Development, we believe that communities that actively shape their environment are key to sustainable development,” said David Palas, director of Autodesk in the Central and Southeastern Europe region. “Through our software solutions, our company has long supported the idea of sustainable design. Therefore, collaborating on the Public Spaces program is a natural continuation of our activities for sustainable development.” Community members and other stakeholders seek out places in their community through training, technical assistance, and small grants, and then process and implement a project to transform that space into an environmentally friendly area that enhances residents' lives. The Public Spaces program is currently being implemented in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Additional activities are also taking place in Poland and Bulgaria. The insights gained are further disseminated to other countries, such as Croatia and Serbia. In the Czech Republic, several programs exist. One of them is the establishment of an interest group association for the revitalization of a busy transport center in Prague. The area around the Budějovická metro station has always been a bustling transportation hub with many shopping centers, large office buildings, several schools, and other public buildings in the vicinity. However, the quality of this public space has always been very low. The project aimed to transform this busy, inhospitable part of the city into a friendly and well-functioning space for the public. The plan created by a total of 14 partner companies included not only a long-term vision but also immediate and visible improvements to the area. The two main partners of the project initiated a collaboration process among companies for the reconstruction of the common space while enhancing the environment for the general public. Another adjustment included the placement of a kiosk offering unconventional food in a newly created attractive spot in an area that was previously frequented by street troublemakers. The knowledge and methodologies of the Environmental Partnership for Sustainable Development come from world-renowned architects who focus on public spaces, such as Danish architect Jan Gehl, British community planning expert Nick Waits, and colleagues from the New York Public Spaces project who helped establish the program in other European countries.
More information about the Public Spaces program can be found here.
About Autodesk Autodesk is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for manufacturing, construction, media, and entertainment. Since the launch of AutoCAD in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of cutting-edge digital prototyping solutions that help customers practically test their ideas before realization. Fortune 1000 companies use Autodesk's tools to visualize, simulate, and analyze the real functionality of their designs at early stages of development, helping them save time and money, improve quality, and foster innovation. More information about Autodesk can be found at www.autodesk.com or www.autodesk.cz.
The English translation is powered by AI tool. Switch to Czech to view the original text source.