Mina Hasman proposes forest‑like urban design

Mina Hasman, a climate advocate and urban sustainability specialist, has outlined a plan to redesign metropolitan areas so that they function like natural forests, with structures that emulate the ecological roles of trees. Speaking at the International Green Cities Forum in Copenhagen, Hasman described a framework in which streets, parks, and building façades are integrated with dense vegetation, renewable energy systems, and water‑cycle management to capture carbon, regulate temperature, and support biodiversity. The proposal draws on principles of biomimicry, proposing that buildings incorporate vertical gardens, green roofs, and modular “tree‑like” components that provide shade, filter pollutants, and store rainwater for reuse.

The initiative, currently being piloted in several European and North American cities, aligns with municipal climate‑action targets by quantifying potential reductions in greenhouse‑gas emissions and urban heat‑island effects. Early data from the pilot sites indicate measurable improvements in air quality and energy efficiency, while city planners report lower storm‑water runoff and increased public green space. Hasman’s vision aims to embed these design standards into building codes and zoning regulations, positioning forest‑inspired urban development as a scalable strategy for meeting global climate commitments.