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Metka Novak

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Nature lover who finds excitement in exploring new cities, discovering new things, and writing about sustainability. Also in eating ice-cream — ice-cream's good. In my free time I enjoy travelling, running, and walking in nature. in
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Greenery

Multifunctional Roofs & How to Implement Them in Your City

Metka Novak -
You’ve heard of green roofs and the value they add to the overall city climate, appearance, and well-being. But what then is a multifunctional roof? And why does it matter which one you choose? In overpopulated cities, the need and desire for space is growing. Cities need vegetation, proper water...
Greenery

The Challenge to Making Cities Greener

Metka Novak -
The thing about greenery is there’s more to it than just planting a bunch of trees. Peeking behind the scenes, a lot of urban planning, designing, technical research, and policy writing goes into realising each and every one of the projects. Find out what the most common challenges are,...
Construction

Architectural Design and Climate Mitigation & Adaptation

Metka Novak -
“It’s not just about water, not just about heat. It’s about humans and nature and how our cities function holistically and work together.” - Jeremy Anterola With cities becoming more populated and the growing demand for housing, many are still pushing the question of how continued urban development affects our...
Greenery

How to Incorporate Greenery into Architecture

Metka Novak -
According to the European Commission, we spend 90% of our lives in enclosed buildings. That’s quite a lot, considering how much vegetation and the outdoors positively affect us. So, why don’t we simply incorporate greenery into the place where we spend most of our time? Elizaveta Fakirova, an expert...
Greenery

Greenery: Facts & Figures

Metka Novak -
The basis for every city-changing venture is to do your research and to know your facts and data. For this very purpose, we have gathered the most important, surprising, or even uplifting ones in this list, sure to impress any know-it-all enthusiasts out there. Did You Know? Cities and Citizens vs....
Greenery

Micro-Gardening in Dakar: Fighting Food and Climate Insecurity

Metka Novak -
In lands where proper growing soil is scarce, water supply is low, and food shortage is prevailing, cities need to resort to innovative means of obtaining the needed resources. The city of Dakar managed to do just that, and more: this Senegalese community transformed waste material into a food-growing,...
Greenery

Flora Robotica: The Future of Growing Your Own House?

Metka Novak -
Let’s talk hypothetically – what if we had the ability to grow our own houses? Out of plants? No greenhouse gas emissions, no grey concrete, no building-material waste, no heat island effects. Wouldn’t it be amazing? Good news: a project working in this direction is already out there. But...
Greenery

A Little Bit of Green Among the Grey: The Case for Greenery

Metka Novak -
The United Nations’ article 'Cities and Pollution' states that cities use up 78% of the world’s energy and produce more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions, all while covering less than 2% of our planet. Trying to reduce, if not fight, this effect is therefore crucial. How? By implementing...
Greenery

How to Include Greenery in Strategic Planning

Metka Novak -
Everyone wants some sort of a green nook in their city. A place to relax, cool down and simply enjoy the fresh air. Perfectly fine, but the problem occurs when cities are too dense, over-saturated with cars, and over-polluted with concrete and greyness. This is where strategic planning can...
Greenery

Urban Gardening in Bustling Cities

Metka Novak -
As the desire for eating healthy, fresh, organic and home-grown produce grows, naturally so does the desire for gardening. But where to garden when you live in a densely populated city? Urban gardens offer the perfect escape from a busy, crowded environment to a small green, peaceful patch of...
Greenery

EU Projects Working Towards Greener Cities

Metka Novak -
Green is the new black; or rather, ‘greenzoning’ is the new ‘grayzoning’. These EU projects are the ones painting the cities green, striving to protect the (urban) biodiversity, or focusing on social inclusion by providing their city with green zones. Have a look at the projects we’ve gathered, their...
Greenery

The Case for Green Roofs

Metka Novak -
How to incorporate greenery into urban spaces? Where to put green spaces in a densely populated area? Putting them on a roof is a way to go! The benefits of green roofs are being increasingly appreciated, as rising numbers of people started valuing natural habitats. Ever wondered why that...
Greenery

CityChanger Dusty Gedge: “A City Has the Responsibility to Deliver Real, Meaningful Biodiversity”

Metka Novak -
A circus performer, an actor, and a birdwatcher – becoming the name in the field of green roofs certainly wasn’t on Dusty’s agenda. The current President of the European Federation of Green Roof and Wall Associations reflected with us on the path that led him to become one of...
Greenery

How Community Gardens Australia Helps Bring Residents Together

Metka Novak -
Community gardens are on the rise, no question about it. Whether it’s providing space for residents to grow their own food or offering a green space to escape the concrete jungles and building a community, their appeal certainly can’t be denied. But how exactly do you even start a...
Walking

Infrastructural Changes for Pedestrians: What to Consider

Metka Novak -
Changing the infrastructure is never an easy task. A lot of thought goes into designing an efficient transport system – but does it consider all modes of transport? Learn about the most important elements to consider when on a mission to make your city more pedestrian-friendly: from footpath design...
Walking

The Importance of Pedestrian Safety: How to Make Your City Walkable

Metka Novak -
Hello, fellow pedestrian. Yes, you! We may forget that we’re all pedestrians at times, as we’re so used to getting behind a wheel, jumping onto a bus or even straddling a bike. However, walking is our basic human need and we deserve, nay – demand, a safe place to...
Walking

Making Cities Pedestrian-Friendly: How to Get Started

Metka Novak -
So, you would like your city to be more pedestrian-friendly? You see the potential of your city but don’t exactly know where or how to start? You’ve come to the right place! Here you’ll find all the pointers, tricks, and secrets for creating the change you envisioned. Let’s get one...
Inclusive Cities

When You Don’t Feel Safe in Your Own Neighbourhood – The Lack of Safety for Communities of Colour

Metka Novak -
Black individuals are 2,5 times more likely to be killed by law enforcement on public surfaces, are often harassed at home by their neighbours, and only 22% of them feel they can safely bike to local parks. With constant reminders of systemic racism – ‘Black Lives Matter’ doesn’t exist...
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