The Steps to Prepare for Climate Change project by LAB University of Applied Sciences organizes climate change walks, where climate change adaptation solutions are presented to city and municipal employees and decision-makers (LAB University of Applied Sciences 2024a). In September 2024, one destination of the climate change walk was the Hukkapuisto (Waste Park) experiment in the Mukkula shopping centre in Lahti.
Recycled materials and wasted plants
The aim of the Hukkapuisto experiment is to create an ecologically sustainable, temporary green oasis that provides comfort and nature-related benefits to city residents. The experiment is carried out by the company Blokgarden from Tampere. Hukkapuisto is part of the experiments conducted during LAB University of Applied Sciences’ PilotGreen project, where the aim is to add responsible greenery to dense urban areas in both Helsinki and Lahti. The project’s open competition for urban green experiments was announced in late 2023, and the winning bid was chosen in spring 2024. (LAB University of Applied Sciences 2024b.)
In the experiment, 40 large bags covered with recycled trade fair matting and equipped with an irrigation system, were filled with potting soil that was unsuitable for sale. Fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs, vegetables, and flowers, which would otherwise go to waste, were planted in these bags. Additionally, four benches made of recycled pallets were brought to the area. Two solar-powered lamps were also installed, and their functionality will be tested during the experiment. The lamps were donated by the Lahti-based company Tomitec Oy.
Community involvement during the experiment
An event to set up Hukkapuisto was organized in the beginning of July 2024. Residents of all ages showed up to help with filling the sacks and planting. During the summer, the plants grew well, and residents had the opportunity to harvest for example courgettes and Swiss chard. The irrigation system was effective, so residents did not have to water the plants, as originally anticipated. An autumn event was also held for residents, where Hukkapuisto was prepared for winter. During the event, the annual plants were removed, autumn fertiliser was added, and hoods were put over all trees and bushes.
Feedback has been collected from the residents during the experiment and especially during the events organized in the area. So far, the feedback has been very positive, and a few development ideas have also been received. Apart from some littering, there has been no vandalism during the experiment.
Hukkapuisto will remain in place over the winter. In the spring of 2025, an assessment will be made of how well the wintering has succeeded. The feedback received and the health and growth of the plants will be considered in the evaluation of the experiment. Additionally, the goal is to assess the impact experiment has had on increasing biodiversity. The possible continuation of the experiment will be decided in the spring of 2025.
Author
Essi Malinen-Lallukka works at LAB University of Applied Sciences as an RDI specialist. She is the project manager for the Steps to Prepare for Climate Change and PilotGreen projects.
References
LAB University of Applied Sciences. 2024a. Steps to prepare for climate change. Cited 19 Sep 2024. Available at https://lab.fi/en/project/steps-prepare-climate-change
LAB University of Applied Sciences. 2024b. PilotGreen. Cited 19 Sep 2024. Available at https://lab.fi/en/project/pilotgreen
