Świętojerska Street in Warsaw has recently acquired a new look, which is particularly striking right now, in spring. The space between the trees along Krasińskich Garden, paved with concrete blocks for years, has been completely transformed. Instead of a hardened surface, a green belt full of flowers and low ornamental plants has appeared. Thanks to this treatment, the trees, which had previously grown in cramped square hollows, have gained better conditions for growth.
The changes were already visible in autumn, but the full effects can only be seen now, when everything is in bloom. Along the street, tulips, forget-me-nots, new hedges and rain gardens have appeared. Five oak trees of the same species that have formed a line along the street for years have also been planted. In addition to the greenery measures, roadworks were also carried out. The pavement and the bus stop have been renewed, where terrazzo slabs in an elegant square format have appeared. In the next stages, the nearby pedestrian crossing is planned to be rebuilt – it will be elevated to improve safety. Modernisation will also include traffic lights and the creation of new cycle crossings at the junction with Anielewicza and Gen. Andersa streets.
Although the transformations on Świętojerska did not have the character of a comprehensive redevelopment, their impact on the aesthetics and functionality of the space turned out to be significant. In a simple way, it has been possible to give this part of Śródmieście a more friendly, green character. This is another example of seemingly minor changes to the urban fabric that can completely transform the perception of a place. The street, which was used as a car park only a few years ago, is now proof of how much can be changed by moving away from concrete and towards nature. Back in 2011, parking on the pavement was removed, and now the last vestiges of it have also disappeared.
As part of the work, junction corners and the pedestrian crossing island were also tidied up to prevent illegal parking. All this is part of a wider plan to green the city centre, including both large-scale investments in representative parts of the city and less spectacular, but equally necessary changes to the everyday space of the residents. The greening process requires patience and many plants are best planted in autumn, which means that the effects only become visible after a few months. The result, however, convinces even the sceptics. Spring in Świętojerska is the best proof that it is worth giving the city more greenery.
Source: ZDM in Warsaw
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Świętojerska before and after reconstruction. Photo: ZDM
