Balcony meadow

We are doctoral researchers from the Faculty of Built Environment at the University of Tampere. Elina studies the biodiversity of urban areas, while Léna focuses on optimising the sustainability potential of balconies in Finland. Together, we are launching a pilot project which aims to explore how balconies can enhance urban biodiversity, much like an urban garden.

*The survey has closed. Thank you for your interest.*

For participants we are looking for a few households with a balcony in an apartment building in Tampere or Turku.

Here’s how it will works:

  • Spring 2025: During May, we will provide households with a variety of perennial flowering (native) plants that attract pollinators, as well as all the necessary tools (pots, soil, watering can, holiday waterers, etc.) to green the balcony.
  • Participant tasks: Plant the plants according to our instructions and place them on your balcony as you wish. Take care of the plants during the summer according to your own skills. You can also keep your own plants on the balcony during the experiment. We will guide you through the entire process and provide guidance if necessary.
  • Follow-up: At the beginning and end of the study, we will visit the balcony, and the participants will fill out questionnaires. On glazed balconies, we install sensors to measure the balcony’s temperature, humidity and opening/closing of the glazing.

This study helps us gain information about biodiversity on balconies through resident experiences. In the future, the information can be used for example in the design of balconies. If necessary, more information can be obtained by e-mail elina.siren@tuni.fi. Those interested will be given more detailed information about the study and a separate consent will be requested for participation.

We greatly appreciate your cooperation.

Best regards,

Elina & Lena

Informationsheet for participants

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