The proposal to transform an old limestone quarry into a botanical garden with a rainforest zone: a case study

Nowadays, a significant part of cities is tackling the problems with post-mining areas. This manuscript is an original research which shows possibilities of their reclamation. The aim of the article is to present the proposal of developing the closed limestone quarry and creating a botanical garden. The proposed spatial solutions allow for creating a new, tourist and recreation space, maintaining the natural heritage. The work also assumed carrying out a dendrological inventory, in order to determine the existing dendrofl ora. The required spatial, nature and communication analyses, which illustrate the current condition of the area and defi ne further design works, have also been carried out. The main idea of the project was to maintain the particular biodiversity, combined with regional culture and its continuous development. This type of assumption aims not only at protection of endangered species. It also has a great role in shaping the awareness of natural environment of various social groups. The creation of a rainforest substitute in the Opole Botanical Garden was possible through selection of the existing afforestation, considering its adaptation as well as through liquidation and introduction of new trees, shrubs, perennial and climbing plants, which shall emphasise the tropical landscape type by their shapes, texture and colours. The project includes many elements, which reflect the general image of humid rainforests. The planned vegetation in connection with the appropriately selected architecture shall undoubtedly influence visitors’ senses, transferring them to the ‘wild’ and mysterious part of the world.