GREEN WILGA - Revitalization project of the river Wilga valley

The riverside areas of the Wilga Valley, located in the very centre of Krakow, have been a valuable green area for centuries due to their diverse biotic and abiotic resources. The water course of the Wilga river has been changed several times as an extra channel was required to help prevent flooding in Krakow. Later on, several fragments of the valley were purchased by developers and intended for construction of residential areas and infrastructure for the city. These changes greatly disrupted pedestrian traffic within the site, increased water retention and affected its ecosystem. Primarily, this project was created to highlight the deterioration of riverside greenery in the city centre and accelerate water retention, resulting in reduced waterflow to reservoirs. Another goal was to create a functional and compositional concept of a selected part of the Wilga Valley. This was aimed at improving pedestrian and bicycle access and increasing the value of the landscape through minor design measures. The design phase was preceded by detailed historical, natural and planning analysis, on the basis of which guidelines and directions for space development were set. The concept includes the Masterplan, showing the new path system, greenery management and division into several functional zones. The modification of existing greenery created a space for new leisure activities like Park Ludwinów and landscape objects like a viewing platform, footbridges and site furnishings, which were solved as details. The final aim is to create a big green network connecting larger parks and natural reserves located in Krakow.