In this episode of UNS Talks, we dive into the transformative power of reimagining city spaces through greenery. Join us as Ruth van Dijken, Director of The Green Mile project and Co-founder of Blending Bricks, and Misja van Veen, Senior Project Director and Urban Designer at UNStudio, share insights on The Green Mile, an ambitious initiative to revitalize Amsterdam’s iconic Stadhouderskade with nature. Through real-time data, public engagement, and collaborative efforts, learn how they’re making environmental issues visible and inspiring sustainable change. 🌍
 
From the mental and physical benefits of urban greenery to innovative approaches like “designing without design,” our guests show how blending nature into city streets opens up endless possibilities. Curious about urban greening, sustainable design, or the future of nature in our cities? Hit play and be part of the movement! 🌱
 
Timestamps:
⁠00:07⁠ - ⁠06:01⁠ - UNS Talks Intro
⁠06:05⁠ - ⁠01:01⁠ - Intro to episode
⁠01:01⁠ - ⁠02:05⁠ - Guest Introductions
⁠02:04⁠ - ⁠09:00⁠ - Reclaiming cities from cars for a greener, slower pace
⁠09:00⁠ - ⁠14:30⁠ - Origins of The Green Mile and collaborative approach
⁠14:30⁠ - ⁠16:37⁠ - Ambitions of collaborative design
⁠16:37⁠ - ⁠21:27⁠ - Green Mile’s long-term vision for nature and public spaces
⁠21:27⁠ - ⁠25:07⁠ - From vision to impact: managing stakeholder engagement
⁠25:07⁠ - ⁠27:23⁠ - Green Mile Tulip: a symbolic, interactive feature
⁠27:23⁠ - ⁠30:35⁠ - Resident input and agency within the project
⁠30:35⁠ - ⁠34:58⁠ - Making environmental issues visible with real-time data
⁠34:58⁠ - ⁠37:55⁠ - GAR: A new metric for green spaces in design
⁠37:55⁠ - ⁠40:06⁠ - Nature's positive effects on mental and physical health
⁠40:06⁠ - ⁠40:29⁠ - Allowing nature to flourish, naturally
⁠43:20⁠ - ⁠48:30⁠ - Recognizing nature as a stakeholder in planning
⁠48:30⁠ - ⁠53:57⁠ - Starting with open ambitions over fixed designs
⁠52:43⁠ - ⁠54:22⁠ - Final message: Stop, look, and observe
⁠54:22⁠ - ⁠54:49⁠ - Episode wrap-up
 
Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on urban sustainability and join the conversation in the comments below!
 
⁠#UNStalks⁠ ⁠#TheGreenMile⁠ ⁠#UrbanDesign⁠ ⁠#Netherlands⁠ ⁠#Amsterdam⁠ ⁠#UrbanDesign⁠ ⁠#CityGreening⁠ ⁠#Sustainability

#29 Green Spaces, Open Minds

UNS Talks is a podcast by the architectural design firm UNStudio. Founded in 1988 by Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos, UNStudio specializes in architecture, urban development, product design, interior design and infrastructural projects. Based in Amsterdam, Shanghai and Hong Kong, the office has produced a wide range of work ranging from public buildings, infrastructure, offices, residential buildings, products, to urban masterplans. Pivotal UNStudio projects include; the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Arnhem Central Station, Raffles City Hangzhou, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam.

#29 Green Spaces, Open Minds

UNS talks