Regeneration Design of Mining Brownfield Based on Nature-Based Solutions

The mining industry was once a strong contributor to the economic development of cities, creating significant benefits for human beings. However, the environmental problems associated with mining have been increasing at an alarming rate. This article examines the quarry in Nagykovacsi, Hungary as a case study, and explores how nature-based solutions can be utilized to transform this mining brownfield site into a thriving, ecologically-vibrant landscape.

Nature-Based Solutions for Ecological Restoration

Nature-based solutions (NBSs) have gained increasing attention in the field of ecological restoration and urban planning. Defined by the World Bank and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), NBSs refer to actions that conserve, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems to address various environmental challenges, while simultaneously providing benefits for human well-being and biodiversity.

The core principles of NBSs align well with the primary objectives of this project – to respect the unique topography of the site, leverage existing natural assets, and bridge the gap between the challenges of ecological degradation and the public’s need for access to nature. By strengthening stakeholder participation and promoting a multi-investment, collaborative governance model, the design approach seeks to transform the mining brownfield into a vibrant, multifunctional urban park.

Comprehensive Site Evaluation

The first step in the regeneration process was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Nagykovacsi quarry site, including analyses of the terrain, ecology, vegetation, traffic conditions, and surrounding land use. This thorough evaluation revealed several key insights:

The site’s internal elevation ranges from 365.80 to 408.13 meters, with a maximum drop of 42.33 meters, creating a large, inverted gourd-shaped basin.
The overall terrain is gentle, with slopes generally less than 2.28%, though steeper slopes of 42.51-60.95% are present.
Ecological conditions are poor, with a trend of decreasing vegetation cover, runoff, and evapotranspiration, leading to concerns about drought and habitat degradation.
The site is highly accessible, located only 850 meters from the city center, but internal circulation and parking capacity are limited.
The site’s proximity to a large forest reserve and existing hiking trails provides excellent opportunities for connecting to nature, but also poses potential safety and geological hazards.

Regeneration Design Principles

Guided by the principles of NBSs, the regeneration design for the Nagykovacsi quarry prioritizes ecological restoration and the creation of a harmonious, human-centered landscape. Key design strategies include:

Ecological Remediation: Preserving the site’s unique geological features, while utilizing native plants and vegetation to restore the ecosystem. This includes introducing climbing and ground cover plants to stabilize slopes, and planting species with air-purifying and soil-improvement properties.
Terrain Optimization: Minimizing interventions to the existing topography and leveraging the site’s natural contours to inform the design of outdoor activity zones, viewing platforms, and hiking trails.
Cultural Heritage Integration: Incorporating the site’s industrial and mining history through the adaptive reuse of structures and materials, creating a sense of place and honoring the area’s unique identity.
Multifunctional Landscape: Designing a diverse range of recreational, educational, and cultural amenities that cater to the needs of various stakeholders, from urban residents to nature enthusiasts.
Sustainable Systems: Implementing green infrastructure solutions, such as constructed wetlands and stormwater management features, to improve the site’s ecological performance and resilience.
Collaborative Governance: Fostering a multi-stakeholder approach to the project’s development, implementation, and long-term maintenance, ensuring shared ownership and ongoing community engagement.

Regeneration Strategies in Practice

The design for the Nagykovacsi quarry park demonstrates how nature-based solutions can be applied to transform a mining brownfield into a thriving, ecologically-integrated landscape. Some key examples include:

Trestle Bridge Design: To minimize further damage to the site’s geological structure, the main access road is designed as a trestle bridge, which skilfully connects the touring trail at the bottom of the pit to the sightseeing trail at the mid-level and the hiking trail at the top of the mountain. This innovative approach allows visitors to experience the site’s unique topography while prioritizing ecological preservation.

Native Plant Selection: In the central part of the mine, where exposed rock walls are concentrated, a diverse array of native hanging plants and climbing species are strategically planted in the form of planting holes and grooves. This not only increases slope stability and promotes ecological self-healing, but also helps to restore the characteristic natural landscape of the quarry.

Terrain Repurposing: The gently sloping terrain on the west side of the site is repurposed as an “Extreme Paradise,” incorporating climbing, skateboarding, and trampoline facilities. This active recreation area is designed to embrace the site’s unique geomorphology, blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.

Integrated Landscape Design: In the middle of the site, where the terrain is low and flat, the planting of lawn ground covers with purifying effects, such as Polemonium dolomiticum, Scabiosa columbaria, or Corydalis dolomitica, helps to remove metal substances from the air and increase oxygen content. The use of mixed forests in this area also helps to maintain a healthy, stable ecosystem.

Stakeholder Engagement: Throughout the regeneration process, the project team has prioritized the participation of all stakeholders, including the local community, government agencies, and environmental organizations. This collaborative approach has helped to ensure that the design meets the diverse needs of various user groups, while promoting a shared sense of ownership and long-term investment in the site’s success.

Toward a Sustainable Future

The regeneration of the Nagykovacsi quarry brownfield, guided by the principles of nature-based solutions, offers a compelling case study for the transformative potential of ecological restoration in the context of post-industrial landscapes. By respecting the site’s unique characteristics, leveraging natural assets, and engaging diverse stakeholders, this project demonstrates how mining brownfields can be revitalized into vibrant, multifunctional urban spaces that seamlessly integrate natural and human elements.

As the global community continues to grapple with the environmental legacies of industrialization, the lessons learned from this project hold valuable insights for replicating similar successful transformations in other mining-impacted regions. By embracing the power of nature-based solutions, we can unlock new opportunities for sustainable development, ecological restoration, and the creation of resilient, future-oriented landscapes that benefit both people and the planet.