The residents of Ampelokipi can now enjoy a redesigned green space in the city after the completion of the redevelopment works at the “Sofia Vembo” Square by the Municipality of Athens.
Through the “Adopt your City” program supported by the Olympic Brewery and Fix Hellas, the Municipality fully transformed the square in the neighbourhood of Panormou, making it a new reference point in the capital and offering a much-needed “oasis” of fresh air and green to all the residents and visitors of Athens.
The “Sofia Vembo” Square has been revamped with new, resilient plants.
The enrichment and restoration of the green space was completed respecting the existing vegetation. More than 1,120 new plants were used that enhance biodiversity and are resistant to air pollution. Shrubs of various sizes were selected, as well as deciduous and evergreen trees, to create a Forest Garden and ensure the necessary shading in the summer, as well as natural sunlight during the winter.
Informative plant signs in the revamped “Sofia Vembo” Square
Plant signs were placed throughout the park, to inform the visitors about the plants and allow them to discover their ecological significance. Dog water troughs, feeders and bird nests were also installed, making the park a haven for the urban fauna.
Moreover, new cosy benches were made for the visitors, and the existing ones were properly maintained.
Ecological footprint in the wider area
The use of ecological methods such as the creation of “rain gardens”, the installation of permeable paving surfaces, suitable plants and the automated irrigation system contributed to the creation of a sustainable park with a significant ecological footprint for the neighbourhood and the wider area.
Focusing on the proper management of water, a rainwater collection system was created, which concentrates rainwater in a “rain garden”, effectively preventing floods, and an automated, electronically controlled watering system was installed, to prevent the excessive use of water.
Environmentally friendly materials were used for all the redevelopment works, guided by the principles of resource reuse and waste reduction.
