The “Water Catcher Courtyard” was successfully completed at 8 Traugutta Street in Łódź within the RE-PUBLIC SPACES project. The intervention transformed the formerly concrete historic courtyard into a greener, more climate-resilient space designed to capture, retain and reuse rainwater.
A significant part of the impermeable surface was removed and replaced with permeable areas and new planting beds. A rainwater management system was installed, including four retention tanks with a total capacity of 2,600 litres, which collect water from the roofs for reuse in plant irrigation.
A distinctive “dry river” was also created to slow down rainwater runoff and support its gradual infiltration into the ground. New vegetation, benches, bicycle racks and energy-efficient lighting complemented the transformation.
The completed Water Catcher Courtyard demonstrated how nature-based solutions and sustainable rainwater management can improve local retention, biodiversity and the microclimate of a historic urban courtyard while preserving its heritage character.