In cities across the globe, a quiet revolution is taking place: communities all around the world are working to cool cities down, absorb rainwater in case of harsh rain and increase biodiversity while improving the quality of the air and the aesthetic value of the landscape. This is “depaving”, which is aimed at breaking up and removing unnecessary pavement, replacing it with green spaces, gardens, and permeable surfaces. This movement represents a fundamental shift in how we think about urban design and our relationship with the natural environment [1].

The massive expansion of cities in the 20th century brought with it an exponential increase in impervious surfaces—parking lots, driveways, and unused paved areas that prevent water from naturally filtering into the ground. These surfaces contribute to numerous environmental challenges such as urban heat islands developing as dark pavement absorbs and radiates heat, raising local temperatures significantly above those of surrounding areas. Stormwater runoff, as a consequence, increases dramatically, overwhelming sewage systems and carrying pollutants into local waterways. Native habitat disappears, reducing biodiversity and disconnecting communities from nature. The movement was officially born in Portland (Oregon) in 2008 from an idea of Arif Khan that, together with some friends, started dismantling his backyard to create a small Eden to escape the heat. Since then, similar actions have increased and the no-profit organisation Depave was born and has removed over 84 sites thanks to more than 5,000 volunteers who have removed 226,000 square feet of pavement, creating gardens, playgrounds, and natural areas. Toronto’s Green Parking Lots initiative has transformed numerous lots into sustainable spaces featuring permeable pavement and rain gardens [2].

In Seoul (South Korea) a whole highway used by more than 150,000 cars a day has been depaved to restore the course of the river Cheonggyecheon and in Lovanio (Belgium) builders need to prove that newly built buildings can intercept water without storing it. The project “Kiezblocks” in Berlin is focused on the creation of neighbourhoods restricted to cars and aimed at expanding green areas to decrease the use of paved areas and concrete while pushing green mobility. The city of Leuven in Belgium says it is embracing depaving – or “ontharden” – in a big way. The suburban district of Spaanse Kroon, home to around 550 people, is one of the latest targets of a depaving and renaturing initiative spearheaded by the city. The plans involve removing significant volumes of asphalt from the residential area and forcing cars to share the same part of the road as pedestrians and cyclists [3]. Also in Italy, there are many good initiatives of depaving: the architect Stefano Boeri has used depaving in Padova to reduce the heat island effect in Savelli Square and in Genova, the architect Andreas Kipar, has planned a rain garden instead of the “Gavoglio” area.

Removing unnecessary pavement offers multiple advantages for communities and ecosystems:

• Improved Water Management: Permeable surfaces allow rainwater to slowly filter into the ground, reducing flooding and replenishing groundwater supplies. This natural filtration process helps remove pollutants before they reach waterways.
• Enhanced Urban Ecosystems: New green spaces provide habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife while supporting urban biodiversity. Native plants can thrive, creating corridors for species movement through cities.
• Community Health: Green spaces reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and create opportunities for recreation and community gathering. Studies show that access to nature improves mental health and reduces stress.

There are many more benefits to depaving but the shadows of the trees and the transpiration through the leaves reduce in general the temperatures and therefore the energy needs while natural soil. 

As climate change intensifies urban challenges, depaving offers a practical strategy for building resilience. The movement demonstrates how small-scale interventions can create significant environmental and social benefits, helping cities adapt to changing conditions while building stronger communities. The future of depaving likely includes innovative approaches like partial depaving with permeable pavers, integration with urban agriculture, and the development of new tools and techniques for community-led projects. As more cities recognize the value of green infrastructure, depaving will continue to play a crucial role in urban transformation.

Whether through large-scale municipal projects or grassroots community efforts, depaving represents a powerful tool for creating more sustainable, livable cities. By breaking up the concrete skin of our urban environments, we can restore natural processes and reconnect communities with the living world beneath their feet.

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