Vertical gardens, also known as green walls, are increasingly recognized for their ability to enhance building aesthetics and integrate natural elements into urban environments, as demonstrated by Singapore's green building initiatives.

These installations contribute to reducing the urban heat island effect and improving air quality by absorbing pollutants and particulate matter, making them a valuable addition to sustainable architectural designs.

Environmentally, vertical gardens improve energy efficiency by cooling building surfaces and surrounding areas, with rooftop gardens in Singapore lowering surface temperatures by up to 6 degrees Celsius.

This cooling effect also enhances the performance of solar panels by preventing overheating, further demonstrating the energy-saving potential of vertical gardens.

Vertical gardens foster biodiversity by creating habitats for birds and insects, as seen in Taipei's urban planning efforts that incorporate green corridors to strengthen ecological networks.

Indoor vertical gardens are particularly effective at purifying air, reducing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter by up to 40% and 60%, respectively.

Studies from the University of Technology Sydney highlight the ability of vertical plant wall systems to remove petrol-related pollutants from indoor air within hours, addressing modern air pollution challenges.

Certain plants, such as Peace Lilies and Snake Plants, are especially effective at absorbing airborne pollutants and releasing clean oxygen, making them ideal for indoor green walls.

Vertical gardens also contribute to temperature regulation, with experimental setups in Dar es Salaam reducing wall temperatures by up to 5°C, while providing fresh vegetables for household consumption.

The integration of vegetation into building exteriors, such as the Lilly Tower in Manhattan, provides natural insulation that reduces energy consumption for climate control.

Beyond environmental benefits, vertical gardens have a profound impact on mental health, as research from the University of Tokyo shows that viewing green plants can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

A study by Sekisui House found that people living in homes with green views reported better mental health outcomes, underscoring the psychological benefits of indoor green walls.

Daily exposure to natural environments, such as green spaces, has been shown to significantly reduce clinical depression rates, highlighting the importance of incorporating greenery into indoor spaces.

Plant selection for vertical gardens is influenced by climate, with drought-tolerant species like lavender and succulents suitable for arid regions, and moisture-loving plants like astilba thriving in humid environments.

In colder climates, evergreen coniferous plants are preferred for their resilience and year-round aesthetic appeal, while tropical plants like palms are ideal for warmer regions.

Shade-tolerant species such as ferns and mosses are commonly used for indoor vertical gardens, ensuring adaptability to low-light conditions.

Maintaining vertical gardens requires attention to light exposure, watering techniques, and pest control, with tropical plants often needing higher humidity and shade.

Innovative irrigation systems, such as IoT-enabled smart flower pots, automate watering and fertilization while collecting data to optimize plant health and maintenance efficiency.

Hydroponic systems, which use soil-less technology, enable precise water and nutrient delivery for year-round growth of herbs and vegetables, reducing water usage and environmental impact.

Advanced facilities like Dubai’s Bustanica employ closed-loop irrigation systems that recycle water vapor, reducing water consumption by 95% compared to traditional farming methods.

Vertical gardens are cost-effective in the long term, requiring less water and land while enabling year-round crop production in controlled environments, as demonstrated by vertical plant factories in Chengdu.

Projects like the Trudo Vertical Forest in the Netherlands showcase the sustainability of vertical gardens, absorbing over 50 tons of carbon dioxide annually and integrating renewable energy systems.

Unlike traditional landscaping, vertical gardens can be implemented in dense urban areas, offering multifunctional benefits such as noise reduction and improved air quality.

Architectural examples like the Lilly Tower in Manhattan and the Yayoi Kusama Gallery in Brazil highlight the aesthetic and ecological integration of vertical gardens into building designs.

Retrofitting existing buildings with vertical gardens can be achieved by incorporating planters into external cladding or creating internal courtyards that connect indoor and outdoor spaces.

Using lightweight modular systems minimizes structural disruption and facilitates integration into existing walls, ensuring adaptability to various building layouts.

Architects face challenges in designing vertical gardens for different climates, such as ensuring plants can withstand local temperature extremes and humidity levels.

These challenges can be addressed by selecting climate-appropriate plants and incorporating bioclimatic strategies like shading elements and ventilation.

Adaptive design techniques, such as responsive facade systems and native plant integration, enhance sustainability and reduce maintenance needs for vertical gardens.

Vertical gardens contribute to urban biodiversity by supporting ecosystems for pollinator insects, birds, and small animals, while reducing soil erosion through nature-oriented solutions.

In densely populated areas, initiatives like Taipei's green corridors enhance biodiversity and mitigate the heat island effect, creating sustainable living environments.

Environmental trade-offs of vertical gardens include high water usage and the need for efficient drainage systems, which require careful infrastructure planning.

Structural limitations, such as the durability of materials, must be considered, as seen in Delhi where plastic carriers in vertical gardens proved unsuitable for the climate.

Energy demands for artificial lighting and cooling in vertical farming systems can increase the carbon footprint unless renewable energy sources are utilized effectively.

Vertical gardens align with green building certification standards like LEED and BREEAM by enhancing urban greening and reducing energy consumption.

These installations support biodiversity and contribute to the aesthetic and environmental value of urban areas, helping buildings achieve sustainability goals.

Vertical gardens significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of properties, as demonstrated by projects like the Trudo Vertical Forest, which integrates greenery with modern architectural design.

These installations can also increase property market value, with landscaped gardens commanding premiums due to their functional and emotional benefits.

Recent trends in vertical garden design emphasize the use of advanced technology, such as sensors and automated irrigation systems, to optimize plant health and resource use.

Innovative approaches, like Spain's 'Wall Garden,' incorporate mobile app-controlled irrigation systems and provide habitats for wildlife, enhancing urban aesthetics.

To integrate vertical gardens into indoor spaces with limited natural light, artificial grow lights such as LED or fluorescent lights are essential for healthy plant growth.

Selecting low-light plants like ivy and ferns ensures the success of vertical gardens in dimly lit environments while maintaining their aesthetic and functional benefits.

Public perceptions of vertical gardens vary, with some questioning their environmental value, particularly in regions where construction materials contribute to pollution.

Collaborations between architects and horticulturists can ensure the long-term health and resilience of vertical gardens by leveraging expertise in plant behavior and soil conditions.

Dynamic designs, such as layered planting strategies, reduce maintenance needs and enhance biodiversity, as demonstrated by sustainable landscape projects.

Vertical gardens exemplify measurable environmental impacts, such as the Trudo Vertical Forest absorbing over 50 tons of carbon dioxide and emitting 13 tons of oxygen annually.

Vertical gardens, also known as green walls, are increasingly recognized for their ability to enhance building aesthetics and integrate natural elements into urban environments, as demonstrated by Singapore's green building initiatives.

Title:

Content: Alert
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Singapore Building Zero Energy Green Building Breathing
Singapore Net Zero Carbon 2
In the morning, the sun shines through the gaps in the leaves on the waterwalk in Punggol New Town, Singapore. The morning runners are accompanied by the murmur of water and the sound of insects. The urban jungle concrete buildings in green clothes are also breathing, and the natural face of City in Nature is collaged.
This is Singapore, the southernmost point of the Malay Peninsula, with a reputation as an urban garden. More than 50 years of transformation, it has not only become a city in the garden, which has impressed the international community, but is now moving towards a city that is integrated with nature and breathes together. The key is green architecture that makes Singaporeans proud.
In October 2022, the then Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Huang Xuancai announced a long-term low-carbon development strategy, Singapore's new emission reduction target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest, the government played a leading role in leading the emission reduction action, hoping to meet the target by 2045.
The promotion of green buildings in Singapore is certainly related to the world trend of net zero carbon emissions, and the more important reason is based on sustainable development, but this small urban country, natural resources are scarce, energy depends on imports, to achieve net zero carbon emissions goals, enterprises and individuals have to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Regarding Singapore ’ s promotion of green buildings, Chien Szu-Cheng, an associate professor at the Singapore Polytechnic University (SIT), said that the early impression of Singapore was that it was a garden city in the city, and then transformed into a city in the garden, and now with global climate change, Singapore is striving to become a city in nature (“natural city ”).
Environmental protection and greening have become the basic skills of green building in Singapore, with 80% of the population living in HDB living as if living with nature. Among them, the Waterway Terraces is undoubtedly one of the best examples of green building in Singapore, and won the Singapore Good Design Mark Special Merit Award in 2017.
● Energy saving design of green elements in government buildings
Vincent Tan, who enjoyed breakfast at the restaurant on the first floor, was pleased with the large collection of green elements at Punggol Waterfront Terrace.
He said that Singapore is located in the tropics, perfect ventilation and shade design are the most important design elements, and the Punggol house facing the waterfront is in line with this energy-saving design, which greatly reduces the use of air conditioning.
For the first ecological compartments built by the waterfront, Mr. Chen said that the design concept was inspired by the terraces and incorporated green elements. The green sky garden, the rain garden and the green roof are all in line with the daily life of the compartments. Avoid direct sunlight and natural light.
Even in the afternoon sun, there are still many people jogging along the Punggol Waterfront Bungalow Bypass, cycling and enjoying the "natural city".
The Pinnacle @ Duxton, home to the world ’ s two longest skyscrapers, is an important landmark in Singapore and has been awarded the Presidential Design Award, the highest honor in Singapore, by the Council for High-Rise Architecture and Urban Housing in Chicago.
Nancy, a long-time Filipino resident of Dash Ridge, believes that a large number of green plants make this downtown block green, especially the garden corridor of the 26th and 50th floors, which is 500 meters long, the maximum green space, vertical high-rise green belt homes do not put any pressure on the environment, and a large amount of ventilation system allows the sun to shine in the sky. All power is gone.
Albert Lim, who has been in the construction industry for decades, takes the energy saving point of view as an example, showing that the sky garden model is effective in reducing heat transfer, and even some birds use the sky garden as a resting place.
The renewable energy and environmentally friendly building materials used by the Dash Ridge skyscraper contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
● Green Building Label Towards Zero Energy Building
The Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA) launched the Green Mark in 2005, which aims to make local buildings sustainable and environmentally conscious, with four levels: Certified, Gold, GoldPlus and Platinum.
The Green Building Mark assesses the environmental impact and performance of buildings, reduces the use of energy, water and material resources, and reduces potential environmental impacts such as climate responsive design, building energy performance, resource management, smart and healthy buildings, and promotes green efforts.
The Singapore Green Plan 2030 targets at least 80% of buildings to be low-carbon and environmentally friendly.
Green coverage allows concrete buildings, originally thought to be urban jungles, to coexist with nature.
Currently, about 55% of Singapore ’ s building area is greening, and nearly 20% of new developments are ultra-low energy buildings.
In order to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings in Singapore, the Building Authority has also launched a US $63 million (about NT $2,041.2 million) “Green Building Award Scheme 2.0 ” (GMIS-EB 2.0) for existing buildings as part of the cost of assisting owners in their green transformation.
KeppelBay Tower, a zero-energy commercial building, was awarded the first Green Mark Platinum (Zero Energy) certification in October 2020, featuring a high-performance air-conditioning distribution system, an innovative cooling water management system, integrated sensor technology to optimize fresh air, smart LED lighting solutions and smart building control systems.
In October 2022, KeppelInfrastructure @ Changi Building, part of Keppel Infrastructure Holdings, in Changi Business Park, was upgraded to a more stringent green building after renovation work.
The 1.06 hectare building, which was built in 2013, will undergo retrofitting and facelift from 2021, using efficient air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems, smart sensors, LED lights, electric vehicle charging pile infrastructure and a large area of vertical greening, the Construction Bureau said.
It is worth mentioning that the renovated building has water-saving devices, which greatly reduce water waste, can also collect rainwater for irrigation, and the various waterproof and other systems used in the interior use sustainable green building materials.
Surprisingly, more than 4,000 square meters of solar panels are installed on the roof and the walls of the building itself, generating about 600,000 kWh of renewable energy per year.
This is equivalent to at least 245 tons of CO2 emissions per year, equivalent to planting more than 7,000 new trees.
At least 115% of the energy consumption of a green building ’ s platinum grade positive energy building comes from on-site renewable energy; the building itself is at least 15% more renewable energy than it consumes.
The National Park Service also assisted in the vertical greening project, planting more than 910 square meters of green plants, significantly reducing the heat island effect.
Cindy Lim, chief executive of Keppel Infrastructure, said the revamped building met the highest standards of the Green Building Mark and was the first Singapore building to be awarded Platinum Positive Energy Certification.
DBS also launched the Zero Energy Building on 18 July 2022. The 30-year-old DBS Newton Green Building, located on Bukit Timah Road, was awarded a Platinum Green Building by installing a solar panel roof and low-energy appliances.
Before the renovation, the building consumed 845,000 kWh per year, which is equivalent to the energy consumption of about 200 4-room government blocks per year.
The renovated building uses smart lighting and air-conditioning systems to achieve significant energy savings, with an annual energy consumption of more than 580,000 kWh, while other renewable energy sources can generate 250,000 kWh per year from 1,000 square meters of solar panels installed on the roof.
In addition to enhancing ventilation, green plants covering more than 50% of the exterior walls help the building absorb heat and cool down, and become a habitat for birds and butterflies.
Desmond Lee, the national development minister, said that the DBS zero-energy building reduces carbon emissions by more than 20%, and that greening the building is crucial to further reducing the carbon emissions of the built environment.
● Achieve the 80-80-80 target by 2030
In 2021, Singapore announced a green development blueprint with 80-80-80 targets to achieve 80% green building targets by 2030, 80% of new development projects will be upgraded to ultra-low energy buildings, and the energy efficiency of green buildings will be increased to 80%.
The Shaw Tower is undergoing redevelopment and is expected to be completed by 2025. The renovation project is awarded the Platinum Green Label for ultra-low energy consumption. Through the use of hybrid air conditioning system, smart lighting and power management strategy, energy efficiency can be improved by 60%.%.
Steven Ng, who used to go to Shaw Building for business, said that once the Shaw Building is renovated, it will be like injecting new living water, improving work efficiency with the improvement of the office environment, the most important reason is to greatly save energy, and the renewable energy generated by the rooftop solar panels creates green space for the entire building.
He said that the office space in the building through intelligent system control, not only can monitor the air quality and lighting system, but also the air quality of the office environment can be monitored.
Singapore is committed to creating green building targets with leading indicators to create liveable cities and reduce carbon footprint in response to climate change, said Su Junxu, a builder with decades of experience in construction.
In particular, with regard to the 80% building greening target, Singaporeans must strictly enforce sustainable environmental development regulations, implement green labeling requirements, and use energy data to create green buildings.
There are currently 22 zero-energy buildings in Singapore, eight of which are located at Nanyang Technological University, the largest number of local universities, and Nanyang University is known as the greenest campus in the country.
Kelvin K.F. Law, a scholar at Nanyang Polytechnic University, said that when global warming or climate change, a small and densely populated Singapore with no natural resources is the biggest victim, the Singapore government now has to do to ensure that the next generation can survive, so there will be a lot of green buildings, tree planting, cisterns or solar panels.
Luo believes that many buildings in Singapore have sensors installed in the air conditioning system, when people are indoors to turn on the air conditioning; outdoor green space is everywhere, such as the atrium or the top floor of the building have a lot of greening facilities to reduce the indoor temperature.
Green buildings are in line with the world trend of energy conservation and carbon reduction, and Singapore, which lacks natural advantages, can only deploy ahead of time to achieve its sustainable development goals.
Today, Singapore has quietly switched to green building, focusing on green building to create jobs and a new engine of economic growth on the road to sustainable development.
Green Buildings in Singapore
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These installations contribute to reducing the urban heat island effect and improving air quality by absorbing pollutants and particulate matter, making them a valuable addition to sustainable architectural designs.

Environmentally, vertical gardens improve energy efficiency by cooling building surfaces and surrounding areas, with rooftop gardens in Singapore lowering surface temperatures by up to 6 degrees Celsius.

Title:

Content: More construction owners apply for subsidies to increase the garden high-rise green space area doubled in 10 years
Font Size:
Our high-rise green space has increased significantly, more than doubling in size over the past 10 years, from 60 hectares in 2013 to 155 hectares.
In addition to more new builders incorporating high-rise green spaces or rooftop gardens into their blueprints, more and more owners of older buildings are applying to the National Park Service for subsidies to add or convert their roofs into green spaces.
In an interview with the Lianhe Zaobao, the senior director of the National Park Service's landscaping department, Sophie Ann, revealed that since 2009, about 300 projects have applied for grants for high-rise green spaces or vertical landscaping.
Owners who receive the allowance must ensure that the green space of the tall building is maintained for at least five years.
According to the Park Service, only five applicants no longer maintain green spaces for high-rise buildings due to financial or other factors.
The Park Service annually reviews whether the green spaces in tall buildings are still lush and provides horticultural advice when needed, such as introducing heat-resistant and heat-resistant landscape plants to replace poorly grown flowers and trees.
The Park Service would not disclose how much subsidy has been allocated so far, but stressed that the purpose of the subsidy is to encourage more owners to pay attention to the benefits of high-rise green space, in line with Singapore ’ s 2030 Green Plan, to implement the vision of 200 hectares of high-rise green space.
In fact, many builders choose to set up garden green space in tall buildings or rooftops, or plant vertical flowers and trees in the outer layer of the building, while greening the building environment of steel cement, it also saves energy costs for cooling indoor space.
Rooftop gardens can "cool" the surface of a building by 6 degrees Celsius and reduce the surrounding temperature by 4 degrees Celsius, Sufian said.
In addition, when the solar panel is placed on the roof, if green plants are also planted below it, the solar panel can be prevented from overheating and the charging efficiency can be improved.
More intensive planting of various plants along the roadside
Green buildings such as vertical greening are a topic of concern in recent years, and integrating green space and natural habitat in new towns and residential areas can be one of the compromise solutions to balance urban development and conservation, and offset the plundering and depletion of the natural environment by development projects.
About 40 percent of Singapore's land area is covered by green vegetation, many of which are naturally formed forests in the past half century.
After the urban development of the 1970s, many rural and agricultural land was cleared, and tropical tree species that are easier to reproduce and grow quickly were planted, and many sub-forests were scattered everywhere.
Over the years, the Park Service has also grown more dense and numerous plants per hectare of road land than in the past.
In the past, most of the plants on both sides of the road were of the same species. "This is not a wise move, because if a certain species of tree is infected, it will affect a lot of trees," said Mr Woo Chao-shing, Senior Director of Roads and Landscape of the Park Service.
As a result, over the years, more diverse species of shrubs and trees have been added to create a sense of stratification along roadsides or open spaces, attracting more butterflies and birds, etc. “And this will improve the fragmentation of green spaces caused by urbanization, strengthen ecological cohesion, repair roads and increase the destruction of nature by building more houses. ”
"When cities develop, we have to compensate by planting more plants in the same area of green corridors, or by choosing plants that grow faster to get back to the lush feeling of the past as soon as possible," Hu said.
To this end, the Park Service launched the rewilding project three years ago, deliberately ignoring the green corridors of 24 locations, reducing the number of routine pruning of branches and weeds and creating a sense of overgrown grass.
"We deliberately allow nature to grow freely, increasing its biodiversity and saving manpower, as long as it does not block the entrance of drainage channels or obstruct the passage of pedestrians," Hu said.
However, some residents are concerned about mosquito breeding, and "we will consider it on a case-by-case basis before deciding whether to expand the area under the plan."
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This cooling effect also enhances the performance of solar panels by preventing overheating, further demonstrating the energy-saving potential of vertical gardens.

Vertical gardens foster biodiversity by creating habitats for birds and insects, as seen in Taipei's urban planning efforts that incorporate green corridors to strengthen ecological networks.

Title:

Content: Architect Su Yu-che and landscape scholar Hung Wo-mo: How to properly return land to nature in today ’ s architectural and urban challenges?
Architect Yu Cher Su (left) and landscape scholar Hung Wo-mo (right) _ Photo Credit: Jimmy Yang
What we want you to know is
In the process of urban development, the views of practicing architects on what is an ideal living environment have greatly affected the appearance of the city.
Architect Su Yu-che and landscape scholar Hung Wo-chih believe that the wall-free green space is crucial to urban life today. This article uses the dialogue between the two to describe the possible imagination of the future Taipei space.
Text: Lin Jiahui
Cinematography: Jimmy Yang, Kris Kang, Tsai Yiu-chen
Illustration: Su Yu-che
In the process of urban development, the views of practicing architects on what is an ideal living environment have greatly affected the appearance of the city.
Architect Su Yu-che and landscape scholar Hung Wo-chih believe that the wall-free green space is crucial to urban life today. This article uses the dialogue between the two to describe the possible imagination of the future Taipei space.
Focus on space outside the building
The appearance of the city changes with the needs of the times, and each building can be regarded as a concrete microcosm of people's imagination of urban life.
Su Yu-che pointed out that many communities in Taipei City are currently in the process of urban renewal to demolish old homes and build new homes.
However, the development process of each old street can not be synchronized, and the construction of a house will greatly affect the lives of the surrounding residents if it does not take into account the sunlight, air circulation and spatial movement of the surrounding houses.
In addition to relying on legal norms, construction companies also need to consciously carry out overall thinking and planning in order to create a truly comfortable neighborhood life.
"In the past, the rules of urban development were formulated with architecture as the main body, but the so-called city should be a virtual space outside the building, that is, an" empty "space."
Su Yu-che believes that both the natural environment of the countryside and the built-up areas must be taken into account, and an appropriate "space" should be defined.
Hung further explained that the environmental planning surrounding the building is important for creating a healthy living environment.
The so-called virtual space also includes green space, green space not only can regulate cooling, help carbon emission, but also help to establish a sense of neighborhood, she said: "As long as there is green space in a community, everyone is willing to go outdoors, gather here, create communication opportunities, increase mutual interaction; even if there is no dialogue, because often meet, will also produce a sense of closeness, drawing each other's distance."
Green living room on the first floor
Su Yu-che adds that before all cities became densely populated and paved with man-made construction, they belonged to the primitive state of nature. Nowadays, people like to go to the countryside on holidays and stay away from the cement jungle to meet the original needs of human nature.
Hong Ho-mo pointed out that the Taipei City government advocates “building a green and healthy Taipei ” and has opened a total of 994 parks and green areas with a total area of more than 18.07 million square meters.
The more green space in Taipei's parks, the higher the happiness of residents.
In the city's greening plan, Su Yu-che believes that the most challenging part of the city is the central part of the city or the area with a high concentration of buildings. A shared public space is actually feasible, "he said.
For example, the increasingly popular movable glass doors and windows can be fully opened when the weather conditions are good. In addition to helping to regulate the air and suitable for sub-tropical housing, it can also connect the indoor space on the first floor with the space for outdoor tree planting, so that the greenery is no longer blocked by the wall, and it can also enhance people ’ s intimacy. It is an urban living room that belongs to everyone, and the people on both sides of the glass wall do not know, but in the open space, there is a chance to break the original "you are you, I am me" boundary, so that the interaction is more friendly. 」
Vertical greening makes cities more comfortable
In the past, people often thought that landscape design was only introduced at the end of the project, but in fact, the overall landscape planning should precede the architectural design.
If you want to further green the existing Taipei urban space, you can consider using the old viaducts and elevated railways in New York City, Boston, and Seoul to turn the old viaducts and elevated railways into air parks, and map out the different levels of space, such as pedestrian bridges and roof spaces, so that the city can add more pleasant spaces by way of vertical greening.
According to Hung, in a densely populated urban environment, more green space can be reserved through the combination of green spots (small parks), green corridors (roadway trees or rivers), green surfaces (big parks or water and green resources), or urban renewal. A beautiful and green living environment, a sustainable and livable Taipei city blueprint for the coexistence of bird-language flowers and nature. "
In addition to the construction and maintenance of the park's green space, Hung points out that Taipei has also combined public and private efforts to adopt the park's green space with roadway trees, select plants, and even plan an urban agricultural park where people in the community can grow vegetables and garden together.
She said: “The diverse creativity and vitality of citizens can not only increase the energy of urban development, but also contribute to the sustainable operation of urban greening. ”
In recent years, Taipei City has been making efforts to make the city greener. Our lives can be better, and the city is more beautiful, healthy and safe. "
This article was published with permission from Taipei Art Journal. The original is published here.
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Editor-in-Chief: Wang Zupeng
Editor ： Weng Shihang

Indoor vertical gardens are particularly effective at purifying air, reducing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter by up to 40% and 60%, respectively.

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

Studies from the University of Technology Sydney highlight the ability of vertical plant wall systems to remove petrol-related pollutants from indoor air within hours, addressing modern air pollution challenges.

Title:

Content: HealthOther News

Plants that clean the air in the house within 8 hours

SHAFAQNA SCIENCE- Scientists at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Australia, who investigated whether a vertical wall system fitted with indoor plants could mop up a mix of harmful compounds found in petrol vapors.

“Not only can plants remove the majority of pollutants from the air in a matter of hours,” says UTS environmental scientists, “they remove the most harmful petrol-related pollutants from the air most efficiently.”

They tested the Ambius vertical plant wall system using nine purpose-built perspex boxes containing four plants or none at all. A small volume of petrol was vaporized inside the chambers, and researchers measured the gas levels.

Source: sciencealert

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Certain plants, such as Peace Lilies and Snake Plants, are especially effective at absorbing airborne pollutants and releasing clean oxygen, making them ideal for indoor green walls.

Title:

Content: Top bedroom houseplants 'really good' at cleaning your room for a better sleep

There's nothing worse than when a bad night's sleep affects your whole day, and so it could be worth introducing some houseplants into your bedroom.

By Sophie Harris, Senior Lifestyle Reporter, Lucy Marshall

Houseplant expert explains how to look after a Peace Lily

It turns out that you can be dreaming a lot faster and easier if you put some in your bedroom. Not only can they clean your air but they can help you sleep better.

David Domoney, Everest ambassador, and horticulturist claims that having can also help you to live longer.

Most plants release moisture into the air in a process called transpiraton and some houseplants have adapted to conserve water by minimising transpiration and can reduce humidity levels in their immediate vicinity, which in turn will help to reduce condensation on your windows.

Condensation and moisture on windows and walls are not only unsightly, it encourages the growth of , so keeping on top of condensation to avoid mould is important, reported the Mirror.

Gardening pro David said: "It is well known that many plants can help improve indoor air quality.

Top 10 bedroom houseplants 'really good' at cleaning your room for a better sleep (Image: Getty)

"They absorb pollutants through their leaves, roots, and with microorganisms in the soil filter out harmful compounds which build up in our homes and release clean oxygen.

"This natural process helps reduce levels of carbon dioxide, increase humidity, and eliminate significant amounts of airborne pollutants, thereby improving the overall air quality within indoor environments.

"Plants contribute to indoor air quality improvement through a few of their natural processes."

David, who often appears on This Morning, believes that having plants around can make us feel less stressed, happier, and help us focus and work better by making our surroundings feel more natural and calming. He's picked out the top 10 plants he thinks are best for your bedroom, and they can be purchased from most garden centres, including Gardening Naturally or YouGarden.com

Florist Chrysanthemum

The Florist's Chrysanthemum, or 'mum' plant, is "really good" at cleaning benzene from the air, which is a chemical found in stuff like glues, paints, plastics, and detergents. This plant likes light but not direct sun and needs a bit more looking after, like watering often and taking off dead flowers to help it bloom.

It doesn't live very long inside, but it's nice to have around for a while.

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English Ivy

This plant is great at fighting air pollution. You need to cut it back now and then to keep it healthy and not too big.

Peace Lily

A peace lily is one of the top plants for cleaning the air in your house. It also helps make the air more moist, which is good for when you breathe.

It loves places with moderate to high humidity, and it's easy to water - just keep the soil moist without overdoing it. Plus, they are happy in low-light spots and can even grow under fluorescent lights.

Lady Palm

The lady palm is great at getting rid of formaldehyde and can live happily in many indoor spaces, like offices and homes. It grows well in low light and isn't bothered by pests, making it perfect for plant beginners.

Not only does this houseplant clean the air, but it also makes any room look better.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is famous for its healing powers and is grown for the calming acemannan gel found in its leaf. Lots of people use aloe vera gels to help with burns, bites and scrapes.

But remember, while the gel is safe, the skin of aloe vera can be harmful, especially for mums-to-be.

The plant likes lots of bright light and soil that drains well. So, put the plant on a bathroom or kitchen windowsill that gets lots of light and this plant will help to get rid of too much moisture and dampness.

Not only does the Lady Palm clean the air, but it also makes any room look better.

Weeping Fig

The weeping fig is a favourite indoor plant that helps fight off pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. It likes bright, indirect light and can be a bit fussy about how you look after it, not liking changes in where it is or how often it's watered.

Snake Plant

The tough snake plant is famous for purifying the air and reducing moisture. It's perfect for bedrooms because it soaks up water vapour at night, which helps stop condensation on windows.

Plus, it takes in carbon dioxide and gives out oxygen at night, which is good for a restful sleep.

Also known as the mother-in-law's tongue, this plant is super easy to look after. You can forget to water it for a few weeks and it will still be fine.

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Vertical gardens also contribute to temperature regulation, with experimental setups in Dar es Salaam reducing wall temperatures by up to 5°C, while providing fresh vegetables for household consumption.

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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The integration of vegetation into building exteriors, such as the Lilly Tower in Manhattan, provides natural insulation that reduces energy consumption for climate control.

Title:

Content: LIFE ・ Classic ／ The concept of wreath architecture on the New York skyline comes from the “terraces ” of Asia
Courtesy of Lilly Tower.
(Courtesy of Studio Vural)
Journalist Tsai Wai-ju / Comprehensive Report
The skyline of Manhattan will take on a new look, a Gothic tower building dating back to 1923, will become an arc skyscraper, more specifically the appearance of the building is covered with vegetation, but they are not only decorative, there is no fear of tall gardeners to update the plant regularly, it is a vertical garden outside the building, and the concept is from the Asian terraced system.
Studio Vural, who conceived the “Lilly tower, ” says the shape of the building is like a terraced field in some parts of Asia, one of the most extreme examples of the use of land, where every inch of fertile soil is important, and the skyscraper next to Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan is expected to bring a hint of green to the sky.
The Lilly building will be made of three layers of glass and partially covered with vegetation. The planting system will be made of light concrete supported by steel frames. It is a plant that can grow well in both soil and acidity. It will wither the plant if it is well drained.
The flowers are red, yellow, and orange, meaning that in the spring New York will see a field of flowers in skyscrapers, and may be very appetizing to urban gardeners, who are now more and more in the city.
However, combining the building with plants is not only a beautiful function, in addition to beautiful flower fields and contributing to the good urban air, it is also a low-energy design, natural insulation can allow the building to reduce the internal consumption of the climate, in addition, Lilly Building is also a passive building, using a small amount of energy to maintain a comfortable internal environment.
The heat of the sun will flow through the large glass, and the fresh air will enter through the open windows of the residential section.
Heating and cooling will be provided by the geothermal system, the heat exchanger helps to minimize energy loss, and the plants on the outer walls provide heat preservation and insulation. According to the design, the building has 21 floors for commercial space and 18 floors for residential use.
In any case, we all welcome the emergence of more energy-efficient, sustainable skyscrapers, not to mention lilies in the spring, and beautiful greenery in other seasons to breathe for the people of the city.
Key words:
LIFE, Classic, Architecture, Passive Architecture
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Beyond environmental benefits, vertical gardens have a profound impact on mental health, as research from the University of Tokyo shows that viewing green plants can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Title:

Content: University of Tokyo Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences (GSALS) and Sekisui House, Ltd.
A joint research project on biodiversity and human health was launched on 1 December 2022 to investigate the benefits of biodiversity and the urban natural environment for human health / well-being.
This will be the world ’ s first comprehensive study of the impact on residents ’ health of interacting with the natural environment of a nearby biodiversity-rich garden, as well as their attitudes and behaviors towards nature.
The Conservation Ecology Laboratory of the GSALS Department of Ecosystem Studies at the University of Tokyo conducts research on the conservation of urban biodiversity and the management of ecosystem services (benefits of ecosystems to human society).
The lab has been studying the relationship between nature and human health since 2016.
Its research shows that interaction with nature can improve human health / well-being.
However, the question of how these health benefits vary according to nature ’ s quality rather than quantity has not been explored.
In 2020, the lab investigated how two ways of interacting with nature (i.e., the frequency of green space use and viewing green plants from a home window) affect the mental health of city dwellers (self-esteem, life satisfaction, happiness, depression / anxiety symptoms, and loneliness).
The results of the study show that not only are people who regularly use green space, but also those who live in houses with green views have better mental health.
This shows that even if people can ’ t be in a green space, the natural landscape of their own home can be beneficial for their mental health.
In the figure, the size of the positive (right side of the dotted line) and negative (left side of the dotted line) effects indicates that there is a positive or negative relationship between each factor and each mental health indicator.
For example, “green landscape ” was associated with low levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, while“ Covid-19 impact on income ” was associated with high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Analysis of the results suggests that experiencing nature can affect mental health to the same extent as factors such as income that have traditionally been considered important for mental health.
Since 2001, Sekisui House has been committed to preserving biodiversity by building a green network in urban residential areas through its “Gohon no Ki ” (Five Trees) Project.
The project is a project that aims to build gardens and communities with native tree species in the relevant area. Since 2019, it has been working with Kubota Laboratory and Think Nature Inc.
Joint research has shown that the Gohon no Ki project ’ s emphasis on planting native garden trees has led to improvements in biodiversity in urban areas (three major metropolitan areas in Japan) where there has been 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 at Sekisui House to conserve biodiversity.
It is also the first attempt to scientifically study the impact of biodiversity landscaping on human health and well-being.
The study will also demonstrate the importance of building biodiversity gardens from a biodiversity perspective, rather than simply “greening. ”
The lab is conducting research to test five hypotheses about the relationship between human health and interaction with nature under the themes 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.
Masashi Soga, associate professor of GSALS at the University of Tokyo, commented on the joint research project as follows: “People always turn to nature for relaxation and tranquility, and recent research and technological advances have made it possible to quantify these intangible health benefits.
However, little is known about the role of biodiversity in providing these health benefits.
If we can elucidate this issue, perhaps we can develop appropriate landscape and green space management to support harmonious coexistence with nature, which is desirable both from the point of view of protecting biodiversity and enhancing human health. "
“This joint research project is a large-scale survey designed to examine how interacting with nature in our gardens affects our health and well-being, as gardens are probably the natural world most familiar to most of us. ”
Garden biodiversity is an area that has so far been difficult to study, but Sekisui House ’ s nationwide planting data will allow us to conduct the world ’ s first comprehensive survey of the relationship between garden biodiversity and human health, and the way people appreciate nature and interact with it.
So far, the discussion of nature ’ s health benefits has 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 actually ‘ living with nature ’.
Our research will hopefully help promote the conservation of urban biodiversity, "he said.
GSALS and Sekisui House at the University of Tokyo aim to contribute to the conservation of urban biodiversity and the building of a nature-friendly society by sharing findings about how the way people interact with nearby nature in an urban environment and how people appreciate and interact with nature affects people ’ s mental health.

A study by Sekisui House found that people living in homes with green views reported better mental health outcomes, underscoring the psychological benefits of indoor green walls.

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

Daily exposure to natural environments, such as green spaces, has been shown to significantly reduce clinical depression rates, highlighting the importance of incorporating greenery into indoor spaces.

Title:

Content: You will not miss us!
8,146 followers
10 curious facts about how nature and man affect each other
Unity with nature.
The relationship between people and nature has always been quite complex - a person sought to subjugate it, use it for his needs and in every way to change it.
Today, everyone is talking about the negative consequences of global warming, but this is not the only example of how human civilization and nature affect each other.
1.
Warming climate contributes to violence
Climate affects the level of violence.
Many scientific studies over several decades have consistently assumed that the rate of violent crime always increases as it approaches the equator, that is, as the hotter the climate becomes.
But none of these studies have been able to determine why this is so.
There are two main theories.
First, hot weather causes people discomfort and makes them irritable, and therefore more violent.
Secondly, people in warm weather are more often on the street and interact more actively, that is, there are more opportunities for violent conflict.
But researchers from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam believe that such behavior is not so much to blame for heat as a slight change in temperature in these regions.
Without having to plan for upcoming seasons, people can focus on the present without worrying so much about the future.
This "one-day strategy" can lead to a decrease in self-control and thus an increase in acts of violence.
2.
Light pollution causes early spring in cities
The reason for early spring is light pollution.
Light pollution caused by excess artificial lighting can actually be devastating to natural ecosystems.
Over time, bright lights in cities gradually "deceive" surrounding trees and plants, which begin to "believe" that spring came earlier.
In a 12-year study of four different tree species, British scientists found that in large cities, which have a lot of night lighting, the trees threw out buds a week earlier than similar breeds in the countryside.
This has a natural multiplier effect on the surrounding ecosystem, causing disruptions in pollination cycles and bird and bee populations.
3.
Cigarettes - a threat to marine flora and fauna
Smoking does not only harm people.
Of the billions of cigarette butts produced each year, only a fraction are disposed of correctly.
An insane amount of them goes into the ocean.
In fact, cigarette butts are the most common type of debris in the oceans.
They are made up of thousands of tiny plastic particles woven into a fiber that breaks down in the ocean environment.
One study found that hazardous materials contained in a single cigarette butt could contaminate 1 litre of water enough to kill any fish in that water.
4.
People and Evolution
Underground mosquitoes.
Hunting, human encroachment on the natural habitat of animals, and other changes in the environment have contributed to the extinction of thousands of species over many centuries.
But some patterns of human behavior can eventually lead to the emergence of new species that would not have appeared otherwise.
For example, in London, there are underground mosquitoes, the DNA and breeding habits of which are different from ordinary mosquitoes.
They were made from insects that escaped into artificial underground tunnels during the bombings of World War II.
Since they are no longer able to breed with other mosquitoes, these mosquitoes are a separate species that was actually created by humans.
5.
Nature improves mental health
Family walk in nature.
In 2013, a study conducted by the University of Essex found that clinical rates of depression decreased significantly (by 71 percent) in people who took at least a short walk in nature every day.
These results are in stark contrast to the control group, whose participants walked once a day at the mall.
Their depression rate dropped by 45 percent, while 22 percent actually felt even more depressed.
In addition, adolescents living within 1 km of green spaces experienced a decrease in aggressive behavior.
One way or another, the authors of the study came to a rather specific conclusion: an increase in green space in urban areas can lead to a 12 percent reduction in violent and aggressive behavior among adolescents.
6.
Increased vegetation growth
Melting glaciers.
The melting of glaciers and the gradual disappearance of perennial ice shelves caused by global climate change have produced an unexpected secondary effect.
In many places where the ice retreated, greens appeared in its place.
This longstanding trend has been noted by NASA through satellite imagery.
In addition to the retreat of ice and the increase in temperature, another factor is the increase in the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere, which plants love.
7.
Poor people in green areas get sick less
Nature is the best doctor.
Scientists from the University of Glasgow conducted a study that substantiated the theory that the impact of nature is beneficial to people.
Excluding diseases such as lung cancer, circulatory diseases, as well as intentional self-harm, the scientists decided to survey the entire working population of England to determine whether there is a pattern of health in people who cannot afford medical care, living near green areas.
It turned out that people living near greenery are really healthier, even if they do not visit doctors at all.
8.
Mothers living close to nature have big babies
A healthy baby is a happy mother.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University in 2014 noted that mothers in greener areas tend to give birth to children with a much higher average body weight.
The study also found that a much lower birth weight threatens the baby with a host of lifelong health problems.
It has been found that low birth weight is commonly found in economically underdeveloped areas with minimal green space.
9.
Roads can have a positive impact on nature
Roads are useful for some areas.
Although roads are vital to the infrastructure of any society, environmentalists are actively protesting against their construction.
In fact, in 2013, Cambridge University professor Andrew Balmford suggested that building roads or improving existing roads in some areas could be beneficial to surrounding areas.
In particular, in underdeveloped areas suitable for agriculture, roads clearly contribute to the conservation of vulnerable plant and animal species, as people simply "stay away from them".
10.
Animals adapt to human presence
The Urban Nest.
During the Industrial Revolution and as a result of the human population explosion, there was a clear effect on the diversity of animal species.
Hunting and fishing, despite changes in habitat and migration patterns, have had a negative impact on many species, but not all.
Some have adapted to thrive in the presence of humans, and learning how they managed to do so may be key to mitigating the effects of future population growth.
Chipmunks and crows, for example, have completely changed their diet, adapting to urban life.
Many of the endangered birds began to settle on the flat roofs of shopping malls.
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Plant selection for vertical gardens is influenced by climate, with drought-tolerant species like lavender and succulents suitable for arid regions, and moisture-loving plants like astilba thriving in humid environments.

Title:

Content: Recommendation technologies are used on the information resource (information technologies for providing information based on the collection, systematization and analysis of information relating to the preferences of Internet users located on the territory of the Russian Federation)
Unusual flower beds for garden
Modern trends dictate not to plant the entire plot with beds, but to create gardens and flower beds in order to have a pleasant rest alone or in the company.
In order to make the garden of your dreams in the country, you can create amazing flower arrangements in flower beds that will add comfort and beauty to the site.
1.
Rutarium
Stunning compositions
The unique art of creating compositions from wood, which is perfect for decorating a flower garden.
Rutarium is the cultivation of plants in specially carved cavities of various wooden elements.
Examples may be round firewood, log or old tree trunks.
This is a great way to give the flower garden a unique appearance and place interesting accents on the site.
Rutaries are of different types:
Natural rutarium - unites elements of the plant world, alive and not, in their natural state, without being subjected to human changes.
Basic Rutarium – It uses elements of wood that have been processed but retain their original structure and shape.
Basic Rutarium
Art-routine includes both living and non-living elements.
The focus is on a wooden sculpture or figure, such as a driftwood or stump, which becomes the centerpiece of the composition and is complemented by living plants to emphasize its beauty.
To create a rutarium, you can use a variety of plants, from flowering and ferns to herbs, berries, vines and even low coniferous shrubs.
This allows each routine to be unique and unique.
Bright flowers are good for him too.
2.
Ensemble of leaves
Very picturesque
Another option for decorating a flower garden is a composition of various plant species with a variety of leaf shapes and colors.
This will help to achieve a beautiful and harmonious combination of the flower bed with the rest of the green part of the garden, which will please the eye and soul.
Place plants with different leaf textures next to each other to create an amazing effect.
Coloured leaves are also good.
For such a flower garden, many plants will suit - daromeoa, sugar medunitsa, brunner, cuff, badan thick, geyhera hybrid.
Astilboides tabulireformis with lamellar leaves.
Peltiphyllum peltifolius - the thyroid leaves of this plant will contrast beautifully with the surrounding greens.
Podophyll peltatum, podophyll rodgersia, hosts of various large varieties.
Bergenia large-leaved and labaznik large-leaved complete the composition.
3.
Alien landscape using succulents
Very unusual flowers
For example, they can be placed in an old stump - this is another interesting idea for a flower garden.
Succulents are distinguished by unusual shapes and textures of leaves, which allows you to create amazing compositions in old stumps or other unusual places.
Such a flower garden will attract attention with its exoticism and originality.
They are divided into two main categories depending on the location of water storage:
Stem succulents have stems that are thickened and able to store water in their tissue, whether it is bark or its own core.
To this group belong many representatives of the family of cacti, as well as some species of euphorbia.
Really Alien
Leafy succulents, they have water stored mainly in the leaves, which makes them dense, elastic and fleshy.
Typical representatives include aloe, lithops, havortia, echeveria and various types of tolstyanaceae.
4.
Animals from plants with openwork foliage or moss
Hedgehog from plants
For example, for hedgehogs on the site will be suitable for cineraria.
This is not only an attractive design element, but also a great way to add a touch of originality to the garden.
In garden design, a special place is occupied by plants with elegant openwork leaves, which give the landscape lightness and unique style.
These include - ferns, such as fegopteris, nomad, eagle; umbrella - this group of plants is known for its complex and openwork leaves.
Among them are the butene and the femur, which decorate the garden with their umbrellas, the kervel and the myrris fragrant, as well as the Peloponnesian molopospermum and the thin-leaved gircha.
Buzulniki - Tangut and Buzulnik Przewalski attract attention with their large and expressive leaves.
These plants not only decorate the garden, but also make it a feeling of lightness and airiness.
From moss, you can also create beautiful sculptures or decorate glades, giving the garden mystery and charm.
This can be a lined decorative path, a flower bed in the form of a turtle, or an alpine slide consisting also of moss.
Turtles from moss
Gypsum moss is perfect for softening stony corners, cuckoo flax, fern moss.
Sphagnum, which is known for its ability to retain moisture, making it indispensable for moisture-loving plants.
Dicranum will add a textural accent to garden compositions.
These plants can be used not only for decorating rocky surfaces, but also for revitalizing pillars, metal fences and fences.
Due to their unpretentiousness and ability to adapt to various conditions, they grow perfectly on both vertical and horizontal surfaces, without requiring complex care.
Path of moss
5.
Creating a secret garden in a thick shade
The Secret Shelter
Here you can use ferns and shade-loving plants that frame gazebos and pergolas, creating mysterious grottoes.
This place will be a pleasant shelter from the sun and a place to relax in the shade.
In order to close even the roof of the gazebo fit any climbing plants, such as wild grapes, climbing rose or clematis.
In these places sheltered from the sun, you can put tables, chairs or benches and enjoy the shadow in the hot summer days.
6.
Snow-white composition in a flowerbed
Monochrome flower garden
Solid flower garden, consisting only of white flowers - lily of the valley, dahlias, echinacea, blooming phlox pillows, silver velvety chistetz, stennik, karyopteris, astilba, goryanka, kupens, tiarka, hosts
7.
Decorative bows
Any plant is beautiful
Plants with round inflorescences create arches or arcs, forming the effect of an exhibition garden.
It will attract attention and delight the eye.
Among the vast variety of ornamental bows are especially attractive - aflatun, inclined, Christophe, Dutch onion, popular due to its durability and beauty, executive bow, karatava, macleana, suvorova onion has unique twisted leaves.
8.
Cereal field on the site
It is necessary to correctly combine various decorative cereals
Decorative cereals can add texture and volume to the flower garden.
They should be planted in the center or along the edges of the flower garden to create an amazing steppe landscape, as well as mix different combinations of cereals to create interesting combinations.
Among them, we can distinguish Chinese miscanthus, cowl, blue prayer, festuka, a variety of shades from blue-green to silver makes it popular in landscape design, the emperor is cylindrical, stands out for its bright red tips of leaves.
9.
Use of floating containers
It looks incredible.
To create the illusion of a floating decorative vessel in a decorative pond on the site, any plants that tolerate moisture well and can grow in pots are suitable.
A variety of flowers and greenery placed in containers will look original and attract the attention of guests.
The artificial vessel can be fixed with a ballast at the bottom of the pond, or give it the opportunity to swim freely.
10.
Using gladioluses with a dense bouquet
A lot of bright colors decorate the garden
Such a composition can be surrounded by a carpet of small flowers.
This unusual way of decorating a flower garden will emphasize the beauty and elegance of gladioli, giving the flower garden a special charm.
Gladiolus, numbering approximately 300 species, is widely represented in ecosystems from the Mediterranean to the South African regions.
On the territory of Russia grows about nine unique species of these flowering plants.
Italian gladiolus has small flowers resembling grains, gladiolus is tiled with a characteristic scaly flower structure.
Common gladiolus, hybrid gladiolus.
It is important to select flowers
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In colder climates, evergreen coniferous plants are preferred for their resilience and year-round aesthetic appeal, while tropical plants like palms are ideal for warmer regions.

Title:

Content: Coniferous plants in landscape design
29.12.2022, 15: 40, News
Tags:
Every year more and more people are interested in landscape design.
Thanks to the right approach, you can transform the yard beyond recognition and stop an ordinary garden in a work of art.
Someone invites specialists, and someone does the work on their own.
We all remember the time when the owners of cottages planted a garden and every piece of land sought to plant tomatoes or potatoes.
Today, the owners of country houses look at the availability of land a little differently.
They plant not only fruit trees in the garden, but also pay attention to ornamental plants that look presentable.
Among ornamental plants there are coniferous trees and shrubs www.dolinasad.by / hvoynye-rasteniya /.
In our country, such plants grow in a wide variety and it is not difficult to choose the right option.
Everyone will choose a plant that will take a worthy place in any area.
Coniferous plants do not require special care and take root well in any areas.
Coniferous plants are popular for a reason.
The thing is that they not only look presentable all year round, but also allow you to create unique compositions.
All these plants are famous for their unique properties and in order to plant them, you do not need to prepare the soil or somehow cover them for the winter.
For those who do not like to engage in gardening work, and also do not always live in a country house, these plants are an ideal option.
Why do landscape designers choose coniferous plants?
It is not even worth talking about aesthetic properties, because coniferous plants look great.
Evergreen trees and shrubs are not afraid of frost and do not shed their leaves in the fall.
These plants are useful not only for nature.
If you choose the right plant, it will benefit the person.
For example,
1.
Coniferous plants can absorb noise.
In addition, in the yard where such plants grow there is no dust.
2.
Hold the wind.
If the site is not fenced or is at the very edge, then it is necessary to plant such plants.
3.
It can change the microclimate.
Of course, the plants will not affect the whole street.
But in the yard where they grow, there will be a completely different atmosphere, which will be conducive to communication and a pleasant pastime.
4.
Needles are a natural antiseptic.
Plants can stop viruses and bacteria from multiplying.
In addition, many insects are afraid of conifers and try to fly around the area where they grow, side.
5.
Fill the air with oxygen and various phytoncides.
If the owners of a country house want to live on a beautiful plot or enjoy a favorable microclimate, then they should buy coniferous plants and plant on their plot.
Landscape designers create beautiful and unique compositions that look presentable.
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Shade-tolerant species such as ferns and mosses are commonly used for indoor vertical gardens, ensuring adaptability to low-light conditions.

Title:

Content:
8 flowering plants best suited for your roof garden

Climbing Roses

Climbing varieties of roses offer classic beauty with fragrant blooms in various colors, thriving in sunny locations with good air circulation.

Image Source: iStock

Honeysuckle

Fragrant and attractive to pollinators, Honeysuckle vines feature tubular flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or pink, best suited for sunny to partially shaded areas.

Image Source: iStock

Bougainvillea

Known for its vibrant bracts in shades of pink, purple, red, or orange, Bougainvillea is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun.

Image Source: iStock

Morning Glory

These fast-growing vines produce colorful trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white, ideal for trellises and fences.

Image Source: iStock

Trumpet Vine

With vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, or yellow, Trumpet Vine attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, preferring full sun and well-drained soil.

Image Source: iStock

Clematis

Clematis vines offer a variety of flower colors and shapes, ranging from single to double blooms, thriving in cooler climates with plenty of sun and well-drained soil.

Image Source: iStock

Passionflower

Known for its exotic flowers and edible fruit, Passionflower vines attract butterflies and bees while adding a tropical touch to your garden.

Image Source: iStock

Jasmine

Fragrant Jasmine vines produce small, star-shaped flowers that perfume the air, thriving in warm climates and partial shade.

Image Source: iStock

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Maintaining vertical gardens requires attention to light exposure, watering techniques, and pest control, with tropical plants often needing higher humidity and shade.

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.

Innovative irrigation systems, such as IoT-enabled smart flower pots, automate watering and fertilization while collecting data to optimize plant health and maintenance efficiency.

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.

Hydroponic systems, which use soil-less technology, enable precise water and nutrient delivery for year-round growth of herbs and vegetables, reducing water usage and environmental impact.

Title:

Content: Homegrown Business: Conner Tidd and Kevin Jakiela of Just Vertical

Just Vertical manufactures and sells beautiful indoor gardens for residential, office, and commercial settings. It was co-founded by long-time friends Conner Tidd and Kevin Jakiela who were both masters students at U of T. We got to speak to the company’s Head of Marketing and Growth, Christopher Di Grazia, to find out more about them.

What is your business called and what does it do?

At Just Vertical, we manufacture and sell breathtaking indoor gardens for residential, office, and commercial settings. Our gardens enable year-round cultivation of herbs, leafy greens, and vegetables in any indoor space.

What made you want to do this work?

Just Vertical started when co-founders and long-time friends Conner Tidd and Kevin Jakiela were Masters of Science students at the University of Toronto. Conner had been working in ‘Big Ag’ gaining a real perspective on the food problems faced by people around the world.

Meanwhile, Kevin had just come back from pioneering indoor growing research in the Canadian Arctic, as well as teaching indigenous youth in remote arctic communities, and saw firsthand how cutting-edge plant science and hardware (like vertical farming) could be used to grow in any environment.

Over lunch in 2017 the two friends were catching up and sharing their work experiences. They decided that to make a real impact on the world, and truly help to eradicate food insecurity, they needed to think of a way to enable folks to grow their own food at home. The idea was to provide vertical hydroponic growing systems that fit seamlessly into urban living spaces. They applied their combined knowledge of plant science, engineering, manufacturing and business development and thus, Just Vertical was born.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

We established our business with the following goals in mind:

– Providing Access to Year-round, Pesticide-free Produce – In many regions, weather conditions limit the ability to cultivate fresh produce year-round without the use of harmful pesticides. Our indoor gardens allow growers to bypass this issue and produce healthy, pesticide-free crops throughout the year.

– Empowering Individuals to Make Independent Food Choices – We believe that people should have the power to make independent food decisions that are not subject to the fluctuations of the market. Our gardens enable our growers to exercise greater control over the food they consume, free from the vagaries of inflation and other economic factors.

– Reducing Food Miles – The average distance between where food is grown and where it is consumed is approximately 24 hours. With our indoor gardens, food production is 24 steps away, reducing transportation time and helping to reduce carbon emissions.

– Integrating Hydroponic Technology with Aesthetic Design – While hydroponic growing technology is not new, traditional hydroponic systems are often unsightly and confined to basements or other hidden areas. Our gardens bring hydroponic growing into the home, combining efficient growing technology with aesthetically pleasing design.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Our demographic spectrum spans a diverse array of individuals, including young urban singles, rural families, and seniors in assisted living facilities. However, our primary demographic focuses on women aged 27 to 47 residing in urban environments.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

Our revenue stems from the sale of our hydroponic garden systems and the associated supplies purchased by our clients. The success of our business model hinges on the performance of these gardens and the value they offer to our customers.

Our gardens use hydroponic (soil-less) technology to cultivate fresh produce. The steps for successful growth are:

1. Unpack the garden

2. Begin growing desired plants using our seed starter kit

3. When seedlings reach 3-4 inches in height:

a. Fill the bottom reservoir with water.
b. Plug it in to set the light & pump in the reservoir
c. Move the seedlings into the garden.
d. Allow plants to mature and harvest when ready.

For more detailed instructions, please refer to our comprehensive guide available here.

Where in the city can we find your profession?

We primarily offer our gardens for sale via our online platform. They are manufactured in Etobicoke and showcased at various locations in Toronto, including:

1. Evergreen Brickworks

2. Brightworks Energy in Markham

3. Village Juicery in Roncesvalles

For a complete list of our physical display locations, please visit this link here.

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

What sets Just Vertical gardens apart? Our approach uniquely combines hydroponic growing technology with elegant furniture design. We believe this technology deserves a prominent place in homes and those growing their own food should take pride in it. Our gardens are meticulously designed to seamlessly blend into any home environment, becoming an integral part of the household. They epitomize a perfect balance of beauty, practicality, and functionality.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

We take immense pride in our work at Just Vertical, firmly believing our gardens are contributing to global change. The world faces a significant environmental challenge, underscored by the overuse of agricultural chemicals, rapid degradation of farmland, extensive food transportation, and disconnection from food sources.

Our product empowers individuals to cultivate their own food, fostering environmental consciousness through innovative technology. This further encourages a dialogue about the importance of caring for our planet, our health, and our food.

The worst part about our work lies in raising immediate awareness about the significance of autonomous food choices. The prevailing agricultural system thrives on indifference, and advocating change through products like ours can be a considerable task.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

This is probably a little less of a joke and more of a statement we love, but we’ve used the line before with our gardens that if you buy one, you can Netflix and Dill.

Where can we follow you?

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tiktok | LinkedinEmail

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?

Evergreen Brickworks

About Joel Levy 2420 Articles
Editor-In-Chief at Toronto Guardian. Photographer and Writer for Toronto Guardian and Joel Levy Photography

Advanced facilities like Dubai’s Bustanica employ closed-loop irrigation systems that recycle water vapor, reducing water consumption by 95% compared to traditional farming methods.

Title:

Content: Advertisement

The world's largest vertical farm using 95% less water opens in Dubai

The produce will hit local stores as well.

Emirates Flight Catering. Emirates Flight Catering/Linkedin

As a powerful alternative to help with the land crisis, vertical farms are no less helpful than traditional farms regarding functionality. Although the idea itself dates back to ancient times when the people of Babylon built “The Hanging Gardens of Babylon” in 605-562 BC, the modern concept was first proposed by Dickson Despommier, a Public and Environmental Health professor at Columbia University in 1999.

Hence vertical farms are nothing new; however, the world’s largest facility is fresh and ready to produce more than 2 million pounds of leafy greens annually.

Bustanica was built by Crop One Holdings in collaboration with Emirates Flight Catering. It recently opened its doors in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central. The facility is as big as 330,000-square-foot and spans over 175 yards.

95% less water

The crops produced in the facility will turn out clean and not require pre-washing as they will grow without pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals. The facility itself employs 95 percent less water, unlike traditional farms, and will produce three tons of output per day while wielding machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

The facility utilizes a closed-loop system that circulates water through plants to use water efficiently. Water vaporizes during the watering process and is recycled into the system, which saves 250m liters of water every year compared to traditional outdoor farming producing the same output.

Unsurprisingly, leafy greens produced by Bustanica will be served to Emirates' and various airlines' passengers working with Emirates Flight Catering. Additionally, the products will also hit local stores under the Bustanica brand.

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“We are proud to bring Crop One’s best-in-class technology to this innovative food production facility alongside our joint venture partner. ECO 1 will address growing supply chain challenges and food security issues, while introducing millions of new consumers to the benefits of vertically farmed produce,” said Craig Ratajczyk, Chief Executive Officer at Crop One. “It’s our mission to cultivate a sustainable future to meet global demand for fresh, local food, and this new farm is the manifestation of that commitment. This new facility serves as a model for what’s possible around the globe.”

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Vertical gardens are cost-effective in the long term, requiring less water and land while enabling year-round crop production in controlled environments, as demonstrated by vertical plant factories in Chengdu.

Title:

Content: People 's Daily Online > > Economy and Technology
Sichuan Chengdu unmanned vertical plant factory — —
There is also an assembly line for growing vegetables (big data observation and practice big food concept)
Our reporter tour instrument
April 17, 2024 06: 23 | Source: People's Daily - People's Daily
Small number
Plant factory diagram.
Xiong Qianyu Cartography
Graphic: Wang Zheping
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Core reading
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Food is required for facility agriculture."
As an efficient agricultural system that realizes continuous crop annual production through high-precision control in a closed environment, plant factories can regulate and control the environment in real time according to the requirements of different crops for lighting, temperature, humidity, nutrition and other factors, and accurately supply and achieve efficient production.
How can plant factories achieve plant production through precise regulation?
How is production and safety guaranteed?
How to control the cost of construction and operation and maintenance? The reporter visited Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
Can plants grow without the need for soil, without the need for the sun, in a factory?
In the unmanned vertical plant factory of Chengdu National Science and Technology Innovation Center for Modern Agricultural Industry in Sichuan Province, the answer may be found.
In front of them is a multi-layer steel frame, looking up, the top of the shelf is filled with lamp beads, and the red and blue light shines on the lettuce leaves of the water spirit.
Through the glass, the whole factory was pink, as if in a science fiction film set.
“There ’ s also an assembly line.
Sowing, seedling, with nutrients, light, suitable temperature, a lettuce can grow in only 35 days.
It should be in the field outside, at least double the time, "Yang said, pointing to the 20-story vertical plant factory.
As the chief scientist of the Institute of Urban Agriculture of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, he has devoted himself to plant factory research for nearly 20 years with his team.
From vegetable and fruit cultivation to rice breeding, the whole process of intelligent regulation, in this unmanned chemical plant, the plants are rising and growing.
'Accelerated 'is a label for plant factories
As the computer issues instructions, the robot arm flexibly plants a tray of lettuce seedlings to the cultivation plate, and then the robot sends it to the designated "floor".
Then, debug the LED light source and transport the nutrient solution.
Wait until the lettuce is ripe, then remove from the "floor", cut the roots, and pack.
Relying on intelligent control and auxiliary robot technology, from planting to cultivation, from harvesting to packaging, plant factories have been able to achieve unmanned operations.
Natural farming, depending on the day to eat, must follow the laws of nature. "Wind and rain are good, if the weather disasters, pests and diseases, often reduce production." Yang Qichang introduced, planting conditions are difficult to ensure a long-term problem, from nature to control, greenhouse is a kind of exploration, can grow off-season vegetables, but also be affected by high temperature, snow and other bad weather.
The emergence of plant factories has broken the constraints of natural conditions.
As an efficient agricultural system that realizes continuous production of crops through high-precision control in a closed environment, plant factories can regulate and control the environment in real time according to the requirements of different crops for lighting, temperature, humidity, nutrition and other factors, and accurately supply and achieve efficient production.
In plant factories, it can also induce crop flowering, promote rapid growth, and greatly shorten the crop reproductive cycle.
"'Accelerate' is the label for plant factories," said Wang Sen, a researcher at the Urban Agriculture Research Institute.
For one plant of lettuce, the growth period can be shortened from 70 days to 35 days; for one plant of rice, the growth period can be shortened from 120 days to 63 days.
This set of technology, which is not constrained by land, space and climate conditions, regulates the rapid growth of crops according to the light-nutrient coupling technology of plant factories, and can shorten the growth period of crops such as rice, wheat, corn, soybeans, cotton and rape by more than half, providing effective support for the acceleration of crop breeding.
Building a database of 1238 "light recipes"
A visit to the school, so that Yang Qichang pushed open the "door" of plant factory research.
In 2005, in a laboratory at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, uncovering the black cloth, the red and blue light shining, lettuce looks promising.
Since then, the seeds of curiosity have taken root in Yang Qichang: how does the LED light source affect plant growth? How to use LED lighting to solve the energy consumption problem of the plant factory light source?
When you return, take action.
While setting up the laboratory, we went around looking for the light source.
"At that time, LED lighting has just started, and there are few manufacturers in China.
We even tried to replace it with a red laser, and it turned out that the energy was too strong for the plants to bear, "Yang recalled.
After several setbacks, the team finally found four LED light source boards.
Constantly debugging, repeated experiments, optimizing the ratio and reducing energy consumption, which lasted for many years, Yang Qichang led the team to create an unmanned vertical plant factory in Chengdu, which can produce more than 10 crops of vegetables a year.
In the plant factory, the LED lamp beads on the top of the shelf are different in color. In the planting process, red, blue, green, near-ultraviolet and infrared light will be deployed according to crop varieties and growth links. A 'light formula' that greatly improves the light efficiency of the system.
At the same time, the auxiliary optical-temperature coupling energy-saving control technology can reduce the overall energy consumption of plant factories by more than 56%. "
In order to solve the problem of low utilization of planar cultivated land and space, the team used vertical three-dimensional cultivation technology to achieve a technological breakthrough in the expansion of three-dimensional space. “This vertical plant factory with 20 layers of cultivation can increase the land utilization rate by more than 120 times. ”
At present, the annual output of vegetables in the plant factory of about 200 square meters can reach more than 60 tons.
Through the use of self-cultivated new crop varieties, vertical three-dimensional cultivation system, automatic nutrient solution supply system, artificial simulation energy-saving light source and AI-based intelligent control system, the annual stable production of food can be realized in the vertical space.
Large-scale promotion still needs to be reduced
High yield per unit area, strong crop production stability, saving land resources … In Yang Qichang ’ s view, plant factories have many advantages. “For a large agricultural country like ours, it is very important to develop plant factories, which help improve crop production efficiency and highlight the progress of agricultural technology. ”
Although the use of technical means, energy consumption has been reduced, but to promote the popularization, high energy consumption is still a barrier in front of the team.
In addition, compared with open field cultivation and greenhouse, there are problems such as high initial construction cost and large investment in later operation and maintenance. "Overall, the unit production cost of plant factories is relatively high."
At present, the team is exploring the profit model of the plant factory.
According to the report, the production of high-end leafy vegetables in plant factories focuses on densely populated urban areas such as Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and Chengdu and Chongqing, and areas where the self-sufficiency rate of local vegetables is less than 10 percent.
In addition, plant factories can also be used for intensive seedling raising, which can not only reduce production costs, but also ensure the quality of seedlings.
From running to leading, it is exciting that China's plant factories have begun to go international.
At the international training course on plant factory technology, students from more than 20 countries received systematic plant factory training; plant LED light source products based on "light formula" have been promoted to more than 100 countries and regions; about the landing project of unmanned vertical plant factories, has reached cooperation with the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Qatar and other countries......
From desert to wasteland, from islands and reefs to plateaus, Yang hopes that plant factories can play a big role in more non-arable land.
He believes that this day is not far away.
People 's Daily (April 17, 2024)
(Editor: Wei Jia, Bai Yu)
Public Number ： People 's Network Finance
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Projects like the Trudo Vertical Forest in the Netherlands showcase the sustainability of vertical gardens, absorbing over 50 tons of carbon dioxide annually and integrating renewable energy systems.

Title:

Content: LIFESTYLE Lifestyle
Nederland ’ s “Vertical Forest ” social housing combines environmental protection and aesthetics to enhance the quality of life
by Cecilia
/ 2021.10.17
Housing problems, land problems, property slavery, and high property prices have all become symbols of Hong Kong, and it is common for overseas places to have high-quality public housing or social housing, and in the Netherlands, Einhaven has just completed a "vertical forest" social housing covered with plants, which combines greenery, environmental protection and aesthetics.
Photo by Stefano Boeri Architetti
Designed by Italian architecture studio Stefano Boeri Architetti, the social house in Yanhaofen, Netherlands, known as the Trudo Vertical Forest, is 18 stories high and 70 meters tall and has 125 units. The balcony protruding between each unit has different width, height and depth.
Low-income people and young people starting families can improve living conditions even for citizens who can ’ t afford private housing, and apply the concept of urban afforestation as a possibility to improve the urban environment and cope with climate change.
Photo by Stefano Boeri Architetti
Trudo Vertical Forest uses white as the main color overall, and is surrounded by solar reflective glass bars, the planting balcony is equipped with sensors to monitor the hydration and nutrient levels of the soil, even the novice planting do not have to worry.
Don ’ t underestimate the amount of plants in a single building that can absorb more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide and emit more than 13 tons of oxygen each year. It makes sense to call it a “vertical forest ”.
Solar panels on the roof provide some of the energy consumed by the building, while reservoirs and rainwater harvesting systems are installed to irrigate the plants.
Photo by Stefano Boeri Architetti
In terms of indoor environment, each 50 square meters (about 538 square feet) unit can be reconfigured according to people, and the floor height is at least 3.5 meters. Although foreigners are relatively tall, they are also full of space.
Each unit has its own balcony, each with a tree and 20 shrubs.
The design takes into account the doubling of the weight and size of each plant ’ s life cycle, and there is a dedicated gardener to take care of it, who does not enter the house, but hangs down outside the building to maintain and trim the plants.
This is not the first time that the concept of “vertical forest ” has been heard, and it has been implemented around the world. However, this time, as a social housing, it is also a big attraction, and I hope to see it in Hong Kong one day.
Photo by Stefano Boeri Architetti

Unlike traditional landscaping, vertical gardens can be implemented in dense urban areas, offering multifunctional benefits such as noise reduction and improved air quality.

Title:

Content: City car park green beautification to create a small oasis
▲ Taichung City Government has vigorously promoted green beautification and expanded the planting of green fences in parking lots and crane yards, so that parking lots become small oases.
(Photo / courtesy of Taichung City Government, same as below)
Life Center / General Report
Taichung City is currently building a number of three-dimensional parking lot, after the completion of the parking space in addition to a large increase, the Transportation Bureau also launched a green beautification plan, the parking lot into a small oasis in the city.
As of February this year (113), a total of 59 parking lots and 2 towing yards, including Shuinan Central Park, Chuangyan 22, 26, Dajia Liming Parking Lot, Houli Fuxing Parking Lot, etc., have been successfully landscaped.
▲ The green beautification operation of the parking lot is ongoing, and the selection of durable varieties ensures the long-term operation of the landscape.
"Taichung City Government attaches importance to the voice of the public, improve the parking lot environment, green beautification has become a dazzling highlight of the city!" Transportation Secretary Ye Zhaofu explained that the core of the parking lot renovation plan is to expand green beautification, choose plant varieties with beautification environment and durability, to ensure that the green fence can maintain a beautiful landscape in long-term operation, while having a good impact on the environment.
In the future, we will continue to plant rich and diverse green plants around various parking lots and towing yards to build a green ecological barrier.
▲ The Hing Neutral Parking Lot, which is under construction, integrates aesthetics, environmental protection and ecology with the plan of “Vertical Park of Parking Lot ”.
In addition to beautifying the existing parking lot, the Taichung Municipal Transportation Bureau also combines greening concepts with greening concepts for the parking lot currently under construction. For example, the Hing Neutral Parking Lot, which is expected to open in 114 years, is different from the traditional green landscape design. Make the wall green effect, so that the parking lot looks like a three-dimensional forest in the park, integrating beauty, environmental protection and ecology, providing a green barrier that can purify the air, reduce noise and heat island effect, and improve the urban environment.
The park concept is integrated into the parking lot design, and the size of the parking lot is reduced to increase the area of green space. The event plaza and urban ribbon multi-purpose space are planned on Chenggong Road and Hing Chung Street.
(Taichung City Government Advertisement)
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Architectural examples like the Lilly Tower in Manhattan and the Yayoi Kusama Gallery in Brazil highlight the aesthetic and ecological integration of vertical gardens into building designs.

Retrofitting existing buildings with vertical gardens can be achieved by incorporating planters into external cladding or creating internal courtyards that connect indoor and outdoor spaces.

Title:

Content: The emerging home renovation trends to know about in 2024 for every property and budget

Before extending or updating your home, know what's hot and what's not in the world of renovation

(Image credit: Stylus Architects/Chris Snook)

If this is the year you finally get your house in order (physically, as well as metaphorically), our home renovation trends are essential reading. Because knowing what's worth doing and what might be viewed as a fad almost before the project is done could be the difference between added value and a huge waste of money.

With building work and materials more expensive than ever, getting your project right is all-important. It's worth interrogating your plans before you start, to make sure you're doing the right thing by your property, and that's where our trends list can help.

Is Crittall-style glazing still 'in'? Are there any clever new extension ideas I hadn't considered? Should I clad my home? Can I make a difference with a small budget? We've quizzed some top architects on all these points and more, so you can start your renovation with confidence.

A home renovation is a huge investment, so it doesn't really make sense to follow fashions without thought for the future. That's why every trend we mention here is considered as a long-term movement by our panel of architects.

'As a business, we're not bound by fashion. We think about buildings that are going to last and be loved in decades,' says Matthew Withers, director at Stylus Architects. 'We stick to our principles of what we think are great materials, long-lasting materials, shapes and forms that will ultimately stand the test of time.'

That said, Matthew thinks it's important to take a few risks – not just 'keep up with the Joneses'. 'We encourage people to think about what they love. There's a real temptation to think "When I'm going to sell my house, I need other people to like it". But you only need two people to love it and compete for the sale. Everyone else can hate it!'

'I would say to all clients, be prepared to be a little bit uncomfortable with some design decisions at first, because you won't regret it,' Matthew adds. 'If you're fully comfortable with all the decisions you are making on the drawing board, you'll be bored by the project comes to an end. Whereas the things that you're kind of uncomfortable with, but trust in terms of direction – those are the things you'll end up truly loving.'

Now we've established that our trends are more 'architectural movements' rather than fads, here's what we expect will be big in 2024 and beyond.

1. Statement cladding

Matthew sees a trend for clients wanting something that's unique. 'They're prepared to be more ambitious with their brief and their vision,' he says. 'They believe, correctly, that this will produce a better end result.' And perhaps one of the easiest and most striking ways to do this is through exterior cladding.

He cites one of the company's latest projects – the 'Ribbon House', shown above – as a prime example. 'This is a completely bespoke, stainless-steel and anodised aluminium decorative cladding with geometry that's informed by the existing building's Victorian 'ribbon' detail that runs around the top,' he explains.

'Cladding also gives you the opportunity to properly differentiate the old and new parts of the house,' Matthew adds, pointing out that giving different parts of the building a completely different look is an enduring trend. 'The ability to read the different eras of the facade is a great way to tell the story of what a building was and has been turned into.'

Another huge trend is for cladding that doubles as external wall insulation (EWI). This is a popular choice for older houses, where adding internal cavity walls would have a negative impact on room sizes and original period details like fireplaces and coving.

'We liken it to giving your house a woolly jumper to wear!' says Glen Thomas, director and founder of Glen Thomas Architecture. He explains that this insulation cladding can be given all sorts of finishes, such as paintable render and timber. 'Simply by adding these insulation panels, you can completely transform the look of a dated building. Suddenly, you have a very modern-looking house that's also very energy efficient.'

Top tip: EWI is complex to install, so if you're considering it, choose a company registered with INCA (Insulated Render and Cladding Association).

2. Picture windows and floor-to-ceiling glass

Could we be saying goodbye to bi-fold doors? It's possible, at least in terms of long expanses that run the full width of a property. Instead, we're craving picture windows with banquette seating beneath, and more architectural glazing solutions.

Carlé Scott Gerber is the architecture, planning and interior design lead at Life U Design. 'Lots of people like to have floor-to-ceiling windows, particularly in kitchen extensions looking onto the garden. But there's no longer a desire for full-on glazing across the entire back of the house,' she reveals.

'You need some solid walls to provide spaces to hang artwork or place furniture. And it's sometimes more interesting if you can break a wall up with different materials, both internally and externally. With, for example, rendered versus brick internal walls, or exterior cladding such as Shou Sugi Ban (Japanese charred timber), flint and metal.'

'I think that Crittall style – at least for external glazing – is possibly on the way out,' adds Matthew Withers, who believes we'll still see Critall-style glazing as an acceptable way of dividing rooms internally. 'Meanwhile, picture windows and expanses of glass that provide a view and space, are coming in.'

'I think "big-format glazing" is better anyway,' he admits. 'It gives uninterrupted views internally and externally, and lets the structure of the building take centre stage, creatively, rather than the glass itself.'

'Structural glazing has advanced so far in the last few years and become much more affordable,’ says Glen Thomas. ‘The things you can do with glass are great – for example, we’ve got three or four companies we work with that can create huge expanses of frameless roof lights.'

3. Reconfiguring, not extending

With the cost of materials so high, even a small kitchen extension has become prohibitively expensive for some. But that needn't mean giving up on your dream home. Many architects are now encouraging their clients to improve the existing footprint, rather than simply slapping on an extension and hoping for the best.

'So many of our projects focus on trying to get height and light into a house,' says Carlé Scott Gerber. 'We want to create interesting spaces, not just add extra boxes on.'

'It's about looking at space a little bit more carefully,' she continues. 'We look at the existing footprint first and maximise that, so that the spaces work harder. Adding value to your property price comes from creating good-sized habitable spaces, so it's important to make sure your existing rooms work before you add new ones.'

'Some people will say "I just want to add something". But if your existing home doesn't flow, it doesn't always help to add.'

4. Pale wood kitchens

Demand for pale wood has stemmed from a trend familiar to a lot of interior fans. 'We're very much focused on what we call “quiet architecture”, which is something that’ much more considered and refined,' says Glen Thomas. This chimes with the growing interiors trend for quiet luxury – a movement that favours muted, luxe textures and fabrics over colour-pop maximalism.

In the kitchen, Glen defines this as a use of putty-coloured and pale timber cabinetry, and washed-out wooden floors or large stone tiles. 'We’re also looking at richer, Arts and Crafts-influenced detailing,' he adds. 'So rather than putting on a mass-produced satin-steel bar handle, we’d suggest a beautifully crafted wooden handle that’s handmade by an artisan.'

'Traditionally, we've included a lot of dark kitchens,' adds Matthew Withers, 'but we're encouraging people to look at different materials.' Matthew is actively pointing his clients towards timber, as he sees a return to retro and mid-century styling.

And they're not alone. In this project by Rees Architects, director Daniel Rees and his team have used bespoke white-oiled ash joinery to create simple yet striking floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. He likes to use timber, metal and stone, 'so that depth and tactility is brought into the building, without having to fake anything'.

5. Connected, divisible spaces

Post-pandemic, our experiences of being together as families has prompted a shift from vast, open-plan spaces into something more divisible.

‘We’re still working on large “living kitchen” projects, but what's becoming important is the ability to sub-divide spaces and have breakout spaces,’ says Carlé Scott Gerber. ‘We use a lot more pocket door systems so that you can open up a space or close it down as required. Internal Crittall-style and aluminium doors and partitions are still popular, particularly in a hallway, where you want to bring light into a snug or front room – but there will be fire regulations to consider, particularly if your house stretches over more than two floors.

'Drop-in spaces, where you have the kitchen-diner at a slightly different level to a living room or morning room, are another way to create good sense of separation,' she adds.

'We like to define the zones of a space and connect them through various means,' says Matthew. 'What goes on in the ceiling is as important as what goes on in the plan. Defining those spaces through floor finishes, the location of walls and glazing is so important. You don't end up with vast spaces with no purpose.'

'I always say to clients that the spaces shouldn't be versatile. You should try to make spaces very deliberate,' Matthew adds. 'Where your dining table is, is where your dining table will always be – not, "ooh, I'm going to have the living space here now". If the space is well-designed, that almost won't be possible. If you make a space very generic, you lose its soul and character.'

'We find there’s still a call for "your nan’s best room" when open-plan living becomes too much,' says architect Steven George of George and Co . 'We are using glazed screens in some of our projects to achieve a sense of separation.'

6. En suites, not family bathrooms

Aside from amazing bathroom tile trends, our panel of architects have seen little movement in the design of bathrooms. Standalone showers and baths are still preferred; wet rooms less so unless for accessibility reasons. However, there is one trend that does seem to be growing.

'On larger family homes, we have seen a trend towards more en-suite bathrooms, sometimes removing family bathrooms altogether,' say the team at Sketch Architects. 'Where the layout allows, we're taking one large bathroom and splitting it in two to provide smaller, private spaces that serve separate bedrooms.'

7. Internal panelling

Although wall panelling is nothing new, there's definitely a big move towards contemporary, vertically slatted panels. Also, these are being used more thoughtfully, as feature walls and to provide soundproofing on shared walls.

'Slatted wood wall panels have been a growing trend for the past five years in Europe and more recently in the United States,' says Luke Goodman, marketing manager, The Wood Veneer Hub. 'They transform a room, allowing a DIYer to completely redesign the look and feel of a wall without any professional help.'

'They can be used as a feature wall or to simply hide any outdated design in your home.'

8. Sustainable materials and recycling

You only have to look in the skip outside your neighbour's building project to know that renovation creates a lot of waste. But, in order make a minimal impact on landfill – and our wallets – designers and architects are increasingly looking for ways to reuse or upcycle existing materials.

‘We use recycled materials wherever we can – for example, we like to take our clients to reclamation yards,' says Glen Thomas. 'You might find a huge chunk of railway sleeper that we can turn into a sink unit or bench. For a recent project in a Victorian house the owners picked out reclaimed wooden floorboards, which we sanded and stained.’

'Increasingly, people are looking at their existing kitchens and seeing if there are ways you can upcycle them, rather than get rid of perfectly good units,' adds Carlé Scott Gerber. ' There are a lot of companies out there that will take your existing doors and 'zoot' them up.'

People are also turning to companies like Bristol-based Husk, whose hand-crafted fronts offer a clever way to customise IKEA and Howden’s units and create high-end premium-look kitchens at an affordable price. They're also a great way to upcycle existing carcases as Carlé suggests, and save them from landfill.

9. Integrating the garden into a building's architecture

Both Matt Withers and Glen Thomas flag a big architectural trend that's truly exciting for the nature-lovers among us – physically connecting the garden with the fabric of the building. Depending on budget, this can be done in all sorts of ways.

One of the more simple, employed by Matt, is to integrate planters or raised beds into a building's external cladding, or using the same materials. Another more familiar option is to add a green roof system covered in meadow grass to your kitchen extension or to add a reflecting pool close to the rear of your property. 'In summer, cool, moist air will flow in over the water and create natural air conditioning,' reveals Glen Thomas.

For those with more generous budgets, Glen suggests creating an internal courtyard within your home. 'So you might have a living room that looks through to a sunken courtyard that’s exposed to the elements, and then on into a bedroom,' he explains.

'It’s a design language we’ve used quite a lot over the past year or two, where you slide the doors open from a living room, step down, sit on a bench and take in all the aspects of the building,' he continues. 'The materials in the courtyard – for example, the floor – match those used inside so you feel like that courtyard is part of the house, but you also have a very private garden.’

Carlé Scott Gerber also suggests using outdoor kitchen units and flooring that mimic the design of your indoor kitchen so that they appear as a seamless continuation of one another.

10. Energy saving

Our final trend might not be 'sexy', but it's certainly smart – saving energy through our choice of heating and materials.

'People are getting more savvy,' says Tim Phillips, quantity surveyor and founder of Quantiv UK. 'They have electric cars; they're aware of higher energy bills and the incoming ban on gas boilers. It's not just in building magazines, it's in the national press and on TV. So when people are planning building work, they are prioritising energy conservation in a way they might not have done in the past.'

'Our clients are much more informed about and want to explore how their houses are heated, cooled and powered,' agrees Matthew Withers. 'We're seeing that desire to make the building more sustainable, more heat-efficient and airtight.

'For example, a much larger percentage of our projects feature the installation of renewable technology, such as air-source and ground-source heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage. Also air conditioning – there's a common misconception that air conditioning is not sustainable, but that's not the case, as it can be powered by renewable energy.'

FAQs

Should I wait to renovate my home 2024?

We asked HiiGuru spokesperson and architect Rick Fabrizio. 'It depends where the property is,' he says. 'There are some areas where the market has picked up post-pandemic, and in those areas, I would say it's worth taking action sooner rather than later.

'You'll then see more value-added as prices rise, and won't risk fighting over good builders as demand grows. For example, I have a small office in the East Midlands, and I've seen interest in architectural services growing steadily there over the past couple of years as investment in the area has grown.'

'In terms of construction and material costs, they are certainly higher than they were in 2019/2020, but prices are unlikely to ever go back to that level. We have to accept that everything is more expensive.'

'After Covid, prices were so high that people were waiting, but the thing is, how long can you wait to do something?' says Carlé Scott Gerber. 'How long are you going to put up with this scenario before you can actually make your life better?'

She also points out another reason not to wait. 'Finding a builder and putting a good team together takes time. Good tradespeople get booked up quickly. So if you have the budget there and can get the right team together, go for it or you may lose out.'

You might also be pitted against the clock if you require planning permission. 'Planning permission comes with an expiration date of three years from the time it is granted,' says Carlé. 'If the work is done under permitted development then that's different, but if it's planning permission you've worked hard to get, you won't want to lose it.'

'The design process can take quite a while, especially in these times when local planning authorities are massively delayed in dealing with applications,' agrees the Sketch team. 'As a result, there is no time like the present!'

What is the most common renovation?

Not surprisingly, the most common projects involve the updating of period homes. 'We’re pretty much in the city centre of Cardiff, and a lot of the properties here are period terraces,' says Glen Thomas. 'I'd say 60-70% of our enquiries come from people with these types of houses. Upgrading these old buildings to make them as energy efficient as possible, then extending them, is by far the most common ask.'

'They are often very dark spaces – the Victorians didn’t like a lot of light or openness in their homes,' Glen continues. 'So it’s about carving a “streak” through the building, knocking down walls and having glass above that brings light into the core of the house.

'We replace the roof with a highly energy efficient structure, upgrade the internal insulation by filling stud walls and the space between floors, and extend at the back. We also add underfloor heating.'

Have you been inspired by these emerging home renovation trends?

Contributor

Amy Cutmore is an experienced interiors editor and writer, who has worked on titles including Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc, Real Homes, GardeningEtc, Top Ten Reviews and Country Life. And she's a winner of the PPA's Digital Content Leader of the Year. A homes journalist for two decades, she has a strong background in technology and appliances, and has a small portfolio of rental properties, so can offer advice to renters and rentees, alike.

Using lightweight modular systems minimizes structural disruption and facilitates integration into existing walls, ensuring adaptability to various building layouts.

Title:

Content: Bagh GHushkhaneh Carpet Studio / SE-BÆR Studio

Bagh GHushkhaneh Carpet Studio / SE-BÆR Studio

+ 23

  • Architects: SE-BÆR Studio
  • Area:  20
  • Year:  2023
  • Lead Architects: Mohsen Khazdooz, Adib Iravani
  • Design Associate: Mahsa Moradi
  • Construction: Mostajeran
  • Supervisor: Adib Iravani
  • Mechanical: Aghadadi
  • Graphics: Mahsa Moradi, Maryam Tooyserkani
  • Structure: Mostajeran
  • Electrical: Jahangiri
  • City: Isfahán
  • Country: Iran
More SpecsLess Specs

Text description provided by the architects. Project Overview: Mohammad, the proprietor of an esteemed export-centric carpet brand, has procured an antiquated domicile situated in the historic, renowned Bagh-e-Goushkhan district of Isfahan, which accommodates numerous carpet weavers. His intention was to bulldoze the whole existing structure and erect a contemporary building dedicated to floating activities: carpet weaving, exhibition, design atelier, and temporary lodgings for distinguished guests. Contemplating the project's parameters, a critical query arose: due to the existence of treasured but dilapidated structures -either abandoned or completely demolished, replaced by multi-stories- can we acquire an adjustment to complete the puzzle by only adding a single novel structure? Could a solution be capable of meeting the client's requisites along with minimizing structural disruption, waste production, and preventing reutilization of new materials?

Non-construction: The proposed design concept is rooted in the strategic integration of the new structure within the existing architectural context. Rather than opting for complete demolition, the proposed approach advocates for the establishment of a "building within a building" - a harmonious juxtaposition that respects and honors the historical walls. The strategic placement of a lightweight volume within the existing dilapidated walls serves to preserve and celebrate the fabric of the site. The unused stable in the building has been earmarked to be replaced by an innovative structure. Given the absence of false facades or coverings in this vicinity and the prevailing presence of original brick wall materials, the decision was made to uphold the authenticity and integrity of each material employed in the design of the new structure. This approach seeks to maintain the transparency and rawness of the structure while simultaneously fostering a symbiotic relationship between the old and new elements, thereby enhancing the value of both.

Floating structure: Meticulously addressing the elevation disparity between the primary entrance of the extant structure and the rear alley (approximately one level), the new structure strategically aligns with the established ground level. The decision mitigates the level incongruity with the roof of the existing structure as well as evacuating the space underneath (pilot) to be utilized as a semi-open area. The design crystallizes into a cylindrical volume punctuated by three metal columns, imparting a spatial openness beside the panoramic view. This configuration is an intentional visual dialogue between the contemporary and the historical, emphasizing their distinct yet harmonious coexistence.

Space capacity: The design of new structures requires the client to determine how to use the space based on future requirements. To facilitate a spectrum of functions and ensure adaptability, both courtyards, along with the rooftop, are covered with mineral gravel. This pragmatic choice not only accommodates diverse events, carpet displays, exhibitions, and yarn dyeing but also underscores the intersection of tradition and innovation. The carpet weaving section has been allocated to the rooms in the old section, while the new floating structure is a versatile studio to be used for various purposes, including temporary residence, meetings, and personal carpet design atelier. In essence, this design aspires to forge a seamless synthesis of tradition and innovation, venerating the intrinsic value of the old whilst introducing a contemporary layer that enriches and elevates its historical significance.

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Address:Isfahán, Iran

Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Bagh GHushkhaneh Carpet Studio / SE-BÆR Studio" 07 Mar 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1014227/bagh-ghushkhaneh-carpet-studio-se-baer-studio> ISSN 0719-8884

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Architects face challenges in designing vertical gardens for different climates, such as ensuring plants can withstand local temperature extremes and humidity levels.

Title:

Content: 7 Bioclimatic Façade Strategies for Tropical Architecture

When we think of the word "tropic," the image that typically comes to mind is an exotic space, characterized by perpetual warmth and humidity, with frequent and heavy rainfall nurturing lush vegetation. Throughout history, this tropical climate has been romanticized as a paradise and criticized for potentially fostering weakness due to its perceived clemency.

Thankfully, those judgments and associations have been relegated to the past, paving the way for theoretical and practical projects that outline the advantages and disadvantages of living in a tropical climate. These projects acknowledge the various strategies to enhance human adaptability within these distinctive climatic conditions.

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Certainly, climate is the most pivotal element of the natural environment, as it impacts all geomorphological processes, from soil formation to plant growth. It's this profound interconnection that renders climate change so concerning. Hence, akin to how the natural environment reacts to climate, architecture must also be responsive to it.

In temperate climates, houses typically remain "closed" to shield occupants from harsh weather, retaining warmth. Conversely, in tropical climates, it's essential to "open up" the house to dissipate heat and humidity while shielding it from the sun and heavy rainfall. The abundance of tropical climate and vegetation often encourages outdoor living or greater interaction with nature. The main challenges in tropical architecture involve protecting against rain and direct sunlight, with a focus on strategies to regulate internal temperatures.

Bioclimatic strategies play a crucial role in achieving these objectives. They guarantee that buildings adapt to the local climate, boost energy efficiency, and enhance occupants' comfort. These strategies encompass principles and design techniques that leverage natural elements to establish sustainable architectures. By minimizing buildings' environmental impact and prioritizing occupants' well-being, these strategies collectively contribute to overall sustainability.

Since many of these strategies are implemented at the junction between a building's interior and exterior, we've listed below seven bioclimatic strategies and how they are applied to the facades of residential projects in tropical climates.

Shading Elements

Incorporating shade devices such as brise-soleil, cobogós, or other latticed structures on facades is crucial. These elements effectively block direct sunlight while allowing diffused light and natural airflow. This helps to minimize solar heat gain, reduce glare, and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

The Kenz House / Srijit Srinivas Architects

Casa Delta / Bernardes Arquitetura

Vegetation

Introducing vegetation on facades through vertical gardens, living walls, or planters can provide natural insulation, reduce heat absorption, and improve air quality. Plants also contribute to shading and evaporative cooling through transpiration, further enhancing thermal comfort and reinforcing the tropical ambiance within architecture.

Tropical Shed / Laurent Troost Architectures

Stepping Park House / VTN Architects

Ventilation Strategies

In tropical architecture, facades often incorporate operable windows or strategically positioned openings to facilitate cross-ventilation and natural airflow. This design approach effectively reduces humidity levels and improves indoor air quality.

Valley Expansion House / Studio Heya

OF House / Studio Otto Felix

Sun Orientation

Ensuring the correct solar orientation of buildings maximizes natural light penetration while minimizing solar heat gain. In tropical climates, designing buildings with a north-south orientation reduces direct sunlight exposure, particularly during peak heat hours of the day.

The House of Silence / Natura Futura Arquitectura

Country house in Puente Iglesias / Oficina de Arquitectura y Paisaje OAP + MDE estudio

Thermal Mass

Using materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete, stone, or adobe, in facade construction helps absorb and retain heat during the day. The heat stored during the day is gradually released at night, helping to stabilize indoor temperatures and reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems.

Discreet House / Jirau Arquitetura

Earth Farmhouse / Studio Verge

Reflective Surfaces

Using light-colored or reflective materials on facades helps minimize heat absorption by reflecting solar radiation. This reduces the need for cooling and helps mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Nagato House / RASA Architektura

House COVE(R) / TOUCH Architect

Adaptability

By integrating responsive facade systems like adjustable blinds or dynamic shading elements controlled by sensors or automation, buildings can adapt in real-time to environmental conditions. This real-time adjustment optimizes both energy performance and occupants' comfort.

Patio House / Caio Persighini Arquitetura

ABK House / Bernardes Arquitetura

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Cite: Ghisleni, Camilla. "7 Bioclimatic Façade Strategies for Tropical Architecture" [7 Estratégias bioclimáticas aplicadas nas fachadas da arquitetura tropical ] 10 Apr 2024. ArchDaily. (Trans. Simões, Diogo) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1015392/7-bioclimatic-facade-strategies-for-tropical-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

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These challenges can be addressed by selecting climate-appropriate plants and incorporating bioclimatic strategies like shading elements and ventilation.

Title:

Content: How to create a tropical garden?
Tatyana Vashchenko
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The garden in the tropical style has long been not only an exotic, but also a romantic place that can be found in many parts of the world.
It is able to effectively decorate the space at your home, as well as significantly increase the total value of the property.
If the climatic conditions of your region do not allow you to create a tropical garden under the open sky, then it can always be placed in your own greenhouse.
The main thing is to think about the layout in advance and choose the right plants.
Often, the desire to acquire a garden in a tropical style arises after a vacation in one of the hot countries, where palms, vines and other plants characteristic of this style were found everywhere.
They are able to conquer everyone at first sight with their grandeur and beauty.
That is why I want to bring a piece of solar memories to my garden, filling it with similar seedlings.
We will tell you about the features and main nuances of a tropical garden created in our latitudes.
Do your plants need shading?
Before you start planting selected plants, study the requirements for their content.
In addition to the optimal temperature and humidity, you should pay attention to how they carry direct sunlight.
If there are plants in the tropical garden that need shading, then it should be created before planting such seedlings in the ground.
Best of all, the shadow creates an artificial cover or tall trees, under which some species can protect themselves from the scorching sun.
In the second case, we recommend choosing plants with wide leaves and powerful branches that will create a dense shadow on a significant area under their crowns.
It can be palm trees, tipuans or carob trees.
Learn about the local climate
The first thing you need to do to implement the idea of   creating a tropical garden is to study the local climate.
Its main characteristics, such as average monthly temperatures, rainfall and wind patterns, will be the starting point in choosing plants for your garden.
Most tropical trees and bushes prefer a hot and even arid climate.
This is understandable, because the territory of their origin is the tropics and subtropics, where it is always warm.
Some species have already adapted to moderate temperatures, but negative readings of the thermometer will withstand only a few.
Of great importance is the regular watering of tropical plants.
Many neglect this, believing that water can harm the root system.
But it is worth remembering the traditional tropical downpours, which saturate the soil with a large amount of moisture.
It stores plants for the entire dry period.
If the climate of your region only partially meets the requirements described, then you can arrange a tropical garden in a greenhouse type building.
What kind of soil do you have?
KP Zhukovka 21 century
Land-proekt
In addition to the climate, careful assessment requires the soil at the site of the proposed garden.
It is the basis that has a tremendous impact on the appearance, growth rate and durability of tropical plants.
The ideal option is considered rich soils in which the natural balance of nutrients for the root system is observed.
If your site is located on sandy and clay soils, then they must be additionally fertilized.
It is better to do this with compost, mulch and other means to improve the soil, which must be applied at a distance of at least 15 cm deep.
If your site is located in the lowland part and water stagnates there, then this can serve as a factor in the deterioration of soil properties and lead to the death of plants or their frequent diseases.
The fact is that pathogenic microorganisms and mold fungi begin to develop in constantly moist soil, which absorb the lion ’ s share of useful substances, thereby depleting the soil.
Therefore, we recommend using such an agricultural method as weeding the top layer of soil after heavy precipitation.
Find out what plants are growing in your area.
Landscape design in Valerianovo
Aster Garden
In our temperate zone, tropical plants are exotic, not the norm.
They can be seen in botanical gardens, closed greenhouses or frequent houses, where special conditions are created for representatives of the named family.
When we hear something about the tropics, the first thing we imagine is luxurious palm trees.
Indeed, these plants are among the most common inhabitants of exotic gardens.
There are many different types of them, each of which is beautiful in its own way.
Some palm trees are quite resistant to short-term mild winters, if they are wrapped with insulating material.
At the seaside resorts of our country, you can see the trees of this species, which perfectly adapted to the climatic characteristics of the region.
As for other plants for a tropical garden, in our band, individual varieties of lianas, begonias and ficus take root well.
But to create a full-fledged and diverse green corner with an exotic character, we recommend building a separate room for it, in which it would be possible to regulate the temperature and humidity of the air.
Or plant thermophilic plants in flower pots, which are brought into the house with the onset of cold weather.
Plan the layout of your garden
Before starting work on the creation of a tropical garden, you need to plan everything properly.
In particular:
- where and what plants will be planted;
- routes and style of design paths for leisurely walks;
- lighting and garden decor;
- irrigation system.
These aspects have a significant impact not only on the aesthetic perception of the garden, but also on its productivity and growth rate.
To visualize what you would like to recreate, use special programs that are available to everyone on the Internet.
You can seek advice and help from professionals in the industry - landscape architects.
They will not only acquaint you with the rules of registration of the site in a tropical style, but also help with practical tips.
Recommendations for the design of the green zone you will find in the Book of ideas How to make a beautiful garden.
Place a cover or hedge of plants to protect the garden from strong winds
Depending on the climate, there may be strong and cold winds in your region.
They can cause significant harm to the plants of the tropical garden, not only breaking them, but also frostbite.
To prevent such troubles, you can build a special mechanical cover in the form of an elegant fence.
Such a fence looks very beautiful if it is made in the form of a hedge.
It harmoniously fits into the style of a tropical garden and at the same time reliably protects plants in windy weather.
Add decorations like Buddha and other inspirational Asian statues
Make the design of a tropical garden original and unique will help successful decor.
The easiest and most effective way is to use different statues.
With the style of the tropics, sculptures in the Asian style look perfect.
First of all, these are all kinds of designs with the image of the Buddha, as well as other Eastern symbols.
Such compositions will bring tranquility to the green area near the house and make the atmosphere of the garden positive.
You can beautifully decorate the garden with the help of ordinary stones of various sizes, colors and shapes.
These natural materials expressively shade the lush greenery of plants and harmonize with the environment.
Learn how to care
In order for the tropical garden you created to please you from year to year, you need to study the basic rules for caring for it.
In addition to regular routine procedures, such as inspecting plants, watering and loosening the soil, more serious measures should be taken twice a year.
Plants that require pruning should be brought into the desired form only in the spring, in order to minimally injure their branches and prevent death.
At the same time, the soil is fertilized, cleaned of foreign objects and dry leaves.
Autumn is the time to prepare the garden for winter.
Tropical plants are sheltered or brought into the room if they grow in pots.
Need help with a home project?
Contact us!
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Adaptive design techniques, such as responsive facade systems and native plant integration, enhance sustainability and reduce maintenance needs for vertical gardens.

Title:

Content: Architects: Sustainability and Resource Conservation a Priority
T + T - normal size
Sustainable architecture is based on the vision of the artist and architect and the possibilities available.
Sustainable architecture means the design of buildings that consume water, energy and natural materials as little as possible by retreating waste water and using it to irrigate the garden and using modern technologies so that the energy consumption of the building is automatically saved for cooling, air conditioning and lighting as well as the use of building materials resulting from recycling previous products.
Contextual sources
Al-Bayan met with the architect and artist Abdullah Al-Mulla, who designed many conservative constructions and contributed to the preservation of the environment, and says:
When designing sustainable architecture, I give priority to natural materials with contextual sources, while ensuring that they blend seamlessly with the local environment and cultural scene.
This approach reduces the ecological footprint and respects the original ecosystem.
Next, I focus on the longevity and roundness of the structure.
This includes the selection of durable materials and an adaptable and reusable design, prolonging the life cycle of the building.
The aim is to create a structure that not only stands the test of time, but also promotes resource efficiency and waste reduction, ensuring a sustainable legacy for future generations.
A sustainable idea
Dr. Lina Al-Mousawi, who has several lectures in the field of sustainable architectural thought, said:
Sustainability has become the concern of most countries of the world, which have strived to develop and strengthen it because of its importance in various economic, social, environmental and architectural fields. Sustainability means the permanence and survival of something to serve future generations.
Natural materials
She added: “True sustainability starts with how to achieve a comfortable living environment, by studying and determining the appropriate climate inside the spaces and providing the right amount of ventilation and natural lighting. This may be by designing indoor gardens and natural shades, as well as shade and light design that contributes to regulating temperatures and creating a sense of comfort, tranquility and beauty. ”
Architecture is not only the art of choosing a beautiful shape and luxurious building materials, but the formation of a beautiful shape with a correct sustainable function that serves the future generations.
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Vertical gardens contribute to urban biodiversity by supporting ecosystems for pollinator insects, birds, and small animals, while reducing soil erosion through nature-oriented solutions.

Title:

Content: Functional – sounds serious and strict, but in fact we are talking about the most natural way of landscaping in cities.
By the way, well-fed and happy: how gardening and gardening helps cities during the war
"Usually we have either annual plants or groups of plants that are not inherent in our area.
Allegedly beautiful and clean - but dysfunctional.
During the landscaping of cities, nature-oriented solutions should be used - they will be the most functional, "says Nikolai Ryabika, a member of the Plateau NGO and co-founder of the Seedling Garden space.
What greening solutions are nature-oriented?
These are multi-tiered landscaping, meadow lawns, rain gardens, flower beds of continuous flowering, etc.
What are the functions of such greening?
Improves air quality, retains moisture in the soil and stops erosion, reduces "thermal islands", contributes to an increase in the number of pollinator insects, cute hedgehogs and prickly lizards, supports the diversity of birds in the city and simply improves the mood of people and encourages more hum.
Let ’ s look at the multi-layered greening.
It lies in the fact, says Nikolai Ryabika, not to plant annual plants and even under the ruler, but to form groups of perennial plants of different levels: trees, bushes, herbaceous plants.
Roman Street in Lviv / Photo from open sources
"In such groups, plants are more resilient and live longer than one tree on a mowed, sterile lawn.
In addition to improving air quality, such landscaping gives more shaded area, less soil erosion and supports biodiversity - thus we increase the city's fund, "explains Nikolai Ryabika.
.
In addition, he adds, multi-tiered landscaping helps in the fight against such a phenomenon as parking on the lawns - you simply will not go to the tall grass and bushes.
“This is just one of the nature-oriented solutions in greening.
We can also use rain gardens or ditches, sections of hedges that improve air quality and are a breeding ground for birds, hedgehogs, etc., ” adds Nikolai Ryabika.
Rudanskogo Street in Lviv / photo by Alexander Shutyuk
What is important, especially in times of war, is that nature-oriented solutions help to save resources.
For example, to grow annual flowers for urban flower beds, you need to spend money on greenhouses, heating them, watering, using human time.
And in the end, these flowers will live in a flower bed for about three months.
Then the city invests the resource in cleaning.
“It is necessary to think strategically and switch to the use of perennial plants and multifunctional groups.
In addition to aesthetics, we will have many more benefits for both humans and the environment, ” says Nikolai Ryabika.
Fear and Hatred on Monogasone
The territory under the lawns occupies almost half of the territory of Lviv.
They have an important function, says Nikolai Ryabika, - absorb water, a place for the reproduction of biodiversity, contribute to a decrease in temperature.
"But the most common monogasons, which, moreover, constantly crumble, contribute to the fact that our soils lose the ability to absorb water and lawns dry out.
And mowing affects the fact that the energy of the plant goes not to the root system, which loosens the soil and it is filled with oxygen, but to the stem part.
And mowing again.
Closed circle, ” says Nikolai Ryabika.
According to the NGO "Plateau", in 2022 from the budget of Lviv for mowing lawns in the districts spent 18 million.
849 thousand
887 uah.
This is more than the year before the Great War.
Doesn't it look very rational?
NGO "Plateau" advocates for less frequent mowing of grass in Lviv / photo by Angelica Zozuli
An alternative to monogasms can be multi-herb, including perennial.
This opinion is supported by one of the gardeners of Lviv Oksana Sofiyanchuk.
“Lawns mowed with regularity once every 10-15 days, in the hot season need watering, and this is the reuse of water.
The grass is mowed only once a year and grows quite high, so it does not need watering.
The roots of the plants hold water well and even during a drought there are enough reserves, ” explains the gardener.
In addition, herbalists better retain dust and, when growing between the roadway and sidewalk, work as a filter to clean the air.
A variety of herbs on one of the streets of Berlin / photo by Elena Bosova
Also, grass is a source of food for pollinator insects that are needed in the city - otherwise no one will fly to the balcony to dust your tomatoes.
And on monogasons, these insects have nothing to profit from.
More insects in the city?
Can people then sit at home at all so that the ticks do not eat alive?
Explain it.
It is necessary to remember once and for all that ticks are always in the environment.
They are most active during the warm period.
They are even in low-cut grass, even in the soil.
This is a creature that can be absolutely everywhere and mowing grass does not solve the problem, - says Nikolai Ryabika.
In tall herbalists, there may be natural enemies of ticks, which quite well eat them up.
In addition, in herbalists can live, for example, lizards.
which fits and mowed lawn ", - explains Oksana Sofiyanchuk.
And a variety of herbs - it's good, adds the gardener.
Warriors of Light
The more plants on the site, the better the ecosystems there arise, says Nikolai Ryabika.
If there are only five species on the site, then the loss of one of them can lead to the destruction of the entire system.
When there are many species – for example, 55 – then the system is more stable, one element is quietly replaced by another.
“It ’ s like hardening the human body – as soon as you get out of a sterile environment, you can suffer greatly from the usual flu.
So with our planet – it needs biodiversity, ” says Nikolai Ryabika.
Oksana Sofiyanchuk advises planting bushes with non-poisonous berries in cities, which save birds from hunger in winter, creating hedgehogs where hedgehogs can live, and also making “houses ” for insects.
Birds in the ecosystem of the city, like hedgehogs, do so that good defeats evil - that is, they destroy parasites and pests, some of which are not averse to eating people.
"Alien" invaders
So, it's simple?
We plant a lot of different things instead of lawn grass and enjoy flowering, singing birds, snorting hedgehogs and clean air.
Not really.
“Different things ” need to be carefully filtered so as not to destroy all living things in green areas with good intentions.
“One of the major challenges facing the world is the loss of biodiversity.
The greatest threat to biodiversity, in addition to climate change, is invasive species, ” says ecology from Vinnitsa, exploring the topic, Lyubov Kolosova.
Invasive species in different regions of Ukraine include amaranth, ambrosia, hogweed and even such beautiful and supposedly familiar Canadian scallop, syrian cotton wool, red oak, robinia pseudoacacia, etc.
The peculiarity of invasive species is that they adapt very quickly.
If a species does not pose a threat to a particular region, it does not mean that it will always be.
Goldenrod (goldenrod) canadian
“In Vinnitsa, for example, there is no such problem as the Syrian cotton wool, but for the more southern regions it is a serious problem.
And in connection with climate change, sooner or later it will become our problem, and for Western regions, too, ” says Lyubov Kolosova.
Watochnik syrian
Definitely abandon invasive species is not always possible.
In Lviv, for example, robinia is a fairly common tree, because it tolerates difficult urban conditions.
Another reason why these species are chosen is that the usual ash trees or some types of chestnuts can no longer be planted.
“Chestnuts and ash trees, often the framework of urban greening, are sick, and we can no longer use them.
The Department of Ecology of the LGS, as far as I know, has identified a sharp maple as a fragile species, and in Lviv a strong wind often blows, so this tree is also not recommended.
The list is very narrowing, ” explains Lyubov Kolosova.
Robinia to replace an old tree broken by a hurricane / photo by Roman Baluk
Ecology believes that comprehensive studies are needed to form a list of trees and other plants recommended for planting in cities - this should be a request and funding, because people involved in landscaping do not have to be scientists.
And yet, if the city decides to plant robinia, red oak and maple in certain areas, then it must ensure the non-proliferation of these species further.
The greatest ways of distribution are water (rainwater in Lviv gets into sewage runoff, then - in Poltava, and then, already outside the city, throws dangerous seeds on the shore) and air.
Therefore, it is worth planting individuals that do not produce seeds or at least correctly cut the producing ones.
Better yet, avoid invasive species altogether and look for an alternative.
“Abroad, there is criminal liability for the spread of invasive species.
Some of these species can be used for landscaping areas with complex dense buildings, but only when a person can prove that he will ensure non-proliferation and provide a plan for how he will do it, ” says Lyubov Kolosova.
In Ukraine, there is no legislative framework, so our Carpathians overgrown with hogweed, which destroys all living things around (although it is, in fact, easy to stop), eastern and southern regions suffer from allergies from ambrosia, and agriculture loses up to 30% of yield due to amaranth.
So what to do to ensure that the greenery is both functional and safe?
Love Kolosova advises:
• read the book by Alexey Kovalenko, author of the blog “Around Botany ”,“ Alien Plants ”;
• before buying the plant, check whether the species belongs to invasive (it can be found on the website of the Ministry of Ecology);
• Observe urban ecosystems and how they spread over time by certain plants;
• remove from your flower garden or do not pull every cute plant to it until you make sure it is safe;
• carry out urban awareness-raising activities to combat invasive plant species, toloki - a person perceives information well when he himself is attached, for example, by physical participation;
• Seek a legislative settlement so that robinia or scum can not be bought in the store.
Thus, some invasive plants themselves will simply fall out of the ecosystem of our cities.
The main thing is to be attentive.
“A person should be responsible for the actions of his species, and the main reason for the spread of invasive species is our activity, intentional or not, ” adds Lyubov Kolosova.
So what are we landing?
Gardener of Lviv Oksana Sofiyanchuk advises residents who want to independently green their adjacent territory, to be guided by two principles.
First, to use the plants that were grown in the gardens of our mothers, grandmothers and other ancestors – they are already adapted to our conditions.
This is a material that usually goes from neighbor to neighbor:
• irises;
• daylilies;
• hosts;
• calls;
• phlox;
• peonies;
• marigolds;
• periwinkle;
• ivy.
Irises in Lviv / photo from Irina Lukava 's website
The second rule is to choose plants under the conditions in which they will grow.
The most important factor here is lighting.
The soil can be fed, drained, acidified or snapped, and there is nothing you can do with insolation.
Therefore, hosts and periwinkle are planted in the shade, peonies, marigolds, daylilies - in the sun.
And there is a blooming garden under the windows, which pleases us and neighbors.
It grows well in the shade.
However, there are some exceptions.
For example, boxwood, which lived well in Ukraine for 300 years.
In 2018, its natural enemy appeared here - boxwood firewood, simply eating this plant any heart.
You can fight it only with toxic chemicals, so gardeners do not recommend now to contact boxwood.
We also remember the "invaders" - they in Lviv, according to Oksana Sofiyanchuk, there is a goldenrod and a gorchak of Sakhalin (the name seems to speak for itself).
Gorchak (buckwheat) Sakhalin
It is also necessary to plant bushes with non-poisonous berries for birds:
• horizontal dogwood;
• rosehip;
• bush hawthorn.
And also - to create places where insects can winter - houses or simply connected straw, tubular dried plants, boxes with cones in the open space.
For public spaces, the urban gardener advises to choose persistent, low-maintenance, ornamental plants throughout the season that give deciduous mass, flowers, food for pollinators.
It is also good to plant deciduous trees that have their own seasonal cycle, from conifers - fir or mountain pines growing with a bush in case there is little space.
At the same time, it should be remembered that residents can not plant trees on their own, even on the adjacent territory - you need the permission of the gardener of the area.
Gardeners can also seek advice and advice on gardening and plant care, garden or lawn planning.
Lvov 's experience
Oleksandra Chuchko, an activist and board member of the Plateau NGO, tells how she and her mother, a permaculture designer, neighbors and friends, landscaped their street of Princess Olga.
The team with the project of the garden of continuous flowering in 2021 won the competition from the city council “My street is green ”.
Purchasing and planting plants together with neighbors were positive processes, the activist recalls.
But the community overdid it a bit and the list of plants turned out to be too diverse.
“It was necessary to dwell on several species, and that they were vandal-proof, persistent, low-maintenance and still suitable for composition and zoning.
In the beginning, one by one, lavender bushes, small thuja, were stolen from us, because the territory is not under the windows, and even expensive in the country, ” recalls Alexandra Chuchko.
Planting a garden of continuous flowering on the street. Princess Olga in the framework of the project "Green my street" (photo by Alexandra Chuchko)
In addition, the garden was not on someone ’ s balance sheet, the condominium did not talk about leaving.
And when the full-scale invasion began, many more left.
Some of the plants are gone.
“Then the most unpleasant story happened.
There is a construction nearby.
They began to lay communications and dug a huge moat on the plot we landscaped, although we with the head of condominiums looked at the cadastral maps and maps of communications in advance, so that there was nothing there.
Unfortunately, some of the plants were lost in this battle, ” says Alexandra Chuchko.
Now there are cherry blossoms, lilac, boxwood, some other plants in the garden, and Alexandra and her neighbors consider their experience to be positive and instructive, because he united them, increased trust, strengthened communication and taught them to create together.
“It is useful and psychologically, when we take responsibility for the environment and care not only about what is in the apartment, but also about the places where we go to work, walk with the dog.
It is a shared responsibility.
The city cannot know all the needs of people – there must be their initiative.
Power encourages, gives tools – so you need to use it.
And be wiser next time, ” adds Alexandra Chuchko.
New Fashion and Culture
Not everyone considers multi-tiered gardening to be good, it is not important for everyone whether birds live nearby, and many do not understand why beautiful plants are called invasive and what they harm.
“The education campaign should consist of small steps and take place at different levels.
About biodiversity, functional gardening should begin to talk in institutions of children's education.
Creating a new generation of consciousness is important.
It is easier to communicate with children and change their vision than with adults, ” says Lyubov Kolosova.
Nikolai Ryabika adds that, in his opinion, first of all it is necessary to work with the mass market, imposing conditional "thui" and around them.
“At the local and state levels, it is possible to encourage business to offer a wider range of plants and to instill in people a taste for some other formats besides.
You can create city programs when people are given plants.
For example, communal, public or even private spaces commissioned by the city grew plants from the seeds provided and could give or sell them cheaply to condominiums.
Why not?
We have to fantasize, ” he says.
In addition, the city should take care of the list of plants that are recommended to be planted in Lviv, justify their benefits and join the co-financing process, as it happens, for example, with the restoration of the gate.
Oksana Sofiyanchuk believes that residents mainly have a negative attitude to the grass, because the unbroken herbalist for them is a symbol of neglect.
To adopt a new and useful format, one needs surprise.
We had a precedent with cereals and flowerbeds of the new wave.
When we laid a flower bed under the balcony of the mayor in the Market Square, everyone laughed at us, saying, what kind of weeds did you plant?
Two years have passed and now I hear from the residents: "Oh, and put such, as under the window of Andrei Ivanovich?"
People got used to it and it became fashionable.
The same, I am sure, will be with different herbs, ” says Oksana Sofiyanchuk.
New wave flower bed in Market Square.
This year in Lviv there will be several experimental sites in each district.
So, the “Moorish lawn ” will be at the memorial to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, in the square of Kulchitskaya, on Sykhov and, possibly, on Liberty Avenue and other locations.
“We want to make several sites for the promotion of urban bows, which will look perfect and in which residents will go to be photographed.
Then in a year or two people will stop writing to the hotline “mow the grass ”, and we will be able to start the process throughout the city, ” says Oksana.
Sofiyanchuk.

In densely populated areas, initiatives like Taipei's green corridors enhance biodiversity and mitigate the heat island effect, creating sustainable living environments.

Environmental trade-offs of vertical gardens include high water usage and the need for efficient drainage systems, which require careful infrastructure planning.

Title:

Content: Categories: Articles, Crop productionPublished On: 13th October 2023

Hobby or small-holder farmers: Vertical farming may be the way to go

By 7 min read

aquaculture-5990470_1280

Stackable planters can be purchased from local hardware or nursery suppliers to create your own vertical farm.

The need to optimise farming and improve yields on small plots of land is increasingly important. Due to challenges of water scarcity, limited arable land and high inputs costs, innovative solutions such as vertical farming can help to overcome these struggles.

Vertical farming is an approach whereby farmers cultivate certain crops vertically in stacked layers, in order to maximise space and increase yields. This is usually achieved by planting these crops in containers, structures, or stackable pots.

Most often, these structures incorporate aquaponics, hydroponics or aeroponic techniques. All of these are methods used in controlled environments, with various factors such as the water flow, lighting control, temperature, and substrate controlled by the farmer, unlike traditional farming practices.

Vertical farming has many benefits

The most obvious benefit of vertical farming is maximised land use. This method allows farmers to grow more crops in a smaller footprint, making it ideal for areas with limited land availability. But there are other benefits too:

Production throughout the year: Since the environment of vertical farms are more controlled, it is possible to cultivate a crop more than once a year, or to ensure that you have a consistent yield throughout the year – depending on the crop type of course. Any seasonal constraints are removed and production is more efficient.

Water conservation: Less water is used in these systems.with only the precise amount of water needed to provide the plants with sustenance. Where farms are located in greenhouses or indoors, less evaporation also occurs.

Low environmental impact: When less space is needed to grow more food, there is a lower impact on the environment. Less natural vegetation needs to be cleared to accommodate soil based farming.

Improved control over growing conditions: When coupled with greenhouse systems, factors such as light intensity, temperature and humidity can be regulated. However, the plants are more dependent on the farmer to provide nutrients as there is little to no soil used as a substrate. Farmers can exercise strict control over when which fertilisers are used.

How to start a vertical farm

If you are looking to start a vertical farm, you need to first allocate space. You will need a space to put up the vertical structures where it has ample natural light, and where the structures can be safe from animals. People often want to put vertical gardens in warehouses and storerooms, but it is very costly to provide enough artificial lighting to try and make up for the lack of sunlight.

If you plan on adding ventilation to a greenhouse, temperature control systems or any other high tech additions, remember to consider access to electricity or solar power. If solar is your choice, take note the for every hectare of artificial lighting you may need up to five hectares of solar panels to provide enough electricity.

There also needs to be a space where you can add drainage so access water can drain from your vertical farm.

Next, you will need to look at the crops you would like to grow as this will determine  your growing method.

Structures for vertical farming:

Vertical wall gardens

Vertical wall gardens are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to start vertical farming in cities where you have walls, and limited horisontal space. You can use recycled materials such as old pallets, wooden crates, or plastic bottles as planting containers. These containers can be attached to a vertical frame or wall, creating a vertical garden. This method is excellent for growing herbs, small vegetables, and even certain fruits like strawberries.

Tower gardens

Tower gardens are vertical systems that allow plants to grow in stacked layers. PVC pipes can be used to create vertical planting towers. Plants are placed in holes drilled into the pipes, and a water and nutrient solution is circulated through the system. PVC pipes are relatively inexpensive and can be found at local hardware stores. Tower gardens are suitable for growing a variety of leafy greens and herbs.

Hanging gardens

Hanging gardens are an excellent option for small spaces. You can use hanging pots, recycled containers, or even fabric pouches attached to a frame or railing. These hanging containers can be filled with a lightweight growing medium and used for cultivating herbs, lettuce, and other compact crops. Hanging gardens utilise vertical space effectively and are relatively low-cost to set up.

Hydroponic systems

Hydroponic systems, where plants are grown in water without soil, can be affordable if you opt for a simple DIY setup. You can create a basic raft system using foam boards floating on a nutrient solution. Alternatively, a wick system, where a wick draws nutrient solution from a reservoir to the plants, is inexpensive and easy to set up. These DIY hydroponic systems are suitable for growing various vegetables and herbs.

Shelve system

As the name suggests, shelves are used to create rows of vertical gardens. Similar to wall- or hanging gardens, containers with substrate is used keep the plants in. Pots or trays are stacked on the shelves in a tray of water, or is connected to driplines that provide the plants with water.

A wall garden constructed with PVC pipe. (Source: Pixabay)

Planting a (vertical) garden and watching it grow

Some crops are not compatible with vertical systems – do not try to plant maize or pumpkins in this system. But there are still a multitude of other crops that can be used. Here are a few you can research:

  1. Herbs:

Herbs such as basil, cilantro, mint, thyme, and parsley are vital flavours that are in constant demand. They require relatively little space and grow well in vertical systems. Additionally, herbs are high-value crops because they have a quick turnover, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the year.

  1. Salad greens

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale are popular choices for vertical farming. They are not only nutritious but also have a short growth cycle, making them ideal for continuous harvesting. Salad greens are versatile and are used in various culinary dishes, making them high in demand and a profitable choice for vertical farms.

  1. Microgreens

Microgreens are young edible plants harvested at an early stage. They are incredibly popular in high-end restaurants and farmer’s markets due to their intense flavour and high nutritional content. Microgreens can include varieties like radishes, mustard greens, and pea shoots. Despite their small size, microgreens are considered high-value crops because they can be sold at a premium price.

  1. Strawberries

Strawberries are a popular fruit that can be grown vertically in towers or hanging systems. They have a relatively high market price and are favoured by consumers for their sweetness and freshness. Vertical farming allows for efficient use of space, making it possible to grow a significant quantity of strawberries in a small area.

  1. Gourmet mushrooms

Gourmet mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms, shiitake, and maitake have gained popularity in culinary circles. They can be grown vertically in specially designed containers or shelves. Mushrooms have a relatively high market price, making them a profitable choice for vertical farms.

When choosing high-value crops for your vertical farming system, consider the local market demand, climate suitability, and your expertise in cultivating specific crops. Conduct market research and engage with local chefs, restaurants, and grocery stores to understand their requirements and preferences. By selecting the right combination of high-value crops, you can optimise your vertical farm’s profitability and contribute to the sustainable growth of your agricultural venture.

Shelves can also be used to create vertical gardens. (Source: Vecteezy)

For emerging farmers in sub-Saharan countries, vertical farming represents a pathway to overcome traditional agricultural challenges and create a more sustainable, efficient, and profitable farming enterprise. By harnessing the benefits of vertical farming, these farmers can contribute significantly to the local economy, local supply chain and food security.

J.M. and Marsh, J. (2022) How Africa can develop its own version of Vertical Farming, Agrilinks. Available at: https://agrilinks.org/post/how-africa-can-develop-its-own-version-vertical-farming

Vertical farming in Africa with Tower Farms (2022) Agrotonomy. Available at: https://agrotonomy.com/vertical-farming-in-africa-with-tower-farms/

Vertical Farming South Africa: 4 companies making a big impact (2022) Indoor Grow Farmer. Available at: https://indoorgrowfarmer.com/vertical-farming-south-africa/#:~:text=Vertical%20farming%20in%20South%20Africa,conditions%20to%20accommodate%20vertical%20farming.

B.Bugbee (2015) Why vertical farming won’t save the planet. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISAKc9gpGjw&feature=youtu.be

Deel hierdie artikel.

Structural limitations, such as the durability of materials, must be considered, as seen in Delhi where plastic carriers in vertical gardens proved unsuitable for the climate.

Title:

Content: STOCK MARKET BSE NSE

Delhi: Vertical gardens drain crores, droop

Meanwhile, the RTI response also showed that the Corporation has not conducted any study about whether these gardens help in controlling pollution.

Published: 17th May 2022 08:02 AM  |   Last Updated: 17th May 2022 08:02 AM   |  A+A-

Express News Service

NEW DELHI:  The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has spent over Rs 5 crore from 2017 to 2022 on vertical gardens, the response to a Right to Information (RTI) Act query filed by an advocate revealed. Most of the vertical gardens have now dried up in the absence of due care.

The situation is especially bad in East Delhi. As per the RTI query filed by Siddhartha Malkania, the Municipal Corporation (East) spent more than Rs 1.51 crore on the plantation and management of seven vertical gardens in Shahdara zone, and most of them are in poor state. EMCD also installed a vertical garden for Rs 1.66 crore at a primary school in Mayur Vihar Pocket 4. When the Morning Standard visited this school, the garden was found in bad shape.

Meanwhile, the RTI response also showed that the Corporation has not conducted any study about whether these gardens help in controlling pollution. The Municipal Corporation (North) refused to provide the amount spent on vertical gardens but stated that it has installed 27 of them. “This information is voluminous and is readily not available,” the NDMC said in response.

The Municipal Corporation (South) fared better, with the gardens found in healthier conditions. A total of 10 vertical gardens have been installed by the corporation since 2017, at a cost of more than `2.40 crore. The civic body said that though the life of these vertical gardens has expired, 70 percent greenery still exists.

According to Vikrant Tongad, founder, Social Action for Forest and Environment, these types of gardens are not suitable for Indian weather and instead add to plastic pollution. “We opposed it with strong reasons. The weather in Delhi NCR doesn’t support vertical gardens,” Tongad said. “It is successful in European countries. They look visually appealing here but have no environmental value. The carrier is plastic, which releases more pollutant gases and is carcinogenic.”

Tongad added that people also pilfer the plastic boxes in which the plants are grown. “Many cases of the plants being stolen have been reported. This is wastage of public money,” he said. The Morning Standard tried to get in touch with the EDMC and NDMC officials, but got no response.

South civic body fares better than others
The Municipal Corporation (South) fared better, with the gardens found in healthier conditions. A total of 10 vertical gardens were installed, at a cost of more than Rs 2.40 crore.

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Energy demands for artificial lighting and cooling in vertical farming systems can increase the carbon footprint unless renewable energy sources are utilized effectively.

Title:

Content: Vertical farming: global food security solution or expensive way to grow leafy greens?

Some producers have gone bust, but technological advances could see the approach applied to a wider variety of crops

Powered by automated translation

As the world’s population grows – the UN forecasts that it will exceed 10 billion by 2100 – new ways to increase food production are being sought.

This is illustrated by the rise of vertical farming, which involves crops being grown in layers in an indoor environment.

Eye-catching examples have hit the news in recent years, such as Pasona Urban Farm in a multi-storey office block in Japan.

Meanwhile, researchers have suggested that some of the world’s thousands of abandoned mines could be repurposed as farms.

But is this brave new world of agriculture really part of the answer to global food security issues – or is it suitable only for producing salad vegetables, strawberries and a small number of other crops?

What is vertical farming and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Vertical farming involves growing crops in layers one on top of the other in systems where light is provided by LED bulbs instead of the sun, and humidity and temperature are controlled. Depending upon the climate where the farm is located, heating or cooling may be required.

Dr Hail Rihan, of the University of Plymouth in the UK, prefers the term controlled environment agricultural systems to reflect the fact that the plants are grown indoors in strictly managed conditions.

Key advantages include there being higher yields for a given ground area, sometimes many times those of outdoor or greenhouse agriculture.

As conditions are precisely controlled, crops can be grown year round, eliminating seasonal shortages, and in almost any location. The controlled conditions also make it harder for pests to become established.

Often vertical farming is associated with hydroponic systems, in which the plant is grown in a nutrient solution rather than soil. This may reduce water use by as much as 90 per cent compared to traditional growing.

However, controlled environment agriculture requires significant investment in buildings and equipment, and has high running costs.

If the electricity for the lighting and heating or cooling comes from burning fossil fuels, vertical farming can have a much higher carbon footprint than traditional agriculture, in which plants take energy from the sun rather than LED bulbs.

Higher costs explain why vertical farming and other controlled environment systems are used for a relatively narrow range of crops, including leafy green vegetables such as lettuces and basil, fruits including strawberries and mushrooms. Multiple crops of these can be produced in a year, offsetting high running costs.

Dr Rihan, who has been involved with multiple projects, including several in Saudi Arabia, is confident that vertical farming will be rolled out much more widely in future.

“It became commercially applicable, even for leafy greens, [only] in the last three to four years. The technology is developing very fast,” he said.

“Very soon the technology will be applied for a wide range of crops.”

One study estimated that the industry would be worth around $3 billion this year.

Can vertical farming compete with other forms of agriculture?

Prof Carl-Otto Ottosen, who researches plant growth and agriculture at Aarhus University in Denmark, said that in his home country and other parts of northern Europe, vertical farming was often not competitive because of its high energy use.

Small crops often produced in vertical farming can, he said, be grown equally well in his region in a greenhouse where environmental conditions are controlled.

He questioned the economic viability of vertical farming in his country.

“From a Danish point of view, you cannot produce anything now and make money from it,” he said.

“You don’t get the payback. Very few people would pay £5 (Dh23) for a white cabbage here in northern Europe.”

There have been missteps in the industry, with a number of vertical farming companies having been declared bankrupt or forced to downsize amid financial woes.

Prof Ottosen said that there might be a better case for vertical farming in places such as Singapore, where land is at a premium.

Indeed the South-East Asian city state has multiple vertical farms, tying in with its aim of producing 30 per cent of its nutritional needs by 2030.

Several other Asian countries, including China, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, also have vertical farms, as does the US.

There have also been major investments in vertical farming in the Middle East, including the UAE, where traditional agriculture faces extreme temperatures and water stress.

Extreme temperatures mean high energy demands for cooling, but if the power comes from solar energy, costs and carbon emissions can be defrayed.

Also, controlled environment agriculture or vertical farming may have an advantage in very hot climates, Dr Rihan said, because buildings can be insulated, so cooling is possible. Cooling a greenhouse is much more difficult, he said, because of the lack of insulation.

It may also become more useful as some areas become less suitable for traditional agriculture as a result of climate change.

“In Europe, the supply chain is being challenged from Spain and Morocco because of weather conditions – limited water and high temperatures,” Prof Ottosen said.

Greenhouse producers in northern Europe are, he said, expanding their production to cope with these supply chain difficulties, although vertical farms could be another alternative source of produce.

Controlled environment agriculture systems, including vertical farming, may become increasingly competitive because, for example, LED lighting – the technology that made vertical farming possible in the first place – is becoming more efficient.

The automation technology, including robotics and software, that vertical farming relies upon is also advancing.

Will vertical farming replace traditional farming?

While enthusiasts for vertical farming hope that its methods will become applicable to a wider range of crops, there are plants for which traditional methods will almost certainly remain most suitable.

Maize, one of the most important crops globally, with annual production of about 400 million tonnes in the US alone, is an example.

It grows to about two to three metres tall, which means that it is not feasible to have multiple crops above one another.

If just a single layer of maize is grown, indoor production in a controlled environment with LED bulbs to provide light and a controlled temperature is uneconomic.

However, there are crops not currently grown vertically that may become more suited to controlled environment agriculture thanks to scientists.

Wheat is not ideally suited to controlled environment agriculture because it requires much higher light intensity – and so higher costs – than lettuce and other leafy green vegetables, and the growing cycle is longer at six to seven months.

However, Dr Rihan said that researchers have been able to shorten the seed-to-seed growth cycle to as little as two months, which would allow multiple crops to be grown and harvested each year.

Furthermore, advances in plant breeding are leading to the development of varieties suited to indoor cultivation, so he envisages a future where the techniques will be used with crops like wheat.

Updated: March 02, 2024, 6:33 AM

Vertical gardens align with green building certification standards like LEED and BREEAM by enhancing urban greening and reducing energy consumption.

Title:

Content: People 's Network > > International
Many countries actively explore the promotion of green building (international perspective)
Our reporter Guan Kejiang Xu Hailin Xie Jianning
April 19, 2023 06: 02 | Source: People's Daily - People's Daily
Small number
According to the World Green Building Council, the construction industry's carbon emissions account for about 40% of global carbon emissions, through the promotion of green buildings can save 50% of energy, 60% of water resources, reduce 80% of waste generation, 45% of carbon dioxide emissions.
In recent years, some countries have actively promoted green buildings, and promoted more buildings to achieve energy conservation and carbon reduction by creating green communities, improving building energy efficiency, and strict certification standards.
United Arab Emirates —
Building a Green and Harmonious Community
Walking into Dubai Sustainable City, there is a leisurely pastoral scene in front of you: ducks playing in the water by the pond, children riding bicycles and playing, and many people in the distance gather on the grass … Sustainable City was put into operation in 2015, and is one of the earliest communities in the Middle East to propose and achieve green development.
The community covers an area of 46 hectares, in an irregular rectangle, and is divided into three blocks from the outside to the inside.
The outermost circle is sheltered forest and canopy track, bicycle lane; inside is the commercial area and residential area.
The business district is also a leisure plaza, with many restaurants, laundry, bicycle repair shops and so on.
The 500 villas in the residential area are divided into five units, separated by the carport, cars can only be parked in the carport, not into the community.
In addition, there are schools, equestrian clubs, resident gardens and rehabilitation centers, and the middle green zone runs through the community from west to east, with constructed wetlands, ponds, swimming pools, and 11 domed greenhouses to grow a variety of vegetables for the residents in need.
Photovoltaic panels are installed on the roofs of all buildings in the Sustainable City, which can meet the electricity needs of 3,000 people in the entire community.
The road between residents' houses is specially designed to form an air duct, which can effectively reduce the temperature in the community in summer.
The community encourages low-carbon living. In 2021, residents spend about 60% of the Dubai average on water, and 80% of household waste is recycled and reused.
In 2022, Sustainable City was named the “Happiest Community ” in the Bay Area by Dubai Land Authority.
Hardir Ahmed, head of public relations at developer Diamond Development, said polls showed that the highest rating was the ban on cars entering the community.
Many parents say that this way they can safely let their children play in the community and help maintain the air quality in the community.
This initiative has also brought neighbourhoods closer, with people in the community walking, cycling, riding a shared battery car and other ways to travel, meet each other every day, and have more communication.
Sustainable City is now one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Dubai, with residential and business districts fully staffed.
On the basis of this model, she and her partners have developed three more communities in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Oman.
The first phase of the Abu Dhabi project was delivered not long ago and sold out within half an hour.
She said: “This shows that green buildings and sustainable living are increasingly popular.
We also want to use this business model to demonstrate that sustainable living is technically feasible, economically cost-effective and more responsive to the needs of the population in terms of social integration. "
Spain — —
Support for energy saving renovation of houses
In the Asturias region of northern Spain, there is a mountain hut built like a "building block".
The components of the house were produced by a factory in Madrid in four months and then "assembled" in just five hours.
The house shape borrows from the traditional Spanish barn style to ensure the uniqueness of the building and its adaptability to the environment, and the modular house components also minimize environmental pollution such as construction noise and waste.
Spain's unique geographical location, the history of the convergence of a variety of civilizations, the birth of Gaudí, Mirales, Calatrava and other world-renowned architects, different areas of architecture have their own characteristics.
In recent years, the Spanish architectural community has placed increasing emphasis on the application of sustainable concepts to architectural design and construction, and has introduced many green buildings that are both artistic and sustainable.
According to Spanish media reports, many buildings in the country have obtained international green building certification, ranking in the top ten in the world.
In Barcelona, Spain ’ s second largest city, known for its Gaudi architecture, there is a six-story building called “The Wall Garden ”, which adds a rich touch of green to the urban space. The“ Wall Garden ” was born from the side wall of a demolished building and has been transformed for a variety of greenery.
The steel platform of its exterior wall is connected to the internal staircase and is equipped with irrigation and fertilization systems that can be controlled through a mobile phone app.
After the irrigation water from the upper platform is absorbed by the plants, the excess water will flow to the next platform.
The bird house built into the garden platform provides a habitat for wild animals such as birds.
This small building helps regulate the temperature, purify the air, and reduce the energy cost of the residents around the building, which has become a well-known "punch point" in the local area.
The Spanish government has allocated 6.8 billion euros from the recovery fund of the "Next Generation EU" program to support energy-saving renovation of buildings.
The government plans to complete the sustainable renovation of 500,000 homes by 2026 to improve the energy efficiency of these buildings.
According to Kay Kilman, European head of the US Green Building Council, Spain is growing rapidly in the field of green building. “We look forward to working with countries like Spain to find innovative ways to build better communities for a sustainable future. ”
Mexico — —
Regulate green building certification standards
Mexico has an average of 5.5 hours of direct sunlight per day, making it one of the most sunny countries in the world.
In recent years, Mexico has actively promoted green buildings and made full use of natural resources such as solar energy to save energy.
According to data from data analysis and consulting firm Global Data, the number of green building projects in Mexico has increased rapidly.
Located on Reforma Avenue in the heart of Mexico City, in order to maximize the use of natural light, the interior of the building uses open office space, most of the windows extend from the floor to the ceiling, through the use of special glass materials, both increase natural light and reduce heat transfer, to keep the interior cool.
The building is equipped with an intelligent lighting system that can adjust the use of indoor fluorescent lamps according to the amount of sunlight entering the building.
The building also collects and treats rainwater and waste water through a special water treatment system for flush toilets, coolers, greenfield irrigation, etc., which can reduce water consumption by 75%.
“We want this building project to be a model for the greening of the community and to encourage all parties to provide more incentives for the development of green buildings, ” said Javier Presas, the building ’ s design project manager.
In 2015, Mexico committed to the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 36% by 2030 by encouraging the construction of sustainable buildings and promoting the use of solar panels, heaters, etc., to better combat climate change.
To this end, Mexico is constantly improving regulations, stipulating green building certification standards and minimum environmental requirements, and elaborating regulations on building energy efficiency. In 2021, Mexico City ’ s environmental department released a new green building certification program aimed at improving sustainability standards during building design, construction and operation, and promoting efficient use of resources.
The Mexican National Housing Commission has also created different incentive schemes to subsidize the purchase of green housing.
The Mexican state of Yucatán is the first to sign a net-zero construction commitment, which aims to achieve zero emissions from some buildings by 2030 and net-zero emissions from all buildings in the state by 2050.
Mexico City offers property tax relief for buildings with green roofs and solar hot water systems.
More and more building developers are adopting green building certification systems in the early stages of building construction to reduce energy consumption, water consumption and building materials energy consumption through optimized design.
“The number of green building projects in Mexico is growing by 25% every year, ” said Cesar Trevino, managing director of Biobuilding and Alternative Energy Mexico. In the face of climate and health challenges, it is important to continuously optimize buildings and interior spaces to improve the human environment.
(Dubai, Madrid, Mexico City)
People 's Daily (April 19, 2023, 15 edition)
(Editor: Zhao Xinyue, Yue Hongbin)
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These installations support biodiversity and contribute to the aesthetic and environmental value of urban areas, helping buildings achieve sustainability goals.

Title:

Content: To encourage an increase in green areas
Jeddah Municipality and Omran Association Launch Green Roofs Award Initiative for Buildings
Monday 11 September 2023 2: 08 PM
Citizen - Editorial Team
Jeddah Municipality launched on Sunday the initiative of “Al-Amana Award for Green Roofs ” within the framework of the cooperation agreement concluded with the Saudi Society for Urban Sciences. The award aims to encourage the increase of green areas by investing in the roofs of buildings in Jeddah, highlighting successful experiences, introducing them, appreciating their owners and spreading their culture in the community.
The prize is available for all categories.
The Chairman of the Council of the Saudi Society for Urban Sciences, Eng. Anas Serafi, said that the award in its first edition will be open to all categories of buildings (commercial, health, administrative, hotel and roofs of villas and buildings) and open spaces that include green areas preferably fruitful, aromatic and shade-saving. Attributes and works of art in the formation of the garden.
Eng. Hattan bin Hashim Hammouda, Director General of Social Responsibility at Jeddah Municipality, added that the initiative will contribute to adding aesthetic touches to the roofs, forming a garden that includes fragrant flowers, in addition to reducing the sun ’ s rays on the buildings, in addition to maintaining the proportion of oxygen in the air.

Vertical gardens significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of properties, as demonstrated by projects like the Trudo Vertical Forest, which integrates greenery with modern architectural design.

These installations can also increase property market value, with landscaped gardens commanding premiums due to their functional and emotional benefits.

Title:

Content: How your garden can increase the value of your home

Demand for outdoor space has soared among buyers since the pandemic, meaning homes with a garden command a higher price than ever before

Forget the kitchen extension or loft conversion. The quickest and cheapest way to add value to your house is to spruce up your garden. A “lifestyle” garden is top of buyers’ wish list this summer, with estate agents estimating that buyers are prepared to pay a 5 to 25 per cent premium for a garden they can use all year round. Research by Post Office Money suggests it could be as much as 77 per cent.

Given that the average garden can be professionally landscaped for around £2,750, even if you take these figures at their most modest level, a house worth £750,000 could see a minimum uplift of around £35,000, rising to more than £185,000 for a 25 per cent premium (and more than £400,000 if you believe the Post Office). Money well spent, therefore – particularly as you get to enjoy it before you sell up.

“I don’t understand people who invest heavily in the interior of their property and neglect the exterior when a gorgeous garden makes even the most ordinary house look and feel more desirable,” says Joanna Cocking of Hamptons. “Those that don’t have a garden desperately want one – they’re more of a selling point than ever.”

Britain’s garden gold rush began during the pandemic, Cocking says, when we were confined to our homes and realised the wellbeing benefits of outside space. “Historically, sellers have always underplayed their gardens due to Britain’s unreliable weather and buyers have tended to regard them in practical terms: how much will they cost to maintain? How much time will I have to spend in it? Yet now we’re so much more emotional about them,” she says.

“During lockdown we fell in love with working, entertaining and exercising in fresh air. We want to cook pizzas, listen to music, play pétanque, do our workouts – gardens are places of fun.”

First impressions

Kerb appeal is real, agrees garden designer Butter Wakefield. “Even if you have a tiny front path, make sure there is some good structural planting: you only need a few hydrangeas or foxgloves to make a wonderful first impression,” she says.

Marc Schneiderman of Arlington Residential believes that, in London, the price difference between a garden thick with brambles and an attractive one is 5-10 per cent; in the country this premium rises up to 25 per cent, according to Lindsay Cuthill of Savills.

“Outside space is one of the main reasons you live in the country, so the garden is a major consideration,” he says. Yet don’t go so crazy at the garden centre that you create a monster, warns Nick Cunningham, a property search agent with Stacks. In his experience, endless borders can scare buyers away.

“The trend is towards lower maintenance and less formal gardens with plenty of fun,” he says. “I have one client who is moving from a house with formal gardens to one surrounded by zero-maintenance wild moorland.”

If you transform your garden into a relaxation zone rather than a floral display, however, you can’t go wrong, says Cocking. “Ask yourself, ‘What will make me feel like I’m on holiday?’” she says. “You want it to feel like you’ve gone to Soho Farmhouse for the weekend.”

How to bring the best out of any garden

Urban family garden

A shed of one’s own

Buy the biggest you can: research by Mytoolshed.co.uk suggests that a shed can add an instant £12,000 to the value of a house. For inspiration see malverngardenbuildings.co.uk.

The Astro debate

Children want a football goal or netball hoop, which is why a swathe of Astro can be a major selling point for families, says Schneiderman. Wakefield, however, would always put down gravel or paving in preference, as Astro kills the soil and ecosystems beneath it.

A cooling off zone

The larger your lawn (or Astro), the more space you’ll have for the paddling pool when it’s hot. Rather than investing in a new plastic inflatable each summer, consider making a permanent feature by investing in a metal dip tank, which can be heated and filtered.

A private playground

A sad-looking trampoline or a frayed garden swing does nothing for house prices, but state-of-the-art play equipment wins families over. Natural wood climbing frames look most attractive, Wakefield says, and can be blended into the surroundings with planting.

A barbecue area

Before forking out on accessories such as pizza ovens and Green Egg barbecues, invest in the dining space itself, says Robin Chatwin of Savills, with soft planting, classy paving and some shade. Wakefield suggests siting the main entertaining space at the end of the garden as it’s more private and you won’t smoke out your neighbours.

Working (or working out)

Set up a couple of chairs and a small table in the shade for al fresco conference calls, Chatwin says; if you’re being really professional, you’ll invest in a power socket with internet booster, too. Meanwhile, purpose-built garden offices and gyms can add 5-10 per cent to the value of a £1.2 million family home, Chatwin continues.

Stately mansion

An outdoor kitchen

For the full staycation experience, create an outdoor kitchen with a wood-fired grill and Australian-style bars and fridges. If you want it to be tasteful as well as tough, buy it from Gaze Burvill (gazeburvill.com), Wakefield says.

A monumental sculpture

Install a vast sculpture – or a whole sculpture trail. Stately home owners are competing to commission vast works by artists such as Nic Fiddian-Green and David Williams-Ellis that frame the landscape and add grandeur to the garden.

Professional facilities

A mossy tennis court is unacceptable, says Cocking; it should be cushioned acrylic, polymeric rubber or synthetic grass. The pool will be long enough for serious exercise with easy access to a pool house with kitchen and spa.

Trendy planting

Mansion buyers want orchards, kitchen gardens and wildflower meadows, says Cuthill. “They love the idea of eating their own produce and supporting the environment.”

A tree house

An ultra-luxe adult tree house, doubling up as a home office and bar, from High Life or Blue Forest will cost between £20,000 and £100,000 but it’ll push up the value of your house by more than that, says Cunningham.

Rambling country garden

A den or playground

A rope swing; a zip wire; a wooden climbing frame – a family with young children will pay more for a house with a well-constructed, imaginative play area, says Cunningham.

All-day party area

In the countryside, the entertaining area has even more significance, Cunningham continues. Big fire amenities such as Argentinian asados and brick-built pizza ovens will capture the imagination of wannabe revellers, along with outdoor sofas, speakers, twinkling lights and awnings.

Hidden rooms

Buyers love to be surprised when they’re looking round a garden, Wakefield says: think wisteria-covered walkways leading to sunken gardens, mini orchards and benches positioned to enjoy the view or a spot of privacy.

A pavilion or games room

Even an off-the-shelf wooden summerhouse can add life and intrigue to a garden when painted in a glorious colour, says Cuthill. Ideally, you will have a little barn or stables to convert into a games room with table tennis and a sound system for older children and teens.

Somewhere to splash

Buyers quickly fall in love with romantic-looking ponds and lakes, says Cocking but if you can afford it, it’s a swimming pool that buyers really want these days. According to a study from Direct Line Select Premier Insurance, a pool can add an immediate 15 per cent to a property’s value.

Level up

If your garden is sloping, it is worth investing in some landscaping to ensure you have at least one level area for a marquee or croquet, says Cunningham. If you can stretch to a tennis court as well, even better.

Courtyard garden

Jet wash the terrace

It’s amazing how much better a small garden looks with clean paving, says Chatwin. You don’t need to buy a jet wash; you can hire them from B&Q from around £55. You might also want to think about relaying shabby paving; according to checkatrade.com the price for a new flagstone terrace is £45 to £75 per square metre.

Revamp your garden door

Buyers will immediately clock that you don’t use your outside space if your back door doesn’t open. Replace it if necessary, Chatwin says, or at least repaint it and repair hinges and lock.

Plant up some pots

Terracotta pots planted with perennials or a larger pot containing a shrub or tree will immediately make your garden look loved, says Schneiderman.

Focus the eye

A point of interest – a mirror, a water feature or even a flowering climber – will immediately add personality to a small garden, says Cocking.

Invest in privacy

Smarten up fences and trellises with a dark stain then cover them in climbers; you’ll soon be cocooned in green, says Wakefield. To further screen off your garden from neighbours or ugly buildings, use willow screens (primrose.co.uk), although be careful they don’t block out the light, warns Cunningham.

Somewhere to sit

Even if you don’t have space for a dining table, a small round table for al fresco breakfasts or a bench for morning coffees will raise the profile of your outdoor space, says Schneiderman.

What not to do in the garden

Garden designer Butter Wakefield offers some advice on how not to approach outdoor space.

  • Meadows not lawn – rather than maintaining acres of immaculate lawn, let the grass and wild flowers grow long and mow paths through certain sections.
  • Sow less – if you’ve inherited a productive kitchen garden, the easiest way to scale it back is to sow fewer seeds the following year, or sow more wildflowers. And share your excess produce!
  • Let the weeds come – weeds support wildlife; in places that don’t need to be immaculate, let them grow. “If every one of Britain’s 24 million garden owners left a patch wild, think how many more bees there would be,” Wakefield says.
  • Shrubs not perennials – replace demanding perennials with spring-flowering shrubs: a shady border filled with hydrangeas and anemones is easy to maintain and has an incredible effect. Add further interest with spring-flowering bulbs.
  • Blur the margins – not every bed and border needs to be neatly edged and the paving doesn’t have to be completely clear; if we stop being fussy, we immediately halve the number of jobs to do, Wakefield says.

Recent trends in vertical garden design emphasize the use of advanced technology, such as sensors and automated irrigation systems, to optimize plant health and resource use.

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Singapore's Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Illustrates the Vision of Architecture in Nature

Singapore's Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Illustrates the Vision of Architecture in Nature

The Singapore Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai illustrates the city's aspiration towards a sustainable future that merges architecture, nature, technology and culture. Under the title "Nature.Nurture.Future", the pavilion designed by WOHA Architects and landscape design practice Salad Dressing showcases a sample of Singapore's urban environment that epitomizes its City in Nature vision. The multi-layered green space creates a self-sufficient ecosystem highlighting ideas of sustainability and resilience through the marriage of technology and nature.

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This contribution to Expo Dubai speaks of Singapore's focus on nurturing a sustainable future, showcasing the possibilities of integrating nature within urban environments. Featuring more than 170 varieties of plants from diverse habitats in Singapore and set within different layers of greenery, from hanging gardens to vertical walls, the pavilion creates a tridimensional green space, taking visitors through tropical rainforests, mangrove areas and forest streams. Potable water produced through the on-site solar desalination process is used for drip irrigation, minimizing water consumption.

To carry for the greenery, the pavilion uses three prototype climbing robots that traverse the green walls, inspect the plants' health, and collect e environmental data. Developed by Singapore-based start-up Oceania Robotics, the robots represent a possible solution for maintaining vertical and skyrise gardens, very common in Sin Singapore's contemporary architecture.

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Grimshaw Architects Designs Sustainability Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

The pavilion will feature various multimedia experiences depicting environmental challenges and Singapore's approach to tackling them. The program of events features talks exploring the future of cities, digital exhibits, as well as film screenings and light shows. A curated selection of activities will be available online, allowing people unable to travel to the Expo to experience the project virtually.

Debuting on October 1st, Expo 2020 Dubai brings together an array of national contributions, educational institutions and businesses exploring the theme "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", with a strong focus on sustainability.

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Cite: Andreea Cutieru. "Singapore's Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Illustrates the Vision of Architecture in Nature" 29 Sep 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/969262/singapores-pavilion-at-expo-2020-dubai-illustrates-the-vision-of-architecture-in-nature> ISSN 0719-8884

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Innovative approaches, like Spain's 'Wall Garden,' incorporate mobile app-controlled irrigation systems and provide habitats for wildlife, enhancing urban aesthetics.

To integrate vertical gardens into indoor spaces with limited natural light, artificial grow lights such as LED or fluorescent lights are essential for healthy plant growth.

Selecting low-light plants like ivy and ferns ensures the success of vertical gardens in dimly lit environments while maintaining their aesthetic and functional benefits.

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Content: Make your home more stylish!
6 wonderful examples of ornamental plants
Genie Chien
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Do you like gardening? If you like flowers and plants, you can use ornamental plants as materials for interior decoration! Green has a natural beauty and charm, and it is easy to match with furniture and space, which is an indispensable element of interior decoration.
With them, even if it is not a beautiful house, it can make your home look radiant with fresh green.
Let ’ s take a look at the 6 ideas that make a stylish home out of plants!
Example 1: The Little Forest in the House
Do you want to live in a forest?
The designer saw through your mind and specially redesigned this house into a forest landscape.
This home is made of light wood and white, where green plants grow everywhere, creating a beautiful visual feel.
Living here, you can feel the natural atmosphere in all seasons, and your body and mind will feel extremely relaxed and comfortable!
Example 2: Bold use of plants to decorate home space
This open space combines a living room, dining room and kitchen, where designers use plants to make bold décor.
The rows of trees grow against the wall to form a beautiful vision. The indoor movement line is unparalleled, and living here is not only extremely relieving, but also can breathe the green verdant at the same time!
Example 3: Green interior wall
The interior is decorated with a vertically-green botanical garden, from the ceiling to the floor. Not only is it impressive at first glance, but the three-dimensional shape is even more impressive! Facing these greenery every day is the most healing secret of the busy world!
Example 4: A relaxing bathroom with a vacation style
Bathrooms with high humidity are also good for growing plants.
Here, the designer uses white and green to make your bathroom a vacation retreat.
Ivy and ferns are ideal choices, and the space forms a balanced color, so beautiful that people do not want to leave!
Example 5: Small green garden on the shelf
It is also a good idea to combine small ornamental plants with small accessories.
This way, using a rustic vine basket and small utensils, with beautiful green plants, creates a mini botanical garden in the space.
It not only makes the space more efficient, but also adds a lot of fun to life.
Example 6: Smart use of the outdoor garden
This residence has green plants planted on the outdoor balcony, allowing their verdant greenery to penetrate the interior.
Sitting in the living room, you can observe the growth of plants through a large area of glass windows.
In order to make the whole picture look beautiful as a painting, the designer took special care to choose the right plant to make the perfect match, so that the visual beauty is more divided!
If you are looking for inspiration to decorate your home, you must not miss the following articles:
12 Lighting Designs to Light Up the Appearance of Your Home!
Do you need someone to help you design or build your home?
Find a professional now!
Find out more about home design!

Public perceptions of vertical gardens vary, with some questioning their environmental value, particularly in regions where construction materials contribute to pollution.

Collaborations between architects and horticulturists can ensure the long-term health and resilience of vertical gardens by leveraging expertise in plant behavior and soil conditions.

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Women in Business: JuliaGarden Design, Ltd.

Natural Beauty

When it comes to creating a beautiful outdoor space—choosing the right plantings for the soil and the environment that will survive and flourish now and for years to come—often requires the expertise of those in the field.

With a Masters Certificate in Landscape Design from the Landscape Institute at Boston Architectural College and the Radcliffe Seminars at Harvard University, Julia Esteves and her husband Artek Milczanowski, owners of JuliaGarden Design, Ltd. in Osterville, bring a breadth of knowledge and experience to her designs that result in healthy and beautiful outdoor living spaces.

“At JuliaGarden Design, we begin the design process by taking into consideration the client and their goals for the space; the values and aesthetics are the driving force for a successful design” says Esteves. Once this phase is synthesized, she says the next crucial consideration is site analysis, especially with respect to understanding soil conditions and utilizing best practices for installation.

Over the past decade, the outdoor space really has become an extension of a home’s interior and the gardens are a critical part of this living space. “The garden encompasses the whole of the landscape, the planting beds, the lawns, and the spaces defined by them,” says Esteves.

She says it is critical that the landscape design is conceptualized dynamically so that it is able to evolve and change over time—after all, a garden is full of life. “We are always mindful of long term plant resilience goals—natural amendments to support plant growth and establishment,” says Esteves.

For example, she says, JuliaGarden Design’s approach is to create a layered design starting with a density of ground cover matrix plantings to reduce the use of mulch over time and create healthy gardens. Esteves affirms this affects everything from water uptake to soil health….

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Dynamic designs, such as layered planting strategies, reduce maintenance needs and enhance biodiversity, as demonstrated by sustainable landscape projects.

Vertical gardens exemplify measurable environmental impacts, such as the Trudo Vertical Forest absorbing over 50 tons of carbon dioxide and emitting 13 tons of oxygen annually.