Dongshin University Forest Landscape Architecture Department Volunteers to Spread Carbon-Neutral Garden Culture

The Department of Forest Landscape Architecture at Dongshin University announced on May 27 that it has taken the lead in spreading carbon-neutral garden culture by volunteering at the site of an alley garden creation project in the old downtown area of Gwangsan-gu.

This volunteer activity, in which students from the Department of Forest Landscape Architecture participated, was part of the "Upcycling Eco Alley Garden Season 2" project organized by the Gwangsan-gu Volunteer Center in Gwangju. By directly creating alley gardens in unused spaces, residents are responding to the climate crisis and achieving tangible results in local regeneration.

During the implementation of this project, the Department of Forest Landscape Architecture at Dongshin University conducted six rounds of garden education sessions for local residents. In addition, current students participated directly in planting herbaceous plants and creating gardens, thereby gaining expertise and practical experience in their field of study and fostering a spirit of service to the community.

In this season, efforts were made to enhance professionalism and sustainability through the active participation of Dongshin University's Department of Forest Landscape Architecture, ILOperation Co., Ltd., and DesignKalon Co., Ltd., which has been recognized as a model case of industry-academia-government cooperation.

ILOperation Co., Ltd. was responsible for designing gardens tailored to the characteristics of each space, creating practical and beautiful alley spaces that met residents' needs. DesignKalon Co., Ltd. produced garden items such as trellises using discarded wood collected locally, thereby realizing a resource-circulating green infrastructure.

The Gwangsan-gu Volunteer Center oversaw the entire process, from recruiting participating residents and providing education to on-site implementation and post-management. By enabling residents to participate directly as "alley gardeners," the center presented a model for a sustainable village community.

Kang Eunsook, head of the Gwangsan-gu Volunteer Center, said, "This project is a meaningful case that addresses both environmental and community issues, and marks the starting point for a Gwangsan-gu-style carbon-neutral garden culture. We will further expand this model through follow-up projects."

Kim Minhee, professor and head of the Department of Forest Landscape Architecture at Dongshin University, said, "It was a valuable experience for students to put their knowledge into practice in the local community and develop a sense of responsibility. We will continue to take the lead in spreading garden culture and environmental education through various collaborations."