Winners of the second European Holcim Awards competition for projects and visions in sustainable construction were announced at a ceremony in Madrid. Total prize money of USD 270,000 was presented to ten projects that demonstrate the latest in eco-friendly and sustainable approaches from the building and construction industry.

The strong and convincing vision of this project consists of creating a large green island on an empty piece of land at the interface of three mainly residential districts in Madrid in order to achieve a considerable improvement of the climatic conditions. Usually such projects are not feasible due to the extremely high cost of land in urban centers. The striking idea of the project is to combine the positive effects of huge plantations on health, air and water quality with the economic potential of the industrialized production of trees and pot plants for private and public use. The open plantations and the greenhouses will be designed as a public park and enriched with a multitude of cultural, sports, health and educational facilities. 

Balconies, terraces and sidewalks are the traditional homes of pot plants. The project, Urban greening and economic catalyst, creates a green island – including a plant production area, park, fitness center, hotel and restaurant. Air and water quality improves, social interaction is stimulated. And, as a commercial venture, the greening of the landscape is financed.