Vertical gardens DISSERTATION

1. Vertical gardens
DISSERTATION
Submitted by:
Enrollment number:
4th
YEAR, B. ARCH
BATCH:
ARCHITECTURAL DISSERTATION

2. CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
CERTIFICATE
HYPOTHESIS
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 What are vertical gardens
1.2 History of vertical gardens
1.3 How these vertical gardens look
CHAPTER TWO:NEED OF VERTICAL GARDEN
2.1 Problem statement
2.2 Effects and benefits of vertical gardens
CHAPTER THREE: VIABILITY IN INDIAN CONTEXT
3.1 Need of sustainable approach in India
3.2 Present scenario of sustainable buildings in India
3.3 Why vertical gardens in India
CHAPTER FOUR:METHODS OF VERTICAL GARDENS
4.1 Mat environment
4.2 Structural environment
4.3 Parabienta from shimizu corp
4.4 Hydroponics
4.5 Types of plants and their descriptions

3. CHAPTER FIVE: GREEN ROOF COMPONENTS
CHAPTER SIX: CASE STUDIES
5.1 Living tower
5.2 Bosco vertical
CHAPTER SEVEN: JUSTIFICATIONFOR ADOPTION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

4. HYPOTHESIS
“Should vertical gardening,bethe Indian ‘sustainable’approach”
"With the city turning into a concrete jungle, the scope for maintaining a garden now-a-days is
extremely limited. In such a situation, the vertical-gardens can help in ensuring that the building
has maximum green cover," The creepers crawl upwards and thus do not require space
horizontally. This helps in making the best use of available area.
By the year 2050, nearly 80% of the earth's population will reside in urban centers. Applying the
most conservative estimates to current demographic trends, the human population will increase
by about 3 billion people during the interim. An estimated 109hectares of new land (about 20%
more land than is represented by the country of Brazil) will be needed to grow enough food to
feed them.
Apart from enhancing food security and reducing the ecological footprint, urban agriculture can
also play a role in city greening and water management. Green spaces contribute to economic
(energy) savings, by improving the microclimate (urban vegetation can have a significant
cooling effect due to direct shading and increases in evapotranspiration , and reducing building
energy consumption) or controlling storm water flows (by increasing infiltration). Urban
agriculture can also ensure food availability during times of natural disasters when transportation
and communication links may be disrupted. This may be of increased importance as cities, and
their poorer residents in particular, are affected by various climate change impacts. Urban
agriculture is thus closely related to the development of a socially inclusive, food-secure,
productive and environmentally healthy city.

5. CHAPTER – 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 WHAT ARE VERTICAL GARDENS?
The Vertical Garden pertains to and is in reference to any kind of plant on a vertical façade.
Climber plants, plants cascading down, or plants being laterally planted on a vertical surface or
even stacked vertically would be an example of a Vertical Garden. These green vertical surfaces
could be attached to the façade itself or on a separate structure. This research study on Vertical
Gardens is to help understand the benefits they provide for buildings and the community, such
as; reducing urban heat island affect, sound insulation, air purifying, storm-water control, saving
energy by reducing the use of air conditioning systems and urban agriculture that can play a role
in building more resilient cities.
With vertical gardening, a relatively large area of land will be converted into a facility on which
a multi-story building will be constructed. It will be located in the urban center. Important food
crops will be grown in this building on soil-less media, employing mainly the techniques in
hydroponics.

6. 1.2 HISTORY OF VERTICAL GARDEN
Natural Vertical Gardens are naturally occurring vegetation growing on vertical surfaces such as
how vegetation is found on waterfalls, riverbanks, seeping rocks, cliffs, caves, and slopes. On the
other hand, manmade Vertical Gardens (sometimes referred to as living walls, green facades, or
vertical vegetation) are plants that either partially or fully cover a building façade or other
vertical structure. The author Patrick Blanc said, “The Vertical Garden allows man to re-create a
living system very similar to natural environments. It’s a way to add nature to places where man
once removed it. Thanks to botanical knowledge, it’s possible to display natural-looking plant
landscapes even though they are man-made.” (Blanc, 2008) as quoted in (Olson, 2007). The
Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the greatest achievements of vertical gardening in the
ancient times. Also, it was considered to be one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. The
Chaldean King, Nebuchadnezzar, built the gardens around 600 BC. He is reported to have
constructed the gardens to please his wife, Amytis, who was homesick and was longing for the
forest, mountains, and fragrant plants of her gardens back home in Persia. It was an immense
project because he had to import new plants that were not native to the area. Nebuchadnezzar
planted many levels in the garden to replicate her gardens of her homeland. Unfortunately, due to
earthquakes the gardens were destroyed around the end of the 2nd century BC (Lambertini,
2007). They used a simple irrigation system (chain pump) that transported water by using
buckets to higher levels of the garden to water the plants.
Hand-coloredengravingby16th centuryDutch artistMaarten van Heemskerckdepictsthe Hanging
Gardensof Babylon

7. During the ancient use of verticality, the training of vines and plants to climb along tree branches
were a common practice. However, it was not long before manmade structures based on pillars
or columns were introduced, such as: pergolas, arbors, or arches as depicted on the walls of the
Villa of Fannius Sinistor in Pompeii. These architectural designs were used to replace the need of
natural supports. Although this technique is out dated, it is still used today in some areas of the
Mediterranean (Lambertini, 2007).The 15th century manuscripts, Tres Riches Heures du Duc de
Berry by the Lambourg Brothers, shows that trellises (arbor, bower, and gazebo) were used
around the 15th century in Paris. Over time they transformed from natural structures (willows
and wickers) to artificial ones made from wood and Iron. These new structures were specifically
designed to sustain a variety of decorative plants, and thus, becoming more sophisticated in
design. However, in the garden of Versailles these structures became an important part of the
architectural design because they were no longer used to houseplants, but more for their visual
appeal.
The first vertical garden in Canada was introduced at the Canada Life Centre -Environmental
Room in downtown Toronto in 1994. Today, with the rapid growth of industrial cities, where
fifty percent of the world`s population dwell, plants can provide better air quality, in the mean
time Sustaining the well being of the environments, human health and the psychological aspect.
As urban areas become more crowded than ever, many city centre today are finding areas for
plants in order to transform the CO2 produced by cars and building heating into oxygen and
carbon hydrates(Lambertini, A., & Ciampi, M., 2007). However, in an urban context, the
solutions often require a large area of unoccupied land. The concept of vertical garden provides
the best solution.
The section drawing of the Hanging Garden of Babylon, circa 500 B.C

8. 1.3 HOW WILL THESE VERTICAL GARDEN LOOK?
At the moment most of the concepts lie in the imagination of a number of architects and
designers. Chris Jacobs, working with Dr. Despommier, has created a number of innovative
designs. One such design is based on the Capitol Records building in Hollywood, California.
Using the same type of round design, Jacob’s creation uses space more effectively than square or
rectangular buildings. His design incorporates large expanses of glass and a rotating solar panel
at the top to harness the sun’s energy. Wind power is also used to provide energy for the many
functions of the buildings. The concept of vertical farming is beginning to catch on around the
world. According to an entry in Wikipedia, developers and local governments in Korea, China
and the United Arab Emirates are interested in pursuing the idea of vertical farms. Americans
also are interested. Cities like Las Vegas, Nevada, see the potential for growing food indoors
since its harsh desert climate limits outdoor farming. Most recently, Manhattan borough
president, Scott M. Stringer, has become interested in vertical farms in New York City.

9. CHAPTER – 2
NEED OF VERTICAL (VEGETATION) GARDEN
2.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT
By the year 2050, nearly 80% of the earth's population will reside in urban centers. Applying the
most conservative estimates to current demographic trends, the human population will increase
by about 3 billion people during the interim. An estimated 109 hectares of new land (about 20%
more land than is represented by the country of Brazil) will be needed to grow enough food to
feed them, if traditional farming practices continue as they are practiced today. At present,
throughout the world, over 80% of the land that is suitable for raising crops is in use (sources:
FAO and NASA). Historically, some 15% of that has been laid waste by poor management
practices. What can be done to avoid this impending disaster?The number of people around the
world who live in cities is increasing steadily. For the first time in history the percentage of
population that lives in cities has passed the 50% mark. The major part of this urban population
growth is taking place in low-income countries, notably in Africa and Asia. These cities are
quickly becoming the principal spaces for planning and implementation of strategies that aim to
eradicate hunger and poverty (the percentage of poor living in cities is expected to increase from
30% in 2000 to 50% by 2035).
Many cities cannot cope with the rapid population growth and face enormous challenges in
creating sufficient employment; in providing basic services such as drinking water, sanitation,
basic health services and education; in planning and maintaining of green spaces; and in
managing urban wastes and waste water. In many cities, unstable economic and political
situations or natural hazards aggravate this condition of vulnerability, for instance the growing
scarcity of water, rapidly rising food prices and climate change.

10. • Growing scarcity of water. In many countries, irrigated agriculture is the primary water user
and a need is rising to reduce water use. Next to more efficient water use in agriculture, the
productive use of recycled urban waste water has been identified as a more sustainable way to
produce food for the growing cities.
• Rapidly rising food prices. Due to increasing use of grains for biofuels, food prices in the cities
are rapidly increasing and the call for intensive food production close to the cities is increasingly
heard.
• Climate change. In recent debates on climate change it is pointed out that many cities are at risk
of becoming “disaster traps,” including the risk of severe food supply problems from floods,
droughts and frost affecting the food supply from the rural areas. The World Meteorological
Organization suggested more urban and indoor farming as a response to the ongoing climate
change and a way to build more resilient cities. In addition, various cities are including urban
agriculture as part of their strategies to reduce their ecological footprints and CO2 emissions,
knowing that urban agriculture has lower energy use (less transport, less cooling, more fresh
products sold directly to consumers) and enables cyclical processes and effective use of wastes
(use of urban organic wastes as compost or as raw materials for production of animal feed; use of
excess heat of industry in green houses, etc.).
New insights in the field of disaster risk management have shown the essential role of resilience
and the tight connection of resilience, diversity and sustainability of socio-ecological systems.
Resilient cities are cities that can effectively operate and provide services under conditions of
distress. Resilient cities can better absorb the type of shocks and stresses as identified above. One
could say that resilience is the other side of the coin of vulnerability. Rather than focusing on
vulnerability, however, a focus on resilience is more positive. It means putting emphasis on what
can be done by a city or a community itself, building on existing natural, social, political, human,
financial, and physical capital, while at the same time strengthening its capacities.

11. Urban agriculture can play a role in building more resilient cities. Growing food in cities
reduces the dependency on (rural) food supplies, which can easily be affected by disrupted
transport, armed conflicts, droughts or flooding and increasing food prices.
Apart from enhancing food security and reducing the ecological footprint, urban agriculture can
also play a role in city greening and water management. Green spaces contribute to economic
(energy) savings, by improving the microclimate (urban vegetation can have a significant
cooling effect due to direct shading and increases in evapotranspiration, and reducing building
energy consumption) or controlling storm water flows (by increasing infiltration). Urban
agriculture can also ensure food availability during times of natural disasters when transportation
and communication links may be disrupted. This may be of increased importance as cities, and
their poorer residents in particular, are affected by various climate change impacts. Urban
agriculture is thus closely related to the development of a socially inclusive, food-secure,
productive and environmentally healthy city.
2.2 EFFECTS AND BENRFITS OF VERTICAL GARDENS
The following are some advantages gained from having a Vertical Garden, keeping in mind that
they vary depending on which type of Vertical Garden is used and other changeable variables.
One of the many reasons for having more vertical greenery in areas that have little to no space,
especially cities, is that it would save energy in moderate to hot climates. Vertical Gardens can
lower the urban heat island effect by acting as a shield covering the sides of a building,
protecting it from the heat of the sun “The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation
reported that vertical greenery systems can reduce air conditioning load by shading walls and
windows from incoming solar energy, resulting in a 5.5 C (41.9 F) reduction in the immediate
outdoor temperature and a corresponding energy reduction by 50–70%”. (Peck, 1999) as quoted
in (Wong, 2009). Another way that vertical gardens lower the urban heat island effect is through

12. the heat consumed in the evaporation process from the soil and plant tissue would cool down the
building and surrounding areas as well after it has dissipated the gain from the intercepted
sunlight. Also worth mentioning, inanimate shades intercept sunlight without the evaporation
process. “Thanks to its thermal isolation effect, the Vertical Garden is very efficient and aids in
lowering energy consumption, both in winter (by protecting the building from the cold) and in
summer (by providing a natural cooling system).” (Blanc, 2008) as quoted in (Olson, 2007).
However, saving energy with Vertical Gardens depends a lot on the orientation and whether it is
partially or completely covering the facade with vegetation.
Benefit of having vertical greenery is air purification. Through the simple act of photosynthesis
the plants consume CO2 released into the atmosphere and release oxygen back into the air. This
process depends on the plant health. A healthy plant will release a larger amount of oxygen into
the air. “The Vertical Garden is also an efficient way to clean up the air. In addition to leaves and
their well-known air-improving effect, the roots and all the microorganisms related to them are
acting as a wide air-cleaning surface with the highest weight to size efficiency. On the felt,
polluting particles are taken in from the air and are slowly decomposed and mineralized before
ending up as plant fertilizer. The Vertical Garden is thus an efficient tool for air and water
redemption wherever flat surfaces are already extensively used for human activities.” (Blanc,
2008) as quoted in (Olson, 2007)
Green Walls provide a noise buffer, which reduces outside noise and vibration to a certain extent
in indoor spaces because of the layers of plants, growth mediums, and pots/ containers. By
adding the fact that plants are making noise when the branches move with wind and the leaves
brushing together; helps lower the effect of other noise. Richard Sabin of BioTecture told CNN,
Mon June 29, 2009 "With concrete walls, noise and heat just bounce off, and so people just shut
their windows and turn up the air conditioning. But living walls actually soak up noise and heat,
and so suddenly people are opening their windows and you get natural ventilation again, and
fresh air, which is much better,” (Green walls: the growing success of 'vegitecture' – CNN.com.)
Some plants have a nice scent that comes from the flower when they bloom in their seasons or
from its leaves. Also, some plants are edible like vegetables, fruits, herbs, and edible flowers. It

13. is like growing a vertical vegetable garden. Also worth mentioning is that natural greenery
provides a harmonic connection that is both spiritual and physiological effect on man by
connecting man with nature in the urban city. Moreover, it seems to absorb the stress out of our
busy life and make us relax. Finally, there is the esthetic appeal that Vertical Gardens have that
could create changeable facades/vertical surfaces as they grow and thrive. For example, the
leaves change colors depending on the season also, when they flourish, the flowers add colors to
the façade/vertical surfaces.
Vertical Gardens can help with storm water control as they act like a massive sponge and provide
a delay mechanism to relieve pressure on storm water collection/entry points during a steady
downpour of rain. Roof gardens are more effective at storm water control; on the other hand,
Vertical Gardens that have more planters, containers, pockets, or any other element that can hold
water will work better in controlling the storm water than just having vines.
On the other hand, Vertical Gardens have some disadvantages like attracting Insects and pests
living in those Vertical Gardens that would bother the people in the building. Also, they may
damage the exterior finishing of the wall. For example mold, plant roots, and other damages
from water. There is also the possibility of increased allergic reaction to pollen and plant dusts.
Finally and most important is the high maintenance. That consists in changing the dead plants,
providing nutrients, irrigation, and trimming the plants. These issues vary with the size of the
Vertical Garden.

14. CHAPTER – 3
VIABLITY IN INDIAN CONTEXT
3.1 NEED OF SUSTAINABLE APPROACH IN INDIA
India has rich traditions and history in holistic strategies for buildings and construction. Despite
this the sustainable buildings agenda currently receives limited attention in India. While there are
some local initiatives promoting sustainable buildings which include research, pilot or advocacy
projects, there is no coordinated approach to address the wider sustainable buildings agenda in
India.
India, the seventh largest country in the world, is a leading economy and home to over one
billion people living in various climatic zones. The country’s economy has been growing at a fast

15. pace ever since the process of economic reforms started in 1991. Construction plays a very
important role in its economy contributing on an average 6.5%1 of the GDP. Commercial and
residential sectors continue to be a major market for the construction industry. The sectors
consume a lot of energy throughout the life cycle of buildings thus becoming a major contributor
to greenhouse gas emissions.
Given the spiralling urban growth, the number of buildings, energy consumption and the
resultant carbon emissions is on a rise in the country. As per the 17th Electrical Power Survey
(EPS) of the Central Electricity Authority, the electricity demand is likely to increase by 39.7%
in 2011-12 as compared to 2006-07, by another 43.7% in 2016-17 as compared to 2011-12 and
by yet another 37.5% in 2021-22 as compared to 2016-17. With a near consistent 8% rise in
annual energy consumption in the residential and commercial sectors, building energy
consumption has seen a increase from 14% in the 1970s to nearly 33% in 2004-05. Electricity
use in both residential and commercial sectors is primarily for lighting, space conditioning,
refrigeration, appliances and water heating.
The rural residential sector continues to rely heavily on traditional non-commercial fuels such as
fuel wood and dung. As per 2001 Census of India, only 43.5% of rural households have an
electricity connection and more than 85% of electrified rural households use itfor lighting
purpose only.
Energy consumption in Indian buildings is expected to increase substantially due to economic
growth, construction growth and human development. The demand for energy to run appliances
such as TVs, air conditioning and heating units, refrigerators and mobile phone chargers will
increase substantially as living standards rise in India.
Also the growth in commercial sector and the shift from rural to urban living will continue to
take place. This will result in a substantial increase in resultant emissions from the buildings
sector alone and need concerted efforts to bring down the energy consumption by buildings
through various measures.

16. 3.2 PRESENT SCENARIO OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS IN INDIA
Sustainable is a buzz word, however, defining sustainability in buildings is a complex concept.
There have been various popular definitions of sustainable buildings. USGBC (United States
Green Building Council), one of the pioneers in propagating green buildings across the globe
state, “The term ‘green building’ is synonymous with ‘highperformance building’, ‘sustainable
design and construction’ as well as other terms that refer to a holistic approach to design and
construction…..Green building design strives to balance environmental responsibility, resource
efficiency, occupant comfort and well-being, and community sensitivity” (LEED-NC Version
2.1 Reference Guide). TERI, a not-for profit organisation working in the field of sustainable
development defines it as, “A Green building is designed, constructed and operated to minimize
the total environmental impacts while enhancing user comfort and productivity” (GRIHA, 2008).
Some of the key attributes of Sustainable buildings are as under6:
 Consideration of sustainability aspects in all phases of building design and
 planning
 Consideration of sustainability aspects during construction and production of
 building materials
 Use of healthy and environmentally friendly building materials and products
 Use of efficient systems
 Use of constructions and systems which are easy to maintain and service
 Safeguarding of high functionality, flexibility and adaptability
 Safeguarding of health and comfort of users, occupiers and visitors
 High aesthetic and urban design quality; high public acceptance
 Appropriate location with good access to public transportation services and
 networks

17. In a nutshell, sustainable buildings use less energy and water, generate less greenhouse gases,
use materials more efficiently, and produce less waste than the conventional buildings over their
entire life cycle7.
The country has a number of policy initiatives to mainstream energy efficiency and green
buildings as control and regulatory instruments, including appliance standards, mandatory
labeling and certification, energy efficiency obligations, and utility DSM(Demand side
management) programs; economic and market-based instruments; fiscal instruments and
incentives; support, information and voluntary action. Some of these are briefly explained in the
following section:
 Energy Conservation Building Code 2007 The Energy Conservation Act 2001 provides for the
establishment of state energy conservation agencies to plan and execute programs. The Act led to
the formation of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) that formulated the Energy Conservation
Building Code (ECBC). It targets building energy efficiency and was introduced in the year
2007. This is the nation’s first building energy code and aims to have a major impact on energy-
efficiency in buildings. It is a voluntary code for all buildings with a connected load of 500 kW
and most likely to become a mandatory code. It covers minimum requirements for building
envelope performance as well as for mechanical systems and equipment, including heating,
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, interior and exterior lighting system, service
hot water, electrical power and motors in order to achieve energy efficiency in different climatic
zones of India.
 The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has initiated several programs focusing on the
utilisation of renewable energy sources in buildings.
• Sustainable Habitat Mission under the National Action Plan on Climate Change National Action
Plan on Climate change was launched by the honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Manmohan Singh
on June 30, 2008. It encompasses a broad and extensive range of measures, and focuses on eight
missions, which will be pursued as key components of the strategy for sustainable development.
These include missions on solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable habitat,
conserving water, sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem, creating a “Green India,” sustainable
agriculture and, finally, establishing a strategic knowledge platform for climate change. For the

18. habitat mission, the strategies proposed aim at promoting efficiency in residential and
commercial sector through various measures such as, change in building bye laws, capacity
building, research and development in new technologies, education and awareness, etc.,
management of municipal solid wastes, and promotion of urban public transport.
3.3 WHY VERTICAL VEGETATION GARDENS IN INDIA
• Traditional farming requires huge inputs to sustain it, from water to potentially hazardous
pesticides to fertilizers. After food is grown by conventional agricultural methods, it must be
stored, refrigerated, and transported to the urban centers where it will be consumed, making
traditional farming highly pollution-producing. Vertical Urban Agriculture has the potential to
solve this problem and could lead to urban and environmental renewal on a fantastic scale for
India’s cities.
• Of India’s 2.94 million km2 of land mass, approximately 1.1 million km2 is given to agricultural
production. Vertical Urban Agriculture equates 1 indoor acre with 10 outdoor acres of
production capacity. We could potentially reduce India’s agricultural land to 110,000 km2 and
increase forest cover to a maximum of 1.7 million km2. Increasing forest cover leads to healing
the Earth and undoing the damage that years of agricultural production have wrought on the land.
Forest cover is a great asset to exports, because forest-based industries like wood, paper, etc.,
can earn India significant foreign exchange. Forested land can also attract tourism. From a
development perspective, forested land supports the poorest of the poor and can become part of
an integral strategy for rebalancing India’s skewed wealth distribution. We cannot deny that
forests are good for the Earth, and, as India’s per capita energy consumption rises, increasing its
forest cover could have significant environmental benefits.
• In India, especially, we will most likely face an acute water crisis. In the southern Indian states of
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, large proposals – including the Australian- and Singapore-
financed Odyssey Science City, to be built over 65,000 acres at a cost exceeding $10 billion –
have hit a road block where water supply is concerned.

19. CHAPTER – 4
METHODS OF VERTICAL GARDEN
4.1 Mat environment
The mat environment or support to grow plant on a wall is Patrick Blanc’s type of green wall.
Here there is no earth or heavy substrate. To Patrick Blanc, earth is just a way to stabilize
Vegetation; plants do not feed on earth but on the mineral inside. Therefore this system is quite
simple. On a bearing wall is fixe a metal frame. The frame has a double advantage. It carries the
all structure. It lets air run between the wall and the living wall, so it assures the cooling effect
that a green wall can have. Then a PVC plate is fixe onto the frame. Then the plants support: the
felt mat is stapled onto the plate. The felt must not be a material which can rot and must have a
high capillary power. Then seeds and plants (mature or not) are fixed onto the felt. Since there is
no earth to retain the water, a collector is installed at the bottom of the wall. This collector
contains the solution that feeds plants. The solution is pump on top of the wall through a hidden
pipe that let it slowly run into the felt.
Advantages of the system:

20. It is a light system and therefore does not know any high limits. Only the capacity of the pump
needs to be adjusted.
It has also a great quantity of plants and they are not stack together or in rows or columns. This
gives at high liberty of form and choice regarding plants, colors, density and shapes.
There is no waiting time to see the result. It looks finished right after the installation. This system
can be use indoor and outdoor.
Disadvantages of the system:
Because of the absence of soil, the water runs quickly through the system. If plants are not
watered properly and frequently, they can quickly die. The living wall needs a constant watering.
Also, the watering solution is a fragile chemical balance as the system is soilless. It needs to control
and adjust often.
Best suitable for indoor use where it is easier to control the pH of the solution (not affected by
rain water) and furthermost because the roots do not tolerate frost.
Living Wall on mat environment at the Icon Hotel, Hong Kong

21. Mat substrate’s maintenance:
As the system is soilless, there is a little retention of water and minerals, so the system needs
regular inspection. The watering system must be in good working order, pumps filters must be
change when needed and the water/fertilizer liquid needs to be check and control on daily basis.
The vegetation should be trim once or twice a year so it keeps its boundaries. Constructors will
often hire gardening companies to do the maintenance.
In case of dead plants, they must be kept and insert into the mat, so the presence of organic
material rise and so does the water & minerals retention.
If not controlled on regular basis, this system can turn to a disaster. Plants can quickly die and all
sections of wall must be replaced by changing big parts of the mat and replanting. But generally,
this type of living wall as a good reputation and a life span from 15-20 years
Mat substrate’s cost:
Manufacturers do not give their prices easily; it is always according to the project. But an
average price was estimated to Rs.3500 per m2 in 2006. This price can be divided as follow6:
The labour, which represents 30% of the total pricThe materials (frame, mat, watering system,
plants...), which represent 40% of the total price, The management & conception cost, which are
10% of the total price, The administration cost, which represent 5% of the total price, The
margin, which is 10% of the total price, And since this concept is protected: the copyrights,
which are 3% of the total price
4.2 Structural environment
A living wall with structural environment means that vegetation will grow in blocks. Blocks can
have various shape and size. They can contain mats or earth. It is the most common system
proposed by companies. The construction of such a living wall is close to the above system. A
metal frame carries prefabricated panels. These panels contain cages or boxes of soil/substrates
where plants will root. The construction is illustrated and described underneath .
A: If the wall is made with organic material then a DPC is fixed underneath the frame.

22. The steel frame is separated from the wall by a joint.
In function of the manufacturers the frame can be equipped with horizontal mounting strips, so
the modular elements can be fixed on it.
When the living wall is equipped with an irrigation system; the frame is mounted on the wall
with spacer so there is place enough for the connections of the water tubing.
Living wall’s construction
A: Steel frame.
B: Drip tray
C: Modular cage/box/panel
D: Substrate
E: Plants
F: Metal frame
G: Irrigation system
B: The drip tray is used to pick up the dead vegetation and water that could drop off the wall.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G

23. A drip tray is not necessary for an outdoor installation. If not equipped, the excess of water will
run into the ground through a filter layer made with gravel or stone. If the wall is equipped with a
drip tray, which is highly recommended indoor; then the drip tray can be a basin. The basin will
be the source of the irrigation system.
C: Cages boxes or other panels are always prefabricated. They are clever system that can carries
substrate and plants. Metal cages can be strong enough to carry their own weigh up to 6m and
are fixed on a stabilizing wall without any frame support.
The objective here is simplicity. Containers are made with modular dimension, they are equipped
with a clip system so they are easy to fix on their support and allow a water dripping system to
run through them.
The main difference between these supports is the thickness: cages and boxes are 15-20cm,
panels are 10cm.
D: Substrates will often be fibers like coconuts fiber or any lightweight growing media except
for the trays. The trays contain earth which is covered with fibre to obtain a better finish and also
to avoid dirt. Substrates can also be a mat medium fixed on a rigid modular panel.
E: Plants are chosen at the design phase by clients. They are selected in function of light,
temperature conditions and geographic situation.
F: Metal frame gives the final touch to the living wall. It hides piping and framing.
G: The irrigation system is composed of a water reserve (a basin), a pump, vertical and
horizontal piping and a monitoring room. It can be connect to the public water system or to a rain
water collector system.
Advantages of the system:
These systems have many advantages such as:
They have a very quick erection time: 30m2/day, which reduce the labour cost on a building site.
Also the quick presence of the installation team does not bother the other trades.

24. They are strong and robust systems which are perfect for outdoor use. They can resist to high
wing, storm water, seismic activity, and frost.
They are easy to combine with other ecological system like photovoltaic panels and ventilation
systems. Extra piping can run into the substrate or along framing.
They have low water consumption. As the water is distributed into the system, it is absorbed by
substrates and plant, therefore there is little evaporation. They have a simple maintenance as
show bellow.
Disadvantages of the system:
The final result must wait. After installation, leaves do not cover the total surface of the living
wall. So spaces of the panels are visible up to a year after implementation.
They are heavy, except the one with mat media. They can weight from 50 to 100kg when wet.
They are thicker, 10cm extra, than living walls with mat environment. As they are heavier, they
required a stronger and thicker structure.
They are shape restricted. Since they are square or rectangular panels, they do not authorize a
large variety of shapes and they cannot follow a high curve wall.
Structural environment’s maintenance:
As the panels have substrate, they retain water and minerals, so they do not require a lot of
attention. Only a weekly control of the watering system is sufficient.
In case of a link in the watering system or if plants died, panels are removed without any
difficulty and be quickly replace.
The vegetation should be trim once or twice a year so it keeps its boundaries. Constructors will
often hire gardening companies to perform the maintenance services.
In general, these systems have a very good reputation. Due to their strength, they have low
maintenance costs and a high life span (15-30years).

25. Structural environment’s cost:
Depending of the system, at living wall on structural environment can cost between 4000 to 8600
m2 according to Canadian prices. Australian prices give a range between 5424 to 9763 /m2.
This makes structural environment the more expensive choice for living wall, but it is cheaper
maintenance and it can be use for different purposes
4.3 Parabienta from Shimizu Corp
Parabeinta is a panel-type wall greening system that is developed by Shimizu Crop, a major
Japanese construction company, and co- developed by Minoru Industrial Co, an agricultural
machinery manufacturer. It is a lightweight, low-cost green wall panel-type unit that allows
flexibility in wall design by combining different panel styles and various plant varieties. Also,
This system is not attached directly to the surface and can be placed at an accommodating
distance away from the wall. The growth medium is a solid lightweight soil that has excellent
water retention and drainage properties and comes in a 5cm (1.96”) thick sponge-like sheet of
polyester blended soil that has been heated with steam and molded. This system is using a simple
water drip system that sprays water throughout the panels. Overall, this system is unique because
it is considered one of the most lightly cost-effective unit-type green wall systems.

26. Parabienta green panels and how it could fully orpartially cover a façade

27. 4.4 HYDROPONICS
Hydroponics (From the Greek words hydro, water and ponos, labor) is a method of growing
plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown
with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite,
gravel, mineral wool, or coconut husk.
Plants that are not traditionally grown in a climate would be possible to grow using a controlled
environment system like hydroponics. During World War II produce was grown with
hydroponics on the barren Pacific Islands. According to a 1938 Times magazine article, this was
one of the first times that commercial use of hydroponics was used on such a large scale to feed
people. This group of islands was used as a refueling stop for Pan-Am Airways and the food was
used to feed the staff and crew. This means that salad greens could possibly be grown in
Antarctica or even the Mojave Desert. NASA has also looked to utilize hydroponics in the space
program. Ray Wheeler, plant physiologist at Kennedy Space Center’s Space Life Science Lab,
believes that hydroponics will create advances within space travel. He terms this as “a life
support system with the biological component of growing plants—called a bioregenerative life
support system. It has several benefits for NASA.” These Scientists are researching how
different amounts of light, temperature and carbon dioxide, along with plant species can be
grown and cultivated on planets like Mars.

28. ADVANTAGES
Some of the reasons why hydroponics is being adapted around the world for food production are
the following:
 No soil is needed
 The water stays in the system and can be reused- thus, lower water costs
 It is possible to control the nutrition levels in their entirety- thus, lower nutrition costs
 No nutrition pollution is released into the environment because of the controlled system
 Stable and high yields
 Pests and diseases are easier to get rid of than in soil because of the container's mobility
Today, hydroponics is an established branch of agronomy. Progress has been rapid, and results
obtained in various countries have proved it to be thoroughly practical and to have very definite
advantages over conventional methods of horticulture. The two chief merits of the soil-less
cultivation of plants are, first, much higher crop yields, and second, hydroponics can be used in
places where in-ground agriculture or gardening is not possible.
DISADVANTAGES
The hydroponic conditions (presence of fertilizer and high humidity) create an environment that
stimulates salmonella growth.[6] Other disadvantages include pathogen attacks such as damp-off
due to Verticillium wilt caused by the high moisture levels associated with hydroponics and
overwatering of soil based plants. Also, many hydroponic plants require different fertilizers and
containment systems

29. 4.5 TYPES OF PLANTS AND THEIR DESCRIPTION
Plant type Description
Annuals Despite the technical definition of an
annual having a one-year life cycle, in
many horticultural circles, an annual is
any plant that blooms within the first
year, whether or not it survives another
year.
Palms Are mostly tropical evergreen members
of the Palmae family.
Perennials A perennial is any plant that lives three
years or more, some year round and
others not. Perennials are often planted in
beds and borders to achieve a natural
growth look.
Shrubs Are woody plants usually with multiple
trunks and branches arising from near the
roots. In the cultivated landscape, shrubs
provide structure, texture and color, and
many can be pruned to form hedges and
topiary figures.
Grass The huge grass family (Gramineae)
includes food and forage grasses such as
corn, wheat and oats, sod-forming grasses
like Bermuda and St. Augustine, and the
ornamental grasses.
Trees Trees, which are woody plants with a
single trunk and a distinct canopy, can be
broad-leaved or needle-leaved and
evergreen or deciduous. Learn more
about the large varieties of trees and
which ones might be best for your
landscape.
Vines Vines can be trained on arbors or trellises
for landscaping purposes and are ideal for
shading outdoor areas. Generally
speaking, vines either grow with the help
of tendrils, root hairs, or twining stems or
they extend over the ground. Also, used
as ground covers where mowing is not
practical.

30. Bulbs A usually subterranean and often globular
bud having fleshy leaves emergent at the
top and a stem reduced to a flat disk,
rooting from the underside, as in the
onion and lily.
Succulents Succulents are plants with thick, fleshy,
juicy stems and leaves, water-storage
adaptations for life in arid or rocky
environments. The cactus family
(Cactaceae) includes some 2000 species,
most of which are succulents.
EXAMPLE OF PLANTS WITH SPECIAL FEATURES
Special Feature Examples
Fast growing Violet trumpet vine, kudzu vine, morning
glory, and others.
Drought tolerance Moss rose, south American air plant, beach
sunflower, and others.
Attractive foliage English ivy, algerian ivy, parsley, lettuce,
and others.
Fragrant Night blooming jasmine, lily magnolia,
rosemary, mexican tarragon, and others.
Vegetables Tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, tomatillos,
lettuce, and others.
Fruits Strawberries, grapes, passion fruits, kiwi,
and others.
Herbs Rosemary, mint, oregano, cilantro, thyme,
basil, sage, lavender, and others.
Edible flowers Dill, day lily, chives, nasturtiums, and
others.
Medicine Medical use: Comfrey, also known as
knitbone, this plant can heal by placing a
leaf over an injury like if it was a bandage
to aid the healing process. Also, called
bruisewort and it is known to reduce
swelling and bruising when the leaves are
smashed and applied as compress. Other
examples of medical plants; Aloe Vera,
eucalyptus, chamomile, and others.
Other products Rubber plant that produces latex a gummy
sap that could be turned into rubber.

31. CHAPTER - 5
GREEN ROOF COMPONENTS
Green roofs consist of both horticultural elements and traditional roofing components.
There are three distinct layers in a green roof from the bottom (Barrio, 1998) – elements
that provide structural integrity; an engineered growing medium (which may or may not
include soil) and the plant canopy (components selected as per particular application).
illustrates the various components in a green roof system.
Green Roof Assembly showing the various layers (Snodgrass & Mclntyre, 2010)
1. Roof Deck,Insulation,waterproofing
2. Protection Layer –root barrier
3. Drainage Layer
4. Root permeablefilter layer
5. Growing Media
6. Vegetation, Plants

32. 1 . Structural Layer
The components of the structural layer consist of the roof deck (Snodgrass & Mclntyre,
2010); the protection layer to contain the roots and growing medium, while allowing
water penetration; a drainage layer and retention layer (sometimes with built in water reservoirs);
a root repellant filter layer (made up of filter mats to protect the growth
media from moving); along with the waterproofing membrane (Peck, 2008).
(i) Roof Deck, waterproofing and insulation - The most important layer on a green roof is
its decking, which can be concrete, wood, metal, plastic, gypsum or composite as it
determines whether the structure is capable of taking the load of the green roof (Cantor,
2008). Installation of a green roof requires additional structural support based on the
increase in dead and live load (due to the growth medium); additional water retention.
Buildings with concrete decks are excellent contenders for green roofs as they can take
the additional weight of the green roofs and do not require extra support which is
otherwise for waterproofing a metal deck (N. Dunnett & Kingsbury, 2008). A reliable
waterproofing layer and insulation on the deck (figure 2.11) contribute towards the
success of a green roof installation.
Waterproofing - The primary purpose of waterproofing is to keep the unwanted moisture
from rain and condensation away from the structure below. The waterproofing membrane
is the primary protective element of the slab and is typically below all the components of
a green roof system (figure 2.11) (Weiler & Barth, 2009). There are three major roofing
types for roofs – Built up membrane, single ply membrane and Fluid applied membrane
(Osmundson, 1999). It is important that selection of waterproofing membrane is in
accordance with specification of other components within the green roof system.
Insulation – The roof is the primary location for heat transfer and the insulation restricts
the transfer of heat energy through the roof by creating a barrier between spaces of

33. different temperature (Osmundson, 1999). The insulation acts as a thermal break and
reduces condensation on surfaces that are exposed to both hot and cold on opposite sides
(N. Dunnett & Kingsbury, 2008). Green roof systems add mass and insulation over the
structural decking, but cannot replace the insulation because their insulating properties
depend upon depth and moisture content of growing medium (Weiler & Barth, 2009
Extensive Green Roof System without insulation showing the roof deck, waterproofing membrane
(ii) Protection Layer - As green roofs contain living and growing materials, a protection
layer and a root barrier are one of the most important elements of the assembly (Luckett,
2009). As roots grow they can penetrate the waterproofing membrane and create leak
locations. The root barrier placed above the membrane ensures that no roots pass through and
harm the membrane (NCRA, 2007). A protection course shields the water proofing membrane
from damage after it has been installed.
(iii) Drainage and retention Layer – A drainage course allows moisture to move laterally
through the green roof system. It prevents oversaturation, ensures root ventilation and

34. provides additional space for the roots to grow (figure 2.13). It is a porous, continuous
layer over the entire roof surface just above the concrete slab (Snodgrass & Mclntyre,
2010). As moisture is essential for successful plant propagation, a moisture retention
layer retains or stores moisture for plant growth. It is an absorptive mat and which is
typically located above the drainage layer or above the aeration layer (NCRA, 2007).
(iv) Root Permeable filter Layer – The filter layer separates the growing medium from
the drainage layer and protects the medium from shifting and washing away. This layer
restricts the flow of fine soil particles and other contaminants while allowing water to
pass through freely to avoid clogging (N. Dunnett & Kingsbury, 2008). They are often
made of tightly woven fabric and are in the form of filter cloth or mats (Weiler & Barth, 2009).
(v) Growing Media
The growing media or substrate in a green roof should strike a balance between good
moisture retention capacity and free draining properties of traditional soil (N. Dunnett &
Kingsbury, 2008). It should absorb and supply nutrients and retain its volume over time
to encourage plant growth. Traditionally, well drained sandy loam was used as the
growing medium for a green roof(Cantor, 2008). Its weight and ability to clog drainage
layers and fabric lead to use of organic matter as a growing media. Lighter less rich and
more porous mixes than soil reduce weight of the growing medium and save cost of
structural support (Snodgrass, 2006).
There are four factors that govern the suitability of a growth media. They are - water
holding capacity, degree of drainage, fertility for vegetation and density of the growing
media. The growing media should also be able to resist heat and other factors that
damage normal roof (Snodgrass & Mclntyre, 2010). As organic content; pH and nutrient

35. levels, weight, porosity, and water retention capacity of the growing media affect the
growth of plants (Weiler & Barth, 2009) it is important to select the substrate carefully.
(vi) Vegetative Layer
The selection of appropriate plants is essential to both the aesthetic and environmental
function of the green roof. There are various planting propagation methods like pre
cultivated mats, modular systems, plugs, cuttings and seeds, all of which vary by cost and
type of coverage desired (Earth Pledge, 2005). Selection of plants requires consideration
as traditional rules for ground level plant selection do not work on green roofs due to the
environmental and geographical location. Microclimate conditions on the roof like sun,
shade and wind patterns which do not affect the ground gardens influence the growth of
plants on the rooftop (Earth Pledge, 2005). Thus, plant variety needs to be tougher and
less nutrient reliant than ones on the ground(Snodgrass & Snodgrass, 2006).
Plants cool the air around the rooftop through evapo-transpiration (figure 2.15) and
shading from the plant cover. Evapo-transpiration is the sum effect of evaporation and plant
transpiration from the surface of the vegetation that results in the cooling of the surface as water
evaporates from it. Reductions of up to 90% in solar gain on roof area shaded by plant cover
compared to un-shaded location can be achieved and indoor temperature decrease of 3-4˚C..

36. CHAPTER – 6
CASE STUDIES

37. LIVING TOWER
SOA ARCHITECTS

38. PROJECT DETAILS
 Partners: Lafarge Cimbéton
 Date: 2006
 Architect: SOA Architectes , Pierre Sartoux & Augustin Rosenstiehl
 Collaborators: Martin Frei et Carlos Alvarez (chefs de projet), Elsa Junod(responsable
infographie); manager développement durable: Koudjo Aidam
 Engineering Consultant: SETEC (Paris) & Dr Dickson Despommier (Columbia University)
 Mixed program: offces, housing, shopping and horticultural hydroponic production.
 Levels: 30
 Total area: 50 470 sq.m
 Cost: 98 100 000 €HT
 Height: 112 m without wind mill (140m with wind
mill)
 Energy:
· photovoltaic panels : 3.000m² on façade
· solar hot water on roof : 900m²
· a wind factory of 2 wind mill on roof
PROJECT BRIEF
With a topographic game of opposition between full
and unfilled spaces, the system of the Living Tower is designed as an autonomous ecological
machine which associates places of production, places of consumption and spaces of life. The
full spaces systematically fulfill the requirements of housing and the o‡ces, in term of comfort,
heat insulation, acoustic and sunning, while the unfilled spaces can adapt to various functions of
production.
The production can be directly related to local consumption (as in the out-ground greenhouses)
or more widely feed the district, the city, the country or the whole world. The residences and

39. o‡ces entwine with the unfilled spaces (cultures o¢-ground, hypermarkets, factories) making it
likely to release additional eyesights on an agricultural territory in urban environment.
The typology of the Tour Vivante declines naturally. The association of full and the unfilled
spaces can be carried out on variable heights and shapes. The interweaving creates new spaces in
a tower, possibilities of exposures and rich and varied yields.The concept of log-lasting
development becomes a tangible reality dint the association of spaces of production, from an
ecological and social point of view.
CONSTRUCTIVE SYSTEM FOR A TOWER OF 30 FLOORS
The Tour Vivante includes 30
floors, for a height of 112m
(except wind mills). Its hold
on the ground and its plates
measure 25x48m. Its
structural system entirely lies
on concrete technology. The
structural design is strongly
associated the architectural
concept of the tower. The
idea of an opposition between full spaces (offices and residences) and unfilled spaces
(greenhouses) requires to build a tower without peripheral weight-beariers. To achieve this goal,
the core of the tower is structured to take the supports of wind-bracing and the totality of the
descents of load. It breaks up into three parts.The core of 8m X 30m which includes vertical
circulations and allotment of the floors. The proportion of this core with double skin matches
with the outline of the tower from a practical point of view.

40. STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
A PERIPHERAL CONCRETE VEILS SYSTEM
In BHP, they girdle this core which makes it possible to ensure the wind-bracing of the tower
and the recovery of descents of loads by the intermediary of the consoles. The sti¢ness of the
core is ensured by this additional footing of an average of 2m which brings back the total width
to 12m. The thickness of these veils increases according to the descent of the loads.
If it is considered that this cores made up must be in a minimum ratio of 1/10e total height of the
tower, 12m to ensure easily the wind-bracing of the unit tower wind machine.
This system of veils enables to associate structure, architectural space and function coherently.
Indeed, this peripheral band of 2 m all the humid technical premisesof the tower, simplifying the
descents of ducts. These partitions also improve the plates with offices and make spatial and
visual distinctions.
The weft of the veils (6m) match with a weft of crossing consoles of BHP which support the
floors. They ensure the sti¢ness at the ends of the floors and take over the load of the external
light ready built wall panels : panels made up with ceracem concrete (fine and highly capable,
template formed) for the o‡ces and residences, and horticultural light and transparent for the
greenhouses. The joints between the panels are designed to embank the alternatives of arrows
according to the loads on the floors. The consoles, of a range of 6.30m (floor of 5.30 + envelope
1m) are dimensioned with 1/7e of which 20% is added for the resumption of the exterior wall
panels.

41. FEATURES ADOPTED
 WIND MILL
Located at the top of the tower, two large wind machines directed towards the dominant winds
produce electricity facilitated by the height of the tower. The produced electric power is about
200 to 600 kWh per annum. These wind machines are also used as station of pumping in order to
ensure the circulation and the recycling of rainwater recovered in roof and on the urban
development of the complex.
 PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
4,500 m² of photovoltaic panels
South-facing included into the
facades and the roof generate
electricity from solar energy at the
rate of 700 000 to 1 million of KW
/ h per year. Completed by the
wind mill production, the Tour
Vivante is a self-sufficient
building.
 CANADIAN WELLS
The core of the tower receives a
network of ventilation shafts in
which circulates of the air drawn from the ground with approximately 15°C. This system enables
to refresh the new air in summer and to heat it in winter. The chimney effect generated by the
linear of the greenhouses acts as complement of this system of ventilation.
 RAINWATER
After filtration, the rainwater is re-used for the facilities of the o.ces and residences and the
watering of the hydroponic cultures. The rainwater of the urban development, from the facades

42. and roofs of the tower is collected, pumped by the wind machines then stored in tanks at the top
of the tower.
 BLACK WATERBlack water produced by the tower is recycled and purified in order to feed and
to fertilize the agricultural production of the greenhouses.
 ECOLOGICAL OR RECYCLED MATERIALS
One of the objective of the project is to use a minimum of material. The materials of the tower
favours the use of ecological, recycled products or which can easily be recycled. The
double skin wall inhabited facades have reinforced heat insulation.
 THERMAL AND HYGROMETRICAL REGULATION
The agricultural greenhouses act like a green lung in the heart of the tower. They favour the
control of the solar contributions and the thermal regulation between north and south. In
winter, heat is stored in the solid elements of the concrete core. In summer, interior volumes
are controlled hygrometry by the evaporation of the water contained in the plants.

45. BUILDING INTERIORS

46. BUILDING SECTION

47. BOSCO VERTICALE

48. Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) is a project for metropolitan reforestation that contributes to
the regeneration of the environment and urban biodiversity without the implication of expanding
the city upon the territory. Bosco Verticale is a model of vertical densification of nature within
the city. It is a model that operates correlated to the policies for reforestation and naturalization
of the large urban and metropolitan borders (Metrosbosco). Metrobosco and Bosco Verticale are
devices for the environmental survival of contemporary European cities. Together they create
two modes of building links between nature and city within the territory and within the cities of
contemporaryEurope.
The first example of a Bosco Verticale composed of two residential towers of 110 and 76 meters
height, will be realized in the centre of Milan, on the edge of the Isola neighbourhood, and will
host 900 trees (each measuring 3, 6 or 9 m tall) apart from a wide range of shrubs and floral
plants.
On flat land, each Bosco Verticale equals, in amount of trees, an area equal to 10.000 sqm of
forest. In terms of urban densification the equivalent of an area of single family dwellings of
nearly50.000sqm.
The Bosco Verticale is a system that optimizes, recuperates and produces energy. The Bosco
Verticale aids in the creation of a microclimate and in filtering the dust particles contained in the
urban environment. The diversity of the plants and their characteristics produce humidity, absorb
CO2 and dust particles, producing oxygen and protect from radiation and acoustic pollution,
improving the quality of living spaces and saving energy. Plant irrigation will be produced to
great extent through the filtering and reuse of the grey waters produced by the building.
Additionally Aeolian and photovoltaic energy systems will contribute, together with the
aforementioned microclimate to increase the degree of energetic self sufficiency of the two
towers. The management and maintenance of the Bosco Verticale’s vegetation will be
centralised and entrusted to an agency with an office counter open to the public.
Project information
location:Milano,Italy
year:2007(ongoing)
client:HinesItalia

49. builtarea:40.000sqm
budget: RS 43 CRORES
ArchitecturalDesign :BOERISTUDIO (Stefano Boeri, Gianandrea Barreca, Giovanni La
Varra)
Team:Phase1–Urbanplan and preliminary design
Frederic de Smet (coordinator), Daniele Barillari, Julien Boitard, Matilde Cassani, Andrea
Casetto, Francesca Cesa Bianchi, Inge Lengwenus, Corrado Longa, Eleanna Kotsikou, Matteo
Marzi, Emanuela Messina, Andrea Silliness.
Phase 2 – Final design and working plan
Gianni Bertoldi (coordinator), Alessandro Agosti, Andrea Casetto, Matteo Colognese, Angela
Parrozzani, Stefano Onnis.
Consultant for the vegetation project: Emanuela Borio, Laura Gatti
SECTIONS

50. DETAIL SECTION
CONSTRUCTION VIEWS

51. BUILDING LEVELS
Milan will host the first example of Bosco Verticale, with two residential towers already planned
for construction. The towers, measuring 110 and 76 meters (361 and 250 feet), will become
home to over 900 trees and that's excluding a wide range of shrubs and floral plants. The basic
idea is that if you were to take the building out of the picture, the amount of trees needed to plant
a forest on the land surface should be equal to those growing vertically on the tower.

52. CHAPTER – 7
JUSTIFICATION FOR ADOPTION
DO THE ADVANTAGES OF VERTICAL FARMS JUSTIFY THEIR ADOPTION ?
According to the United Nations Population Division (2009), the world population will increase
from about 6.9 billion in 2010 to 9.2 billion in 2050 or an addition of about 2.3 billion more
people to feed. The percentage of urban population will likewise increase from 50.46% in 2010
to 68.70% in 2050. It is expected that world population will continue to increase. Currently, the
rate of growth per year is about 80 million.
This is a major concern because the land area of the Earth is limited only to about 13 billion
hectares. In 2008, the total agricultural area in the world was about 4.88 billion hectares .

53. CONCLUSION
It is the personal opinion that given time, vertical gardening or high-rise gardening will work.
The various vertical farming issues have already been noted. By combining the brains in this
world, solutions can be found.
Vertical garden are adapted for both indoor and outdoor living condition. The difference between
them is the media use to carry the plant; it can be loose, mat or structural. The loose media is not
recommended. The mat media will assure an extra beauty as it is not subject to modularity, but it
is subject to royalties to his creator. The structural media is the most common system, the
strongest, but also the more expensive. Living walls have the same function as green facades and
even more. They are adaptable to their utilities; they are called bio wall when they are used to
treat polluted air; they can hide insulation material to give a better u-value; they can serve as
sound barrier.
All vertical garden benefits mention above are proven functions, and more are waiting scientific
validation. Green wall could also be use in the treatment of grey water. And their impact on the
cooling effect that they can have on a city temperature as well as their capacity to regulate rain
water still need to be showed.
But the future s bright for vertical green, they are in mind of city developers and could be an
important tool to solve future energy, space, water and food problems as they can ensure low
transportation fresh food in a limited foot print and produce with a minimum amount of water.
As they developed, they will generate jobs.
So at the question why do we do vertical garden? ; The answer will be: for us, for now, for
the future.

54. REFERENCES
 The Encyclopedia of Earth. 2010. Trunity: Dickson Despommier’s profile.online at
://www.eoearth.org/contributor/dickson.despommier.
 Verticalfarm.com. 2010. The vertical farm project: agriculture for the 21st century and beyond.
online at ://www.verticalfarm.com/index.html.
 Wallechinsky, D., Wallace, I. and A. Wallace. 1978. The People’s Almanac Presents The Book
of Lists. USA: Bantam Books, Inc. pp. 255-256.
 Wikipedia. 2010. City block.://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_block.
 Wikipedia. 2010. Vertical farming. Online at ://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical_farming.
 Blanc, Patrick. The Vertical Garden In Nature and the City. New York: W. W. Norton, 2008.
Print.
 http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mur_v%C3%A9g%C3%A9talis%C3%A9 accessed 15 Oct. 2011
 http://greenroofs.org/pdf/Greenbacks.pdf
 http://www.eltlivingwalls.com/living-walls/ accessed 01 Nov. 2011
 http://www.greenfortune.com/plantwall.php accessed 15 Oct. 2011
 http://www.greenscreen.com/home.html accessed 21 Nov. 2011
 http://www.greenwall.fr/ accessed 18 Oct. 2011
 http://www.greenwallaustralia.com.au/downloads/greenwall_info_pack_08a.pdf