A groundbreaking international research project, Urban ElemenTree, is set to explore how urban trees improve city life. Led by Dr. Joanna Badach from Gdańsk University of Technology, the initiative spans five countries — Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and Italy — aiming to revolutionize urban planning with science-based insights on greenery.
“We’re investigating air quality, wind risks, sunlight exposure, heat resistance, and pollution tolerance,” explains Dr. Badach. The study combines data collection with advanced techniques like ground and aerial sensors, numerical simulations, and low-cost tree assessment technologies.
Five Cities, One Goal
Research will take place in Gdańsk, Gothenburg, Aarhus, Antwerp, and Florence, coordinated through Urban Living Labs. The results and recommendations prepared by the researchers aim to optimise urban planning and management of green systems using comprehensive tree parameters.
From Data to Digital Innovation
A key outcome of Urban ElemenTree will be a “Digital Tree Atlas” — an interactive platform designed to help urban planners and decision-makers simulate optimal tree-planting strategies. This community-driven tool will provide a living, evolving tree inventory, supporting sustainable city design.
The project, running until 2027, aims to:
- Compile current knowledge and research
- Gather cross-city data and conduct comparative analysis
- Develop enhanced measurement and modeling methods
- Create digital platforms for integrated urban tree management
Funded by the Driving Urban Transitions partnership, Urban ElemenTree boasts a budget of €1.83 million, with €2.26 million PLN allocated to Polish partners. The consortium unites universities, non-academic institutions, and municipalities, ensuring a diverse, interdisciplinary approach.
Source: Krzysztof Krzempek/Gdansk University of Technology
The international team is led by Dr. Joanna Badach from the Faculty of Architecture at Gdańsk University of Technology. The Urban Living Lab in Gdańsk consists of Gdańsk University of Technology, the To Get There Foundation, Dacystem, and the City of Gdańsk.
The project at Gdańsk University of Technology involves the following staff members: from the Faculty of Architecture, Dr. Joanna Badach, Dr. Justyna Borucka, Prof. Lucyna Nyka, M.Sc. Szymon Kowalski, and M.Sc. Paulina Bone; from the Faculty of Chemistry, Dr. Wojciech Wojnowski, Dr. Iwona Cichowska-Kopczyńska, Dr. Piotr Rybarczyk; and from the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Dr. Paweł Tysiąc.
Dr. Badach emphasizes the project’s long-term impact: “We hope the Digital Tree Atlas becomes a knowledge hub, helping architects in designing sustainable, friendly and well-adapted urban greenery”
Source:
Nauka w Polsce
Gdańsk University of Technology
