Depaving, replacing concrete with greenery: here are the most "depaved" cities

In the heart of many cities around the world, a silent but powerful movement is finally taking courage. Tired of the urban scenario dominated by concrete and asphalt, groups of enthusiastic citizens, supported by far-sighted administrations, are rediscovering the irreplaceable value of the soil and greenery under our feet. The practice, known as "depaving" or "desaling", gives the earth its voice again and is a response to the climate challenges of our times.

The dawn of depaving

The concept of depaving is not new. He was born over 15 years ago, in 2008, in the US city of Portland. Today the movement has a global urban mission: to replace concrete and asphalt with greenery and soil as much as possible. A transformation that increases water absorption, reduces the risk of flooding during torrential rains, promotes greater biodiversity and offers saving shade during periods of summer heat.

The most surprising benefit, however, you wouldn't imagine: it is the potential improvement in the mental health of residents, thanks to the increase in urban greenery.

The green revolution is expanding

Da Portland a Leuven, in Belgium, passing through Australia e Ontario, depaving is proving that another city is possible. Old asphalted areas are transformed into lush gardens, small oases that return spaces to nature and offer a refuge from the urban frenzy.

Katherine Rose of Depave, the association that gave birth to all this, describes the removal of the concrete as an act of "liberation of the soil". The realization of a common dream: bringing nature back among us.

It's not philosophy

Depaving is not just a symbolic gesture of rebellion against urban grayness; it is a growing necessity in the era of climate change. Cities that embrace this practice not only make urban spaces more pleasant but are better equipped to deal with extreme weather events, such as heavy rains and heat waves. Plus, they say it more and more scientific studies on the topic, depaving helps reduce the risk of urban flooding, thanks to the soil's greater capacity to absorb rainwater.

Of course, to make depaving a fundamental component of urban planning, a commitment is needed that goes well beyond the enthusiasm of volunteers. Fortunately, cities and regions around the world are starting to integrate depaving into their climate adaptation strategies, recognizing not only its ecological but also social value.

Did I already say Leuven?

The success of depaving depends on the ability to involve the entire community: city authorities, residents and developers must work together to reinvent urban spaces. Projects such as the Leuven “tile taxi”, which facilitates the removal and reuse of tiles and cobbles, demonstrate how innovative practices can stimulate citizen participation and promote sustainable change.

I am more willing to cite the example of Leuven, because the Belgian city has embraced depaving (“ontharden”) as an integral part of its climate adaptation initiative, removing significant quantities of asphalt to encourage coexistence between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.

And in Italy? Milan is very active (fighting against the unfortunate geographical position of the entire Po Valley, the area with the most respiratory diseases in Europe). In the Lombardy city, over 27.000 square kilometers have already been "depaved".

I dream (with open eyes) of a green rebirth of cities

Depaving is an expression of desire for a greener world that becomes a concrete action of urban rebirth. By reducing concrete and asphalt, cities can transform themselves into more resilient, livable and inclusive places.

The challenge is great, but the benefits of greater urban permeability, biodiversity and community well-being are invaluable. Depaving (as to some extent also rewilding) brings with it a message.

Another type of urbanization is possible.