Indoor vertical gardens offer substantial air purification benefits, reducing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter by up to 40% and 60%, respectively, creating a healthier living environment.

Specific plants like peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants are particularly effective at removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene, making them ideal for home vertical gardens.

Vertical gardens also contribute to temperature regulation, with studies showing reductions in wall temperatures by up to 5°C, which can lower indoor temperatures and reduce reliance on air conditioning.

In addition to physical benefits, interacting with greenery has been shown to improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, while enhancing overall life satisfaction.

Proper maintenance of vertical gardens involves regular watering, pruning, and pest control, with techniques such as checking soil moisture and using organic solutions like neem oil to ensure plant health.

Homeowners can select plants suited to their local climate, such as drought-tolerant succulents for arid zones or shade-loving ferns for cooler areas, ensuring optimal growth and sustainability.

Vertical gardens can be adapted for small spaces using wall-mounted planters or trellises, maximizing vertical space while adding aesthetic appeal and functionality.

To address challenges like insufficient light, homeowners can use artificial grow lights or place plants near windows with optimal exposure to ensure healthy growth.

Innovative technologies, such as IoT-enabled systems, can automate irrigation and fertilization, simplifying maintenance and ensuring plant longevity in vertical gardens.

By integrating sustainable materials and thoughtful plant selection, vertical gardens can enhance air quality, regulate temperature, and provide aesthetic and psychological benefits in residential spaces.

Indoor vertical gardens offer substantial air purification benefits, reducing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter by up to 40% and 60%, respectively, creating a healthier living environment.

Title:

Content: In order to improve the environmental air quality and let children learn with peace of mind, the Taichung Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau has continued to build a clean air green wall in the school. This year, 12 schools in Jianping Elementary School, Juren Elementary School and Chongde Elementary School have received subsidies from the Environmental Protection Department.
According to the Environmental Protection Bureau, through the installation of clean air green walls, indoor air quality can be improved. At present, space such as classroom corridors and flower stands outside the daughter wall in Taichung City can be planted, which can achieve the benefits of dust retention, air pollution absorption and temperature regulation.
In order to strengthen the protection of the school environment for children, the Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau expanded the subsidy for the construction of a clean air green wall on the campus, and the current subsidy amount to 1.76 million yuan, with an area of 358 square meters.
The Environmental Protection Bureau stressed that currently selected plants that can purify the air and do not need to spend too much money and time to maintain include the Dragon Tubeh, the Junzi and Wu Bamboo, the Turtle, the Cannonflower or the Honeysuckle.
How good is the effect of clean air green wall?
According to international research, vertical clean air green walls can reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) by about 40% and 60%. In addition, green walls can also reduce the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in classrooms by about 10% and the concentration of ozone (O3) by about 30%.
Green wall is the most natural and energy efficient air purification facilities, no need to plug in electricity, self-circulation, to achieve the purpose of air purification, can be called the "most environmentally friendly air purifier".
Chen Hongyi, director of the Environmental Protection Bureau, said that in addition to blocking outdoor pollutants and improving indoor air, the air green wall can also adjust the temperature and drive energy conservation and carbon reduction. Next year, Taichung City is expected to expand the subsidy target, including community activity centers, public kindergartens and environmental night markets.
# Green Wall # Air # Cleanliness # Campus # Environment

Specific plants like peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants are particularly effective at removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene, making them ideal for home vertical gardens.

Title:

Content:   1. You Are At:
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  5. Five houseplants that remove dust from your home and purify the air

Five houseplants that remove dust from your home and purify the air

Houseplants can effectively remove harmful particles from the air in our living spaces. Specific houseplants have been identified as particularly effective at eliminating toxins commonly found in household products

Edited By: India TV Lifestyle Desk New Delhi Updated on: March 29, 2023 18:30 IST

In today's fast-paced and modern world, most of us spend a significant amount of time indoors, whether it's in our homes or offices. However, the air we breathe contains a variety of harmful particles such as dust, chemicals, and allergens, which causes numerous health problems. One way to combat this problem is by bringing houseplants into our living spaces. Here are some specific houseplants that have been identified as being particularly effective at removing dust from the air:

Spider plant

Spider plants, also known as Chlorophytum comosum, are popular houseplants that help purify the air. They effectively eliminate harmful particles from the air, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde and xylene, which are commonly found in building materials and household products.

Peace lily
Peace lilies, also known as Spathiphyllum, are popular houseplants known for their ability to remove harmful pollutants from the air. They are particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, which are commonly found in household products such as cleaning agents, furniture, and carpets.

Boston ferns
Boston ferns, also known as Nephrolepis exaltata, are popular indoor plants known for their lush foliage and air-purifying abilities. They have been found to effectively remove several indoor pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, which are commonly found in household cleaning products, paints, and solvents. Boston ferns purify the air by absorbing pollutants through their leaves and roots, and then breaking them down into harmless byproducts, a process known as phytoremediation.

Snake plant
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria,  have been found to have excellent air-purifying properties. Snake plants have been shown to remove a variety of toxins from the air, including formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene. These toxins are commonly found in household products, such as cleaning agents, paints, and plastics, and can cause a range of health issues, including headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems.

Aloe vera
Aloe vera is the next popular succulent plant that is known for its medicinal properties and its ability to purify the air we breathe. Aloe vera is particularly effective at removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene, which are commonly found in cleaning products, paints, and plastics.

Incorporating houseplants into our indoor environments can have numerous benefits, the plants mentioned above have been identified as some of the best air-purifying plants, and are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of indoor conditions. By introducing these plants into our living spaces, we can create a healthier and more pleasant environment for ourselves and those around us.

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Vertical gardens also contribute to temperature regulation, with studies showing reductions in wall temperatures by up to 5°C, which can lower indoor temperatures and reduce reliance on air conditioning.

Title:

Content: Africa Has Its First Chief Heat Officer. Five Things Should Be On Her Agenda

24 February 2023
analysis

Freetown's heat officer can set an example to Africa and the world as temperatures and risks rise.

Eugenia Kargbo has an unusual job: she is the city of Freetown's chief heat officer. Her role in Sierra Leone's capital is the first of its kind in Africa. She has been tasked with raising public awareness about extreme heat, improving responses to heat waves, and collecting, analysing and visualising heat impact data for the city, which is home to 1.2 million people.

Freetown is increasingly threatened by dangerous temperatures. In 2017, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ranked Sierra Leone third, after Bangladesh and Guinea Bissau, on its list of countries most vulnerable to climate change.

The risks are concentrated in its capital and largest city, Freetown, where some 35% of the population live in 74 informal settlements like Kroo Bay, often in disaster-prone areas like the seafront or hillsides. Houses are densely built and typically temporary structures made of "heat trapping" materials. Services that supports cooling, such as water and electricity, are usually inadequate.

As an architect whose work includes researching ways to reduce heat in African cities, I think the creation of an Heat Officer position is a good move. The world's cities are almost all getting hotter and, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned, temperatures will only keep rising.

But, while this is a global challenge, African cities are unique. The significant proportion of urban dwellers who are poor and those whose living conditions do not provide adequate shelter from the elements make the African context unique and deserving special attention.

With these realities in mind, here are five things I'd suggest should be on the agenda of both Kargbo and any other heat officer appointed elsewhere on the continent in future.

1. Take a diverse approach to urban greening

Nature-based approaches are a great way to address increasing temperatures linked to climate change. Scholars have established positive links between green infrastructure, temperature moderation and even health outcomes in African cities as well as elsewhere in the world.

This has informed a growing number of tree-planting initiatives and the development of urban parks. But it is important that municipalities move beyond only these kinds of spaces. African cities are becoming densely populated; that means less space will be available for greening initiatives on land.

Vertical systems of building (for example on walls, roofs, columns) and urban infrastructure (for example on bridges, road furniture) should be explored to make up for the lack of space on the ground.

In the last few years, I have led the design and development of experimental vertical gardens in low-income areas of Nigeria and Tanzania. We have shown that these vertical gardens reduce wall temperature of residential buildings by as much as 5°C in Dar es Salaam. The gardens have other benefits like providing fresh vegetables for household consumption. Similar ways of growing vegetation vertically have been seen elsewhere in the world, including in Mexico City.

2. Strengthen the link between heat and health

Exposure to extreme heat usually comes with health problems - and can even kill people, as I and many other scholars have documented. It exacerbates underlying health conditions.

One area of concern when it comes to the heat-health nexus in African countries is that mosquito numbers increase in higher temperatures. This means malaria and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes might become significant problems for Freetown and other African cities.

These health problems are further complicated by the fact that many city dwellers across the continent can't access adequate and affordable health care. Community health initiatives within cities and efforts to ramp up health services in qualitative and quantitative terms must be integral to heat adaptation plans and actions.

3. Focus on early warning and improved awareness

It is far better to be proactive than reactive. Heat vulnerability patterns within Freetown and other African cities must be studied and used to make sense of weather predictions in order to inform warning systems.

In the warning systems, for example, an alert level can be triggered when the weather forecast shows three or more consecutive days with daytime maximum temperature and humidity above a threshold of, say, 30°C. Other levels of alerts can correspond with higher temperatures. This sort of system has been implemented in Toronto, Canada, with good outcomes. A recent study of urban areas in Ontario (the province where Toronto is located) shows that early warnings may have meant fewer heat-related illnesses severe enough to warrant hospital or clinic visits.

4. Encourage the transfer of knowledge

Cities can adapt to heat faster when they share knowledge and experiences. Some scholars argue that inter-city collaboration and knowledge-sharing can enhance municipalities' resilience and improve urban residents' skills to deal with heat-related issues.

Kargbo's work will generate many lessons that can be shared with other African cities; she, too, will learn from other cities' successes and failures.

5. Let locals lead

While there is plenty to learn from more developed countries outside Africa, it is important to also draw from local indigenous knowledge and practices. An examination of knowledge and awareness about climate-related and environmental problems in African traditional society shows there is much to be learned from indigenous systems.

Top-down approaches are not enough. They must be complemented by bottom-up approaches in the planning, funding, execution and assessment of heat adaptation initiatives.

Inclusion is also important because it shifts power to those who are most affected by heat - people living in low-income and informal areas are disproportionately affected. Involving them enhances the impacts of initiatives and interventions.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Olumuyiwa Adegun is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

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In addition to physical benefits, interacting with greenery has been shown to improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, while enhancing overall life satisfaction.

Title:

Content: University of Tokyo and Water House Launch Joint Research on Biodiversity and Health
World ’ s first study on the relationship between biodiversity-rich landscaping and health / well-being
Application of Sekisui House ’ s Gohon no Ki concept to detached homes (Photo: Business Wire)
OSAKA, Japan -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences (GSALS) of the University of Tokyo and Sekisui House, Ltd. will launch a joint research project on biodiversity and human health on December 1, 2022.
The project will investigate the benefits of biodiversity and the urban natural environment for human health and well-being.
This world-first initiative will comprehensively investigate the impact of residents ’ interactions with the nearby biodiversity-rich garden environment on residents ’ health and their attitudes and behaviour towards nature.
The Conservation Ecology Laboratory, part of the GSALS Ecosystem Research Department at the University of Tokyo, is engaged in research on urban biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services management (the benefits of ecosystems for human society).
Since 2016, the lab has been studying the relationship between nature and human health, and its research shows that interactions with nature can improve human health and well-being.
However, the question of how these health benefits vary according to nature's quality rather than quantity has not been explored.
There are two ways to interact with nature, one is the frequency of experiencing the green environment first hand and the other is viewing the green plants from the window of your home. In 2020, the Conservation Ecology Laboratory of GSALS at the University of Tokyo investigated the impact of these two types of interactions on the mental health of urban residents (self-esteem, life satisfaction, happiness, depression / anxiety symptoms and loneliness).
The results of the study showed that people who often go out to experience green nature and those who live in houses with green views both reported better mental health status.2 This suggests that people can enjoy the psychological benefits of nature in their own homes, even if they are not physically exposed to the natural environment.
In the accompanying chart, the size of the positive (right side of the dotted line) and negative (left side of the dotted line) effects indicates that each factor has a positive or negative relationship to each mental health measure.
For example, “green vision ” was associated with low levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, while“ the impact of COVID-19 on income ” was associated with high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Analysis of the results showed that the effect of experiencing nature on mental health was the same as that of traditional factors such as income.
The Gohon no Ki project is a proposal to create gardens and communities using local tree species.
Since 2001, the project has been used to create green networks in urban neighbourhoods to protect biodiversity.
A joint study conducted since 2019 by Seizaki House and Kubota Laboratory of Ryukyu University and Think Nature Inc. shows that planting native garden trees in line with the Gohon no Ki project improves biodiversity in urban areas (Japan ’ s three largest metropolitan areas) where there is a significant decline in biodiversity.
This new joint research project will combine analytical methods developed by the GSALS Conservation Ecology Laboratory at the University of Tokyo with the Gohon no Ki Project for Aquatic Houses for biodiversity conservation, the first attempt to scientifically investigate the impact of biodiversity garden greening on human health and well-being worldwide.
The study also aims to demonstrate the importance of creating biodiversity-rich gardens compared to simple “green plantations ” from a biodiversity perspective.
The Conservation Ecology Laboratory of the GSALS at the University of Tokyo tested five hypotheses on the relationship between human health and natural interactions on the topics of mental health, physical health, cognitive function, and community health.
For now, the new joint research project will focus on two hypotheses related to mental health, as well as one related to cognitive function.
However, this is a long-term joint research project that will also examine community health and other health-related topics.
Hypothesis
Themes
Hypothesis
Mental health
1
People who interact with nature in the garden have fewer negative emotions (depression, anxiety symptoms, stress, etc.) and more positive emotions (quality of life, happiness, etc.).
2
People who can see nature through the window are in better mental health.
Cognitive function
3
Interacting with nature in the garden can improve cognitive function.
Community Health
4
Interacting with nature in the garden contributes to the health of the community.
Good health.
5
Exercising in the natural environment has more health benefits than exercising indoors.
Masashi Soga, associate professor at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, commented on the joint research project as follows.
“People always look to nature for relaxation and tranquillity, and recent research and technological advances have made it possible to quantify this intangible health benefit. ”
However, little is known about the role that biodiversity plays in providing these health benefits.
If we can articulate this theme, we may be able to develop the kind of landscape and green space management that supports coexistence with nature, because it is desirable from the point of view of protecting biodiversity and improving human health.
This joint research project is a large-scale survey of the effects of interacting with nature in the garden on our health and well-being.
Gardens are perhaps the nature most familiar to most of us, and their biodiversity is an area that has hitherto been difficult to study, but data on the planting of standing water houses across the country will help us investigate for the first time the relationship between garden biodiversity and human health and the way people appreciate nature and interact with it.
So far, discussions about nature ’ s health benefits have tended to focus on relatively large areas of greenery, such as green spaces and forests, but with this new study, we hope to shed light on the importance of truly ‘ living with nature ’.
Our research will hopefully help promote the conservation of urban biodiversity, "he said.
The University of Tokyo ’ s GSALS and Water Houses study how interactions with nearby nature in urban environments affect people ’ s mental health and the way they appreciate and interact with nature, with the aim of contributing to the conservation of urban biodiversity and the creation of nature-positive societies by sharing these findings.
Annotation
1.
Soga Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo: https: / / www.masashi-soga.com /
2.
A room with green views: The importance of the natural environment for mental health in the vicinity during the COVID-19 pandemic: https: / / esajjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com / doi / 10.1002 / eap.2248
3.
Sekisui House Biodiversity Conservation Initiative: https: / / www.sekisuihouse.co.jp / gohon _ sp /
4.
Sekisui House: https: / / www.sekisuihouse.co.jp / gohon _ sp / method /
Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo
The Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences of the University of Tokyo offers a step-by-step and systematic applied science education in the field of agriculture.
The Graduate School aims to develop, through educational and research activities, talents with insight, practical ability and leadership qualities that enable them to meet the needs of the global community through social, cultural and industrial activities.
Gohon no Ki project for standing water houses
The Gohon no Ki project is based on the concept of planting five native trees (three for birds and two for butterflies) and is modeled on the traditional Japanese Riyama landscape, proposing native tree species suitable for the local climate and beneficial to birds, butterflies and other local animals. Green gardens and local communities.
Since the launch of the Gohon no Ki project in 2001, the number of trees planted in standing water houses has reached 18.1 million (as of January 2022), of which 1.01 million were planted in FY2021.
Since 2019, the company has been working with Kubota Laboratory of Ryukyu University and Think Nature Co., Ltd. to quantitatively assess the contribution of networked greening to urban biodiversity. In 2021, the company developed the world ’ s first mechanism to quantitatively assess urban biodiversity using tree numbers, species, location data and ecosystem big data to determine the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation and publish it as a “Nature for Good Method ”.
Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo
1.
Soga et al. (2017) Gardening is beneficial for health: a meta-analysis.
Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 92-99. (Soga et al. (2017) Horticulture benefits for health: a meta-analysis.
Preventive Medicine Report, 5, 92-99.)
Website: https: / / www.sciencedirect.com / science / article / pii / S2211335516301401
Overview: A meta-analysis (a statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple scientific studies and analyses whether a factor is relevant to a particular problem) confirms that horticulture and plant interactions have a positive impact on human health
2.
Soga, Gaston (2016) Extinction of experience: the loss of human - nature interactions.
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 14, 94-101. (Soga, Gaston. (2016) Extinction of Experience: The Loss of Human Interaction with Nature.
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 14, 94-101.)
Website: https: / / esajjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com / doi / full / 10.1002 / fee.1225
Summary: A study suggests that in many developed countries, human interaction with nature is declining, and that this “disappearance of experience ” could have serious negative consequences for human health and the protection of ecosystems.
3.
Soga et al. (2020) How can we mitigate against increasing biophobia among children during the extinction of experience?
Biological Conservation, 242, 108420.
(Soga et al. (2020) How can we alleviate children ’ s growing biophobia in the process of experiencing disappearance? Bio Preservation, 242, 108420.)
Website: https: / / www.sciencedirect.com / science / article / pii / S0006320719309577
Summary: A study shows that people who do not interact with nature regularly are more likely to have negative reactions (fear, aversion) to common insects and other invertebrates.
Disclaimer: The original version of this announcement is the official authorized version. The translation is for convenience only. Please refer to the original version, the original version is the only version with legal effect.
Contacts
TSUKI HOUSE CO., LTD.
sekisuihouse-pr @ actioinc.jp
+ 81-3-5771-6426
Contacts
TSUKI HOUSE CO., LTD.
sekisuihouse-pr @ actioinc.jp
+ 81-3-5771-6426

Proper maintenance of vertical gardens involves regular watering, pruning, and pest control, with techniques such as checking soil moisture and using organic solutions like neem oil to ensure plant health.

Title:

Content: 5 Common Indoor Gardening Challenges And Their Solutions

Saloni Singh
Updated on Jan 22, 2024, 19:36 IST- 5 min read

Indoor gardening is a wonderful way to bring nature into your home and enjoy the benefits of growing plants all year round. However, it comes with its own set of challenges that can sometimes discourage even the most experienced gardeners. In this article, we will explore five common indoor gardening challenges and provide practical solutions to help you overcome them.

The Growing Trend of Indoor Gardening

In recent years, indoor gardening has gained immense popularity among plant enthusiasts. It allows individuals to create a green oasis within the comfort of their homes, regardless of the outdoor climate. However, indoor gardening comes with its own unique challenges that require careful attention and solutions to ensure the thriving growth of your plants.

Unsplash/Representational Image

Challenge 1: Insufficient Light

One of the most common challenges faced by indoor gardeners is the lack of sufficient light. Since natural sunlight is limited indoors, providing adequate light for your plants becomes crucial. Insufficient light can lead to weak growth, leggy stems, and poor flowering.

Solution: To overcome this challenge, you can consider the following solutions:

Place your plants near windows with the brightest light exposure.

Use artificial grow lights, such as fluorescent or LED lights, to supplement the natural light.

Rotate your plants regularly to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure.

Challenge 2: Temperature Control

Maintaining the right temperature for your indoor garden can be a tricky task. Fluctuations in temperature can affect plant growth and overall health. Extreme heat or cold can cause stress and even lead to plant damage.

Solution: Here are some solutions to help you maintain optimal temperature levels:

Identify the temperature requirements of your plants and adjust the indoor environment accordingly.

Use thermostats or temperature-controlled devices to regulate the temperature.

Place plants away from drafts and heating or cooling sources that may cause sudden temperature changes.

Unsplash/Representational Image

Challenge 3: Proper Watering Techniques

Watering plants is a fundamental aspect of gardening, but it can be challenging to strike the right balance. Overwatering or underwatering can have detrimental effects on plant health and growth.

Solution: Follow these guidelines for proper watering:

Learn the specific watering needs of each plant in your indoor garden.

Check the moisture level of the soil before watering.

Provide adequate drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.

Challenge 4: Pest Infestations

Indoor plants are not immune to pests. Common pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, can quickly infest your indoor garden if left unchecked. These pests can weaken your plants and hinder their growth.

Solution: Implement the following measures to tackle pest infestations:

Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests.

Use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Isolate affected plants to prevent the spread of pests.

Challenge 5: Limited Space

One of the significant challenges of indoor gardening is dealing with limited space. As your plant collection grows, finding suitable areas to accommodate them becomes increasingly difficult.

Solution: Here are some solutions for optimizing limited space:

Utilize vertical space by hanging plants or using wall-mounted planters.

Choose compact plant varieties or those that can be trained to grow vertically.

Group plants with similar needs together to make the most of available space.

Unsplash/Representational Image

Indoor gardening offers a rewarding experience, but it requires addressing common challenges effectively. By understanding the obstacles like insufficient light, temperature control, proper watering techniques, pest infestations, and limited space, you can create a thriving indoor garden. Implementing the suggested solutions will help you overcome these challenges and enjoy the beauty of nature within your home.

FAQs

1. How often should I water my indoor plants? The watering frequency depends on various factors such as plant type, size, and environmental conditions. It is best to check the moisture level of the soil before watering to ensure it is neither too dry nor waterlogged.

2. Can I use regular household lights for indoor gardening? Regular household lights are not sufficient for promoting healthy plant growth. It is recommended to use specialized grow lights, such as fluorescent or LED lights, to provide adequate light intensity and spectrum for your plants.

3. What are some natural remedies for pest control in indoor gardens? Several natural remedies can help control pests in indoor gardens. Neem oil, insecticidal soap, and homemade vinegar sprays are effective in combating common pests. However, always follow the instructions and test them on a small portion of the plant before widespread application.

4. How can I make the most of limited space in my indoor garden? To maximize limited space, consider utilizing vertical space by hanging plants or using wall-mounted planters. Choose compact plant varieties or those that can be trained to grow vertically. Grouping plants with similar needs together can also help optimize space.

5. Can I grow vegetables indoors? Yes, you can grow a variety of vegetables indoors. Leafy greens like lettuce and herbs like basil are well-suited for indoor cultivation. Tomatoes, peppers, and microgreens are also popular choices for indoor vegetable gardening.

In conclusion, indoor gardening comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can overcome them. By addressing the issues of insufficient light, temperature control, proper watering, pest infestations, and limited space, you can create a thriving indoor garden that brings beauty and serenity to your home. Remember to adapt the solutions to suit your specific plant needs and enjoy the benefits of a flourishing indoor garden.

Homeowners can select plants suited to their local climate, such as drought-tolerant succulents for arid zones or shade-loving ferns for cooler areas, ensuring optimal growth and sustainability.

Title:

Content: Skip to Content

25 Best Patio Plants for Beginners to Add Instant Appeal to Their Outdoor Space

Gorgeous, low-maintenance and hardy evergreens for your deck's garden and pots.

By Arricca Elin SanSone and Mariah Thomas

As the weather gets warmer, your patio becomes very enticing — and for good reason. So it's no wonder you'd want to spruce up your outdoor area with low maintenance patio plants. While every part of your home — the office, bedroom and kitchen — can benefit from a touch of greenery, don't forget to add seasonal color to your patio with sun-loving or (low-light) container plants, annuals and perennials.

Before choosing from these plants below, consider how much sun your patio receives and whether you'll be placing plants in your garden or pots. Some colorful blooms, like marigolds, roses and Mandevilla, thrive in full sun (more than six hours a day). Other picks, like the Chinese Evergreen (also known as the Aglaonema), prefer minimal light (full shade means less than an hour or two of sun). And since plants attract our favorite pollinators such as butterflies, bees and hummingbirds, your patio's small garden (and vertical garden too!) will flourish while providing a dose of subtle entertainment when lounging.

While we may deem these patio plants beginner-friendly and easy to care for indoors and outdoors, still take note of your USDA Hardiness zone (find yours here) to see suitable varieties for your region's winter season. Then, browse our assortment of leafy and blossoming plants to bring color to your tropical-inspired room or shady retreat. P.S. They'll look good and make you feel good too!

1

Kalanchoe

Lively Root deems these plants "your favorite colorful succulents." They're long-blooming, easy to grow and thrive in bright, natural light, so they're perfect for open-air patios that receive plenty of sun. Find them in various shades of red, orange, yellow and white to really give your outdoor garden a jolt of personality.

SHOP KALANCHOE

2

Croton

Place these tropical plants in full sun and watch their striking leaves vary in shades of red, yellow, green and pink. Keep them happy by watering them once a week and take note of any mushy leaves or black stems (a sign of overwatering).

SHOP CROTON

3

Dracaena

These low-maintenance plants, also known as Madagascar dragon trees, prefer bright, indirect sun, but can tolerate low light. Their sword-like leaves with bold red or purple edges give them a unique look. Before they grow tall, keep them in small pots to display on your patio's table.

SHOP DRACAENA

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4

Majesty Palm

The long green fronds of this slow-growing evergreen make it a popular houseplant. Keep it in bright, indirect light and see it reach up to 10 feet tall. Since the Majesty Palm is a tropical plant, water it every one to two weeks and increase humidity with a humidifier or by misting your plants as necessary.

SHOP MAJESTY PALM

5

Million Bells

Also known as Calibrachoa, Million Bells have cheerful, bell-shaped flowers that resemble petunias. They can be found in a range of lively hues — yellow, violet, pink and red are just a few options. They're excellent picks for hanging baskets and your vertical garden. Keep it in full sun and fertilize it monthly.

SHOP MILLION BELLS

6

Mandevilla

Mandevilla is a gorgeous flowering vine that requires a trellis. It blooms all season long with little care, and you can bring it in for winter in cold climates when the nighttime temperatures go below 50 degrees. Full disclosure: It is a little messy indoors, as the leaves and flowers drop in lower light levels. It likes full sun, though it benefits from afternoon shade in the hottest climates.

SHOP MANDEVILLA

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7

Marigolds

There’s a reason these sturdy annuals have been popular for decades: They thrive on neglect! Marigolds come in bright colors, including the classic oranges and yellows, but new varieties are available in creamy white. They take the heat, last until a hard freeze, and look good in beds or containers without any effort from you. Just give them full sun.

SHOP MARIGOLDS

8

Lavender

Lavender has beautiful purple spikes and silvery foliage; it’s drought-tolerant once established. Give it full sun, and plant a variety that will survive in your hardiness zone so it returns next year. Edge your patio with it, or plant it near seating areas so you can enjoy its classic scent.

SHOP LAVENDER

9

Fuchsia

Got shade? Fuchsia thrives in full shade. This stunning annual comes in saturated tones of red, purple and pink. It looks best in containers or baskets. Hummingbirds adore this plant, too. This plant is best purchased at a local nursery, as its delicate nature makes it difficult to ship intact or germinate from seed.

SHOP FUCHSIA

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10

Ornamental Grasses

Look for short varieties to add architectural interest to pots; tall types offer great screening if used to edge the patio in the ground or in pots. Most are perennial, but read the tag to be sure. Most need full sun.

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11

Hydrangea

This stunning shrub comes in many different sizes and types. A hydrangea’s bloom appears in early to mid-summer and lasts until a hard freeze. They're extremely easy to dry for floral arrangements or wreaths, with most types needing some sun to flower best (they like afternoon shade in the hottest climates). Make sure to plant one that is suited to your hardiness zone.

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12

Lobelia

Blue, purple or white lobelia looks wonderful in baskets or mixed containers. This annual needs mostly shade, though it will tolerate a little morning sun. It blooms best in cool weather, so if it starts to look ragged in mid-summer, trim it back and it should rebound in the fall.

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13

Succulents

For a sunny patio, succulents are a fun option! They come in hundreds of sizes, shapes and colors and require almost nothing from you. Some are cold-hardy and will survive winter, but if not, you certainly can dig a few up to pot and display on a sunny windowsill.

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14

Torenia

The pretty purple, pink or white blooms of this plant attract pollinators, and they last all the way to frost. Torenia flowers are lovely when cascading from pots on a shady patio. Some have a slightly grape-like scent.

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15

Roses

Every garden needs at least one rose! These colorful flowers bloom from early summer to a hard freeze. You'll find an array of varieties, so read the tag and look for those that will survive in your hardiness zone. They bloom best in full sun.

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16

Sweet Alyssum

With tiny white, blush-pink or purple flowers, low-growing sweet alyssum looks beautiful draping over the sides of containers. Plant it where you can catch a whiff of its delightful honey-sweet scent. It’s another favorite of pollinators. It needs full sun but will take some shade.

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17

Berries

Think outside the box: New types of strawberries have been bred to be more compact and ornamental, and new varieties of blackberry and raspberry bushes have no thorns! Plant these as a low border or in decorative pots. They prefer full sun.

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18

Aglaonema

For sheer drama, nothing tops an aglaonema! The heart-shaped leaves come in striking reds and pinks, making this plant a favorite accent in pots or along borders. Enjoy them as annuals or dig up the tubers before winter and store them in a cool, dark place to plant again next year. They’re shade lovers.

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19

Angelonia

Angelonia plants love the heat! These annuals have tiny orchid-like flowers that come in pretty pastel and deeply saturated shades. Some types are upright, and others cascade from baskets or containers. Give them part to full sun.

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20

Cherry Tomatoes

If you’ve never grown vegetables, cherry tomatoes or any dwarf tomatoes are a good place to start! Many new varieties are compact so they work well in containers — and they’re pretty, too! Give them full sun.

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Arricca Elin SanSone

Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

Assistant Editor

Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.

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Vertical gardens can be adapted for small spaces using wall-mounted planters or trellises, maximizing vertical space while adding aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Title:

Content: AD It Yourself

How to Create an Outdoor Oasis When You’re Short on Space

Experts chime in with smart solutions for limited backyard square footage, from plant propagation to thinking vertically

Though we can daydream of summer lunches beneath a pergola, the reality for many of us is that square footage is limited. But with great small backyard ideas, having limited outdoor space shouldn’t be a reason to discard your fantasy of a lush retreat at home. There are many innovative ways to craft an inviting outdoor retreat yourself, from layering your plants strategically to using multipurpose furniture. Below, we asked three experts to weigh in on how to create a compact oasis that will leave guests wondering your secrets.

Figure out your budget and plant hardiness zone

Maryah Greene, New York–based plant doctor, stylist, and founder of Greene Piece, recommends putting some thought into how much you’d like to spend and what plants will work best in your zone. “Consider this before going hard and decking your outdoor space out [completely], because you may find that you only get to enjoy those plants for a few months unless they’re perennials,” she advises. “The most common mistake that people make is investing a ton of money into their outdoor space just to realize that some of those plants won’t grow back next year!”

When choosing plants for a truly tight space, Fernando Rubio, landscape architect and founder of Defined Outdoors, picks plants that thrive in those conditions. “Opt for compact varieties such as herbs, dwarf shrubs, and container-friendly trees,” he says. “Also, consider using small-size foliage to add a layered, multidepth feel to your outdoor space.”

For budget-conscious DIY’ers, Greene suggests repurposing extra indoor items as planters or decorative elements. You should also try propagating, she says. “Different plants propagate differently, but for the ones that are cutting propagations, plop your cutting into a jar of water until it roots. From there, you can plant it in your garden or outdoor space without spending a dime on a new plant.”

Find practical solutions for your tiny footprint

Lacking a “typical” outdoor space? Small space consultant, author, designer, and stylist Whitney Leigh Morris dares you to get creative when it comes to small backyard ideas. “Even the tiniest slice of outdoor space surrounding your home can be transformed into a functional and tranquil retreat without much effort,” she says. “A stoop, driveway, porch, or miniature garden can all be effective ways to enlarge and enhance your living space. In order to maximize utility, keep reality in mind rather than being lured into styles that don’t suit your practical needs or the qualities of your surroundings.”

One of Greene’s favorite ways for urbanites to flex their green thumbs is by planting in window boxes. “If your fire escape allows you to sit a small planter right outside your window, this can make for a great place to grow herbs or add a few colorful flowers,” she adds. Just remember to keep safety first; avoid obstructing the pathway. Morris is a fan of container gardens, “whether [it’s] repurposed, staggered-height pots, wall-mounted vessels, or balcony planters,” she says.

All three experts were keen on the idea of vertical gardening. “Vertical elements like hanging planters, wall-mounted planters, trellises, and pedestals can draw the eye upwards, creating the illusion of more space. Plus these elements can also add privacy and serve as a focal point in your outdoor space,” Rubio says.

Make it an extension of your home

You don’t need a massive patio or garden for dreamy indoor-outdoor living. The key is continuity: Decorate your outdoor space just like you would your interiors. “Don’t overlook ambiance,” Morris says. “It’s not just important for visual impact, but for your nervous system and well-being too. Soft, warm-hued lighting; soothing sounds; lush greenery; textile layers such as outdoor rugs and upholstery; and privacy borders, from billowing curtains to trellises to folding screens, can all play a vital and impactful role in establishing a serene setting.”

Lighting can make all the difference in how your space feels,” Rubio adds. “Adding some ambient lighting like string lights or lanterns can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. If you’re handy, task lighting—like spotlights or pendant lights—can also highlight specific areas or features.”

Rubio also advises keeping the design simple and pared back, if that’s your vibe. “When working with limited space, a minimalist approach to layout and design can make your space feel more spacious and relaxing,” he says. “Streamlined design elements, a simple color palette, and plenty of negative space can help create a visually appealing and calming outdoor oasis. Plus it makes maintenance a lot easier in the long run.”

Prioritize function

To make sure your small outdoor space is one you’ll actually use, consider what will make the reimagined zone work best for you. “For example, if you get abundant rain, make sure to use weather-proof pieces and incorporate waterproof storage into your design features,” Morris offers. “If you entertain a great deal, keep not only your guests in mind but also their belongings. Where will everything be placed to avoid overcrowding when you host? If your outdoor area is exposed to ongoing direct sun, explore safe methods of blocking the sun through plants, umbrellas, or sail shades.”

For Greene, it’s all about growing what you can use. “Herbs, veggies, flowers…if you cook a lot or just enjoy the occasional bouquet on your table, save yourself money and reward yourself,” she says.

Meanwhile, Rubio recommends smart outdoor furniture: “In small outdoor spaces every inch counts, so incorporating multifunctional elements can be a game changer,” he says. “Benches with built-in storage or planters that double as seating can maximize your space and make your outdoor area more practical. Modular furniture is also a smart option, allowing you to easily rearrange and adapt your space as needed.”

To address challenges like insufficient light, homeowners can use artificial grow lights or place plants near windows with optimal exposure to ensure healthy growth.

Innovative technologies, such as IoT-enabled systems, can automate irrigation and fertilization, simplifying maintenance and ensuring plant longevity in vertical gardens.

Title:

Content: CityU Start-up Team Launches Animal Testing in Six Months for Painless Diabetes Treatment
Author: Hu Jiaxin
Published: Updated:
At present, patients with severe diabetes are required to inject insulin to control their blood sugar levels. The “Huagang Long Biotechnology ” funded by CityU ’ s“ HK Tech 300 ” program uses insulin delivery based on CityU ’ s “frozen microneedle ” technology research.
The team said that animal testing will be conducted in the next six months, and if the experiment is successful, it is expected that human testing will be conducted as soon as possible in two years, and it is expected that the earliest four to five years will be able to apply to the Mainland Drug Administration for registration and take the lead in treating patients with diabetes in the Mainland.
CityU ’ s “HK Tech 300 ” start-up team, HuagongLong Biotechnology Research, used CityU ’ s“ Frozen Microneedle ” technology to provide painless treatment for diabetics.
According to the team, “frozen microneedles ” can carry insulin, put the microneedles on the skin, and after lightly applying pressure, the microneedles shorter than one millimeter can penetrate the skin surface, melt in the skin and release the drug.
Wu Zilong, a graduate student in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at CityU, said that animal testing will be conducted in the next six months, and if the experiment is successful, human testing will be conducted within two years at the earliest.
He said that the team originally wanted to develop the Hong Kong market, but because the listing in Hong Kong requires the registration of medical devices, but the local medical devices have no relevant legal system, so it advanced the mainland market.
He did not disclose the cost of the product, but the target is high-end medical "will not compete", but it is believed to be an affordable price.
Research and development of Internet of Things system to help maintain green wall plants
As for the other start-up team, “Ketop Production ”, it developed an IoT vertical gardening system, each smart flower pot equipped with a microcontroller, responsible for automatic irrigation and fertilization.
Chen Wei-heng, a graduate of the Electrical Engineering Department of CityU, said that unlike the products in the workshop, the system is equipped with sensors, which can collect data on a regular basis to analyze the growth status of plants and do a better job of gardening maintenance.
He said that the system had been adopted by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and was being tested in the EMSD building.
Lin Xiaofeng, tutor and special professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering at CityU, said that in the past, some indoor green wall plants only survived for half a year, and the system can extend the life of indoor plants for half a year, making the use of green walls more environmentally friendly.
He added that during the mentoring process, he helped the team think about long-term business models, such as how to reduce the bottom cost on hardware, and promote the school to have a green wall and apply its horticultural system to promote STEM education.
CityU announced in March this year the launch of a large-scale innovation and entrepreneurship programme, “HK Tech 300 ”, to assist students and alumni to set up start-ups. The selected team will receive $100,000 in initial funding and professional guidance from mentors.
In a speech at the ceremony, the President of CityU, Mr Kwok, said that the university had invested $500 million to launch the "HK Tech 300" project, and had recruited about 180 start-ups in just eight months, hoping that the project would give young people innovation opportunities.

By integrating sustainable materials and thoughtful plant selection, vertical gardens can enhance air quality, regulate temperature, and provide aesthetic and psychological benefits in residential spaces.

Title:

Content: Wooden high-rise buildings, mushroom bricks and other trends of modern architecture
Ksenia VOROTYNTSEVA
18.07.2023
The material was published in No. 6 of the printed version of the newspaper Kultura on June 29, 2023.
How we will build and live in the coming years
It is believed that Schelling called architecture “frozen music ”.
However, the appearance of buildings and neighborhoods is determined not only by rhythm and proportions – the economic component, including consumer sentiment, is important.
Architecture does not exist in a vacuum, and examples of this are the trends of recent years.
The pandemic wave that swept the world seems to have come to naught, but its echo will be felt for a long time to come.
Many have tried life outside the city, but they can not buy a house yet - it is too expensive.
But multi-format development is becoming increasingly popular, which some consider a product of the crisis: in Russia, it was widely recognized after 2008, although examples have been met before.
Multiformat means that in one territory there are buildings that differ in type and cost: cottages, as well as blocked, low-rise or apartment buildings.
Such projects help the developer to save money: to reach a wide audience and quickly sell objects.
And for buyers, this is a ticket to business class, and with a discount: you can live outside the city, in a pleasant atmosphere - even in an apartment.
In recent years, another trend has emerged.
For example, at the ARCH Moscow held in late May, Valery Artemyev, the project manager of the Mechta residential complex in the Dmitrov district of the Moscow region, admitted: “We believed in multiformat 20 years ago.
At the beginning of our journey we felt like builders: we had to build houses and sell them.
But after a few years, the builders already felt 20 percent, and 80 percent of the hassle and worries were devoted to education, medicine, culture.
In other words, developers caught the mood of consumers who no longer wanted to live in a village with exactly the same houses and without the usual infrastructure - without clinics and schools.
So, in Dobrograd — an urban-type settlement in the Vladimir region — there were private schools and a kindergarten, and now a municipal school is being built at the expense of the infrastructure budget loan.
In addition, they promise to build a kindergarten and a cultural and recreational complex with a swimming pool, plans also include a polyclinic and a pharmacy.
It seems that developers believe that the suburbs will become more popular.
However, they should think about transport accessibility, because not all buyers of housing in multi-format settlements have cars.
WOODEN SKILLS ARE WAITING FOR US
Another interesting trend is wooden houses, and multi-storey, although now it seems fantastic.
Nevertheless, they are not built abroad for the first year, in a variety of countries - from the United States to Japan.
They are especially popular in Scandinavia: the tallest wooden building was the 18-storey Mjøstornet in Norway (although concrete was used in the construction).
In general, airports, dormitories, and museums are built from wood.
In Russia, despite the forest wealth, the trend did not take root for a long time, especially until 2019 it was impossible to build buildings with load-bearing wooden structures above three floors.
Then the law changed, and now such objects can reach a height of 28 meters.
External circumstances have also changed dramatically.
Due to sanctions, timber exports in the first quarter of 2023 decreased by 21 percent compared to the same period last year.
It was not easy to redirect flows to Central Asia and China, including due to logistics problems.
So the interest in the domestic market is inevitably growing.
However, wooden high-rise buildings are not shaky country buildings at all.
In their construction, they use the technology of CLT (Cross Laminated Timber - panels made of cross-glued wood) or LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber - laminated veneer lumber).
In Russia, the first technology is promoted by Segezha Group, which launched the country ’ s first large-scale industrial production of CLT-panels.
And last year began the sale of the first high-rise CLT-houses in Russia: two wooden four-storey buildings were erected in the city of Sokol, Vologda region.
In addition, in Arkhangelsk, in the Sulfat microdistrict, they are going to build a four-storey building of CLT-panels - people from emergency housing will be resettled there.
Another developer, Samolet Group, plans to build nine-storey buildings from CLT in the Moscow region.
Developers are interested in these designs for a number of reasons.
First of all, the buildings are being erected quickly: for example, the construction of two houses in Sokol took eight months.
You can work all year round without breaking technology, and even on swampy soil or melting permafrost.
However, the consumer does not know much about CLT yet.
And in general, it is afraid of fires, although manufacturers claim that CLT panels are fire and earthquake resistant, and their strength is comparable to concrete.
Whether buyers will believe in wooden high-rise buildings and whether they will become a big Russian trend, time will tell.
NEAR THE EARTH
A separate trend was the bionic architecture, which still seems outlandish: however, some believe that it is the future.
We are talking about structures that exist in harmony with nature.
For example, bricks created from mycelium - the fibrous vegetative body of fungi.
They are carbon-neutral, that is, good from the point of view of ecology.
And it is a durable, fireproof, easily formable material.
Another example is mycokarst, designed by Russian architect Anna Budnikova.
This is a new generation of materials of the urban environment based on soil or stone composite and fungal spores, capable of self-healing in extreme conditions.
The invention should solve the problem of karst dips arising from the dissolution of soft soil rocks by groundwater.
In general, initially architectural structures opposed nature: this was told in his lecture at ARCH Moscow by architect, founder of the bureau Le Atelier Sergey Kolchin.
Architecture dates back to the Egyptian pyramids: for centuries, it was a form that ignored the natural context (as opposed to pre-architectural forms like a cave and a dugout).
In the Enlightenment, for example, the idea that nature needs to be transformed and conquered was established, and a regular park appeared.
However, in the XVIII century there was an aesthetic of ruins - dilapidated buildings, as if defeated by nature.
And with the advent of Art Nouveau and its floral ornaments and bends, it became clear that the revenge of natural forms still took place.
And indeed: there were ideas of the city-garden, opposing the stone jungle.
There were creations of the popularizer of organic architecture Frank Lloyd Wright, inscribed in the landscape.
Today, materials created with the help of nature are popular - for example, bricks made of rammed earth.
And the buildings themselves are trying to fit into the landscape - so that they do not have to cut down trees on the site.
Man again turned to face nature - and at the same time to himself, making the habitat more natural and cozy.
CULTURAL CENTER OF CONTAINERS
However, all this may seem sweet dreams, because the outskirts of Russian cities look very different: they are built up with the same type of gray panels.
Their gloomy charm has recently gained many fans in Western social networks.
But it is one thing to admire chthonic images from afar, and quite another - to live surrounded by the same high-rise buildings.
Not surprisingly, many consumers – not just young ones – dream of a more diverse architecture, even in the economy class segment.
How to achieve this?
For example, you can localize it - correlate with the city, its history.
In particular, we recall the modern residential development of Amsterdam, where new buildings are trying to “fit ” into the historical quarters in scale and even style, without resorting to copying.
In Russia, such examples are not yet widespread: many cities are “scarred ” by point construction.
In other cases, reference to the city is made through the use of local “materials ”.
The most striking example is the cultural center “Container Hall ” in Murmansk.
It was built near the port of 12 old shipping containers stacked on top of each other.
Outside, they were painted black - because coal dust flies from the port, and inside they hold exhibitions, film screenings, lectures.
And as a result, the depressed area received a new point of attraction.
DO YOU NEED A PERCENTAGE FOR ART?
Another lifesaver can be modern art – for example, public art.
Its peculiarity is that it focuses on the wide, that is, the inexperienced viewer and helps him to change his perception of the urban environment.
In this case, objects, as a rule, are site-specific - they are inscribed in the space in which they are located.
Among the famous examples are the art object "Happiness is not far off" (author - Boris Matrosov), installed on the embankment in Perm; "Archiles" by Nikolai Polissky in Peredelkino - woven tree trunks resembling flames: they were installed in the place of six old fir trees.
Or the project of Marina Zvyagintseva for the Morozovskaya hospital: under her leadership, modern artists turned a strict space into a boring and playful one.
However, viewers do not always like such art interventions.
Most often, problems arise with objects that are moved from place to place, not taking into account the local context.
This happened with Urs Fisher ’ s “Big Clay No. 4 ” installed in 2021 in front of the HPP-2 building.
Before that, the sculpture had already visited New York and Florence, where it caused a mixed reaction.
In Moscow, she was also not happy – disputes broke out serious.
In Russia, public art does not have a clear legal status: sometimes it is referred to as MAF - that is, small architectural forms, along with playgrounds and gazebos, and sometimes confused with festive decoration.
In general, the regulatory gap is obvious.
And there is no state support for public art yet.
Nevertheless, developers are increasingly turning to artists: after all, this is not only image glasses, but also a very specific profit.
People do not want to buy a cell in a concrete box, but a comfortable and beautiful space: when the primary needs are satisfied, the turn comes to aesthetics.
By the way, in the United States there is a program Percent for Art, under which developers are required to allocate 1 percent of the budget for art objects.
Russian developers oppose such a "binding", assuring that excessive regulation will not lead to anything good.
At the same time, some companies order public art and murals on their own initiative.
For example, in 2019, an art object by Dmitry Aske, a famous street artist and graffitist, appeared on the territory of the Balchug Residence residential complex built by Inteko.
The five-meter sculpture "Guardian", depicting a girl sitting on horseback on a wolf, looked extremely impressive.
By the way, the artist continues to cooperate with developers: in Rostov-on-Don, the Magistrat-Don company (part of the Inteko perimeter) is building the 5th Element Aske quarter.
This is a residential complex, in the design of which Dmitry participates: his murals will appear on the facades, in addition, the artist created sketches for the design of public spaces inside the houses.
PHOTOGENIC ARCHITECTURE
The demand for art is a manifestation of a global trend: visual communication is coming to the fore these days.
Consumers want their homes to be “photogenic ” – they can serve as a beautiful backdrop for social media posts.
And these requirements are gradually beginning to be taken into account - especially in the segment where functionality can fade into the background: in restaurants, hotels or expensive stores.
And sometimes functionality is inferior to aesthetics under the pressure of circumstances.
This happened with the building of GES-2, reconstructed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano.
Declared as the House of Culture, it is still inferior to other venues - in terms of exhibitions and programs.
Perhaps, it was simply unlucky with time: the opening of HPP-2 was at the end of 2021, and after a few months almost all international projects were curtailed.
Nevertheless, the interiors of the building - a huge bright space and light crossroads of beams - fell in love with photographers of all stripes.
However, the context is also important, the history of the place.
You can recall the scandal around the Zoya Museum, which happened in 2020.
One portal called the museum — a bright modernist building in the village of Petrishchevo, where Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya was martyred — “an ideal backdrop for fashion photography. ”
There was a lot of noise: many felt it was wrong to combine two different contexts - tragedy and fashion.
TOGETHER WITHDRAWAL
All this is only a part of the ongoing processes, it is impossible to cover them all in one text.
We can also recall the rethinking and restoration of heritage: for example, modernist buildings, highly valued in the West, are rarely considered monuments.
Although gradually the attitude is changing - as evidenced by the recent project "Steel. Glass.
Concrete ” by the famous photographer Mikhail Rozanov, dedicated to modernist buildings.
More and more people are involved in the life of the city - this is the so-called participatory design; new local centers are emerging - growth points of remote urban areas.
And it turns out that the architecture is much less susceptible to inertia than we used to think, and responds sensitively to many changes.
Photos: Valery Matitsyn / TASS; Vladimir Smirnov / TASS.