The Department of Construction and Transport of the Canton of Basel-Stadt is currently trialling new furniture for Basel’s pedestrian zones in Birkenstrasse and Göschenenstrasse. According to a press release, CO2-neutral and cement-reduced concrete is being tested for their production. The new benches are also equipped with small tables and mounting options for awnings, while the plant troughs for large shrubs will provide shade in future. During the one-year test phase, residents will be able to provide ongoing feedback.
As the furniture in the meeting zones needs to be both robust and durable, it has so far mainly been made of concrete. However, the cement binder usually contained in concrete causes high CO2 emissions during production. The new materials currently being developed are intended to solve this problem. On the one hand, a CO2-neutral concrete mixed with biochar is being used. This stores CO2 and thus permanently removes it from the atmosphere. On the other hand, a mixture of conventional and cement-free concrete is being tested. A mineral binder made from crushed concrete and clinker rubble is intended to reduce the proportion of cement and thus also CO2 emissions.
There is also enough space in the new plant troughs for shrubs up to five metres high or larger climbing plants. For example, an ironwood tree and a wisteria, both of which are considered climate-resistant, are now being planted. The rest of the troughs can be planted by the residents themselves.
Since 2002, over 90 meeting zones have been set up in Basel’s residential neighbourhoods. The background to the new furniture is the residents’ desire for more opportunities for greenery and shade as well as a better quality of life in the zones.
