U Center is an office complex located in the heart of Bucharest that excels in terms of its harmonious architecture, which succeeds in connecting the built environment with the natural surroundings by means of green terraces and courtyards endowed with green concrete islands. This integration between the landscaping and commercial premises on the ground floor helps to revitalise life in the area.
With the aims of promoting the integration of green areas in the city, combating the effects of climate change, and promoting biodiversity and providing ecosystemic services, the authors have designed and executed the landscaping of the building’s terraces and the main front courtyard. These spaces are situated around three triangular concrete islands that function as seating and planters.
Green enclosures made with concrete benches such as those used in this project are ideal for retaining soil and allowing planting. They extend the section of available land and they can be connected to the existing natural ground, allowing the planting not only of grasses (lawns and meadow), perennials and shrubs, but also medium-sized and tall trees. This planting system provides a great deal of freedom when it comes to composition with different plant species, as there is more space available for planting, unlike isolated planters.
