When we think of a living wall all sorts of images come to our mind, but in reality it is nothing more than a wall completely covered in vegetation. In order to create a living wall, fabric panels which have pre- vegetated plastic containers as well as irrigation systems are attached to the wall or supporting structure. The walls have a modular grid of wall panels, a soil or felt growing medium, an irrigation and nutrient -delivery system and a support structure. These are virtually universal features of a living wall. Some famous green structures featuring living walls are given below:
1 Musee du Quai Branly Paris
The vertical garden walls which inhabits the walls of the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris are one of the best loved. This living wall is simply stunning. Not only do these types of vertical gardens improve the appearance of buildings, but they also improve air quality and lower energy consumption.
2. Sky Farm Toronto
Skyfarm in Toronto, Canada is a massive 714 foot structure and a great example of how living walls can actually be profitable as well as beautiful. It is said that the crops grown on this agricultural space yields a high revenue.
3. CaixaForum Museum Madrid
Another amazing living wall design is the CaixaForum Museum. Approximately 15,000 plants of 250 different species were used to cover its high wall. The combination of the old building with the vibrant and alive wall makes this a truly spectacular and memorable building.
4. Vancouver Aquarium Vancouver
Here the living wall was created to act as a noise buffer from the city street and to prove that buildings and ecology can be integrated to enable cities to become greener. The wall is made up of thick modular panels making the installation of plants easier and more cost effective.
5. Marche des Halle Avignon
This creation shows that not only are urban vertical gardens ecologically beneficial but they can also prove to be highly artist creations. It is designed in such a manner that no soil is required and the selected plants need less maintenance.
6. Qantas First Lounge Sydney International Airport
Traveling can be stressful. Airports are busy, noisy places and waiting for a flight is very boring and frustrating. It’s not so, however, if you are to wait in the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney Airport. The living walls here are de-stressing.
7. Parabienta Japan
This eco friendly living wall is the result of a collaboration of two Japanese companies. They are relatively inexpensive to create and maintain the living wall. It makes a significant contribution toward cooling the building, thereby helping to lower energy consumption.
8. Siam Paragon Shopping Center Bangkok
This center would not look as interesting if its living walls were absent. These walls create a calm atmosphere and add color. The architecture looks absolutely stunning. It is a great example of how bringing gardens indoors can spruce up any interior.
9. Rica Talk Hotel Stockholm
The restaurant in the Rica Talk Hotel was transformed into a botanical oasis by using living walls. To fill the large space, approximately 3000 plants from more than 100 different species were used. The effect is a cozy, natural environment which makes it a truly unique restaurant.
10. Oulu Bar and Eco-Lounge Williamsburg
Cited as Brooklyn’s first living wall, this bar certainly attracts attention with its huge external living wall. The stunning vertical garden covers the entire front facade of the building and makes a beautiful contrast against the wooden door and window frame. The entire building looks designer proving that being green can be trendy.
