How Vertical Gardens Are Revolutionizing Insulation and Air Quality in Metropolises

Vertical gardens, also known as green walls, are vegetation systems placed on vertical surfaces. These gardens can be indoors or outdoors and often incorporate hydroponic or soil support systems to support the plants.

They stand out for their ability to improve air quality, thermally insulate buildings, and contribute aesthetically to urban spaces.

History of Vertical Gardens and Evolution

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, represent one of the earliest and most fascinating examples of man-made gardens, symbols of ingenuity, beauty and power. Their history is shrouded in mystery, so much so that some historians doubt their real existence, considering them more a product of mythology than history. However, their legend lives on through the ages, inspiring countless hanging gardens around the world.

Ancient Babylon and the Legend

The Hanging Gardens are believed to have been built in the 6th century BC. in the city of Babylon, near present-day Baghdad in Iraq. According to legend, they were built at the behest of King Nebuchadnezzar II, who wanted to alleviate the nostalgia of his beloved wife, Amitis of Media, for the mountainous and green landscapes of her homeland.

These gardens were not only an aesthetic marvel but also an engineering masterpiece, equipped with a complex irrigation system that drew water from the Euphrates to keep the plants on multiple levels of terraces green and flowering.

From Antiquity to the Middle Ages

The idea of hanging gardens didn't stop with the Babylonians. It influenced garden design throughout the ancient and medieval world, including Roman gardens and those of Italian Renaissance villas. These gardens often incorporated elements such as terraces, fountains and exotic plants, seeking to emulate and recreate the wonder of the original hanging gardens.

Renaissance and Beyond

During the Renaissance, Europe saw a renewed interest in classical antiquity, which led to the creation of gardens that not only sought to imitate nature but also to dominate and structure it in geometric shapes.

Gardens such as those at Villa d'Este in Tivoli, with their fountains and water features, show the lasting influence of hanging gardens in landscape design.

The Modern Era

In the modern era, the concept of hanging and vertical gardens has found new expression through technology and sustainable design, especially in the context of green architecture. Vertical gardens and green roofs have become essential components of many contemporary buildings, aiming to reduce environmental impact, improve air quality and provide green spaces in densely populated urban areas.

In the 21st century, figures like Patrick Blanc have revolutionized the concept, combining botany and urban design to create vertical garden systems that adapt to modern architectural and environmental needs.

Patrick Blanc, born in 1953, is a French botanist renowned for revolutionizing the concept of gardening with the invention of vertical gardens.

As a young man, he became passionate about the ecology of tropical plants, a passion that led him to travel around the world to study them in their natural habitat. His scientific curiosity and artistic vision led him to develop the Plant Wall, a technique that allows plants to grow on vertical surfaces without the need for soil, exploiting the natural properties of plants and creating self-sufficient systems of great visual impact and environmental.

Today, vertical gardens are valued for their environmental, aesthetic and social benefits, finding application in various urban structures around the world. This evolution reflects a growing recognition of the value of nature in densely populated urban contexts and a commitment to sustainable solutions to contemporary environmental challenges.

The Future of Suspended Gardens

Today, hanging gardens embody the idea of architecture that blends with nature, promoting biodiversity and sustainability. Projects such as the Bosco Verticale in Milan, with its trees and plants covering the facade of residential skyscrapers, are examples of how the ancient principles of hanging gardens can be reinterpreted in a modern way to face the challenges of our time, such as climate change and the loss of urban green spaces.

In conclusion, the history of the Hanging Gardens, from Babylon to the present day, is a testimony to the eternal human aspiration to create beauty and harmony by integrating nature into the built environment. These gardens are not only places of refuge and contemplation but also powerful symbols of our connection to the earth and our commitment to preserving it for future generations.

Why Vertical Gardens Are Built

Aesthetics and Enhancement of Urban Spaces

Vertical gardens are very powerful tools for the aesthetic enrichment of urban environments. Their ability to transform colorless facades and interior spaces into living works of green art significantly improves the attractiveness and value of urban spaces, helping to create relaxing and inviting atmospheres.

Contribution to Biodiversity and Urban Ecosystems

The growing recognition of the importance of biodiversity and urban ecosystems has led to an evolution in the way we think about and design our urban spaces. In this context, hanging gardens and green infrastructures emerge not only as aesthetic elements but as crucial components for promoting urban biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Their implementation in cities around the world offers a significant contribution to the mitigation of contemporary environmental, economic and social challenges.

Urban Biodiversity: A Vital Necessity

Urban biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms found in urban environments, including plants, animals and microorganisms. Its role goes far beyond the aesthetic or recreational aspect; contributes to air purification, temperature control, noise pollution reduction and water cycle regulation, directly influencing the quality of urban life.

Hanging Gardens: Green Lungs in the Urban Environment

Roof gardens represent an innovative solution to reintegrate nature into densely populated urban spaces. They function as "green lungs", improving air quality through photosynthesis, reducing urban heat islands and increasing biodiversity. Vegetation on roofs and along building facades provides essential habitats for numerous species, from plants to insects, from birds to small mammals, contributing to the creation of ecological corridors that facilitate their mobility and survival in the city.

How Vertical Gardens are Built

Imagine venturing into the creation of a vertical garden, an oasis of greenery that rises towards the sky, bringing with it a piece of nature into a world of concrete. The process of building these vertical wonders is an intertwining of science, art and engineering, a journey through which a simple wall is transformed into a living ecosystem.

The first step is the support structure, the skeleton of your vertical garden. This can range from prefabricated modular systems to customized solutions, created with resistant materials such as metal or treated wood, designed to support the weight of the vegetation and substrate.

Next comes the watering system, which is essential for keeping your garden hydrated and thriving. These systems can be drip systems, using gravity for uniform irrigation, or more sophisticated, with sensors that adjust humidity based on the needs of the plants.

The choice of plants is fundamental: it must consider exposure to light, climate and compatibility between species. Plants must not only survive but thrive, creating a mosaic of shapes, colors and textures.

Finally, the sustainability and recyclability of the materials used are crucial. The use of eco-friendly materials, such as recycled wood or reused plastic, not only reduces the ecological footprint but integrates the garden into the sustainable life cycle.

This journey in building a vertical garden is not just a technical exercise but a declaration of love towards the planet, a step towards reconnection with nature in the urban fabric.

Thermo-Acoustic Insulation of Vertical Gardens

Thermal-acoustic insulation represents one of the most significant challenges in the field of sustainable architecture and modern urban design. In this context, vertical gardens emerge not only as important aesthetic elements but also as innovative solutions to improve the energy efficiency and acoustic comfort of buildings.

Benefits of Thermo-Acoustic Insulation in Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens, or green walls, are vegetation systems installed on the facades of buildings. They offer numerous advantages in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation:

Heat Reduction: During the summer months, vertical gardens can significantly reduce the surface temperature of buildings, thanks to plant transpiration and facade shading. This process, known as evapotranspiration, helps decrease the need for air conditioning, reducing energy consumption.

Winter Thermal Insulation: In winter, vegetation acts as an insulating layer, reducing heat loss through walls and helping to keep internal temperatures more stable.

Improved Sound Insulation: Green walls absorb, reflect and deflect sound waves, significantly contributing to the reduction of urban noise. This is particularly advantageous in densely populated environments, where noise represents a constant source of stress and discomfort.

Operating Mechanisms

The contribution of vertical gardens to thermo-acoustic insulation is based on several principles:

Shading: Plant cover prevents direct solar radiation on building surfaces, reducing heat absorption.

Physical Barrier: The plant mass and substrate offer additional thermal resistance, acting as a barrier to heat entering or escaping.

Sound Absorption: The leaves, branches and substrate of vertical gardens absorb sound waves, while the porous structure of the vegetation and its support disperses acoustic energy, reducing reverberation and noise levels.

Advantages on Humans

Vertical gardens significantly improve urban air quality, filtering pollutants and producing oxygen. They have a positive impact on mental and physical health, reducing stress and promoting general well-being thanks to the presence of greenery and nature. Furthermore, they increase urban biodiversity, attracting and supporting various species of birds, insects and other organisms, contributing to the balance of city ecosystems.

Improved air quality

The installation of vertical gardens in cities represents an innovative and sustainable strategy to address one of the most pressing problems of contemporary urban areas: air pollution. These vertical "green lungs" not only beautify urban spaces but play a crucial role in improving air quality, through the reduction of pollutants and the production of oxygen.

The Challenge of Urban Pollution

Cities around the world are grappling with increasing levels of air pollution, caused primarily by vehicle emissions, industry and construction activity. This pollution not only has a negative impact on the environment but also on human health, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases, heart disease and other health problems. Faced with this challenge, it is imperative to find innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of air pollution in urban environments.

The Role of Vertical Gardens

They offer an effective method to replenish nature in densely built urban contexts, playing a significant role in improving air quality through several mechanisms:

CO2 absorption: Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) during the photosynthesis process, transforming it into oxygen. This not only reduces the concentration of CO2, but also contributes to the production of oxygen, which is essential for human life.

Reduction of Pollutants: In addition to CO2, plants are able to absorb other air pollutants, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone and volatile organic compounds, through their leaves and root systems.

Implications for Public Health and Urban Wellbeing

Improving air quality through the installation of vertical gardens has direct implications for public health and urban well-being. The reduction of air pollutants can reduce the prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, improving the quality of life of citizens. Additionally, green spaces have been shown to have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress and promoting an overall sense of well-being.

Books

- Vertical Garden by Anna Lambertini and Mario Campi: an illustrated guide that offers ideas and inspiration for creating both internal and external vertical gardens.

- Vertical Garden by Massimo De Luca: a beginner's guide focused on creating vertical gardens in small spaces, including wall gardens.

- Vertical Gardens for Beginners by Nancy Ross and Carmen Santarpino: a practical and concise e-book for beginners, covering the basics of creating a vertical garden.