Green urban design, between the lines

Europe’s grassy tramways

Wendy Natt, Mar 20, 09.

Design blog inhabitat looks at the way that some European cities have designed their public tram lines as lush greenways, providing a variety of benefits, including reduction of the urban heat island effects, cleaner city air, permeable surfaces for stormwater filtration, and a more attractive landscape.

An article in Monocle magazine, “25 Examples of Good Urban Design,” refers to these green tramways as an “attractive combination of efficient public transport and inspired landscaping [that] should be standard as part of the urban fabric.”