Description: Green walls, also known as vertical gardens, are structures that incorporate vegetation on building facades or interior walls. These systems not only beautify the urban environment but also offer multiple ecological and functional benefits. By integrating plants into architecture, green walls help improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, resulting in a healthier environment. Additionally, they act as thermal insulators, reducing the need for heating and cooling in buildings, which translates into lower energy consumption. Green walls also help mitigate the urban heat island effect by cooling the surrounding air and increasing biodiversity in urban areas. Their design can vary from modular systems to more complex structures that require specific maintenance. In summary, green walls are an innovative solution that combines aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, promoting a more eco-friendly lifestyle in modern cities.
History: The concept of green walls began to gain popularity in the 1930s, but it was in 1988 when French architect Patrick Blanc introduced his innovative vertical garden system at the Museum of Man in Paris. Since then, the technique has evolved and been implemented in various cities around the world, becoming a symbol of sustainability and ecological design.
Uses: Green walls are used in a variety of contexts, including commercial, residential, and public spaces. Their application can be both aesthetic and functional, improving air quality, providing thermal and acoustic insulation, and promoting urban biodiversity. They are also used in urban space rehabilitation projects and sustainability initiatives.
Examples: A notable example of a green wall is the CaixaForum in Madrid, designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, which features an impressive facade covered in vegetation. Another case is the Bosco Verticale in Milan, which consists of two residential towers covered in trees and plants, creating a microclimate and improving air quality in the area.
