Renowned landscape architect Dennis Pappas has published a new blog post, Adapting European Urban Greening Techniques to New York City, reflecting on his experience studying in Copenhagen and how those lessons continue to influence his work in sustainable urban design.
In the article, Pappas details how Denmark’s commitment to green infrastructure—through bike-friendly streets, green rooftops, and interconnected urban parks—left a lasting impact on his career. He explains how these strategies can be adapted to New York City to enhance sustainability, improve air quality, and foster stronger communities.
“When I studied in Copenhagen, I saw firsthand how seamlessly sustainability was woven into daily life,” Pappas writes. “It wasn’t an afterthought—it was the foundation of urban planning. That experience shaped how I approach landscape architecture today.”
Key takeaways from the blog post include:
Green Corridors: Inspired by Copenhagen’s pedestrian-friendly pathways, Pappas helped design the Brooklyn Green Corridor, integrating trees, permeable pavement, and stormwater management to make city streets more walkable and eco-friendly.
Rooftop Revitalization: Drawing from Denmark’s use of green roofs, Pappas has worked on New York’s first carbon-neutral rooftop garden, turning underutilized rooftops into energy-efficient, biodiverse spaces.
Community Engagement: Just as Danish residents actively participate in urban greening projects, Pappas emphasizes the importance of public involvement in NYC’s sustainability efforts, ensuring lasting impact and neighborhood pride.
Despite challenges like funding limitations and infrastructure constraints, Pappas remains optimistic. “New York City can’t copy Copenhagen exactly, but we can take the core ideas—walkability, sustainability, community involvement—and tailor them to our needs. Every green space, no matter how small, makes a difference,” he says.
With urbanization and climate challenges growing, Pappas hopes his blog post sparks conversation on how cities like New York can blend European sustainability models with innovative local solutions.
The full article is available now at www.dennispappas.com.
About Dennis Pappas
Dennis Pappas is a Brooklyn-based landscape architect with over 20 years of experience in sustainable urban design. His work focuses on integrating nature into cityscapes, improving public spaces, and advancing climate resilience.
Media ContactContact Person: Dennis PappasEmail: Send EmailCity: New YorkState: New YorkCountry: United StatesWebsite: dennispappas.com
