Vertical gardens, also known as green walls or living walls, are innovative architectural features where vegetation is grown vertically on building facades, interior walls, or freestanding structures.

Their origins trace back to ancient civilizations that incorporated terraced and vertical planting, but contemporary green walls emerged with a focus on sustainability, urban greening, and biophilic design.

Recent years have seen advances in their integration into sustainable building practices globally.

Practical benefits of vertical gardens, especially indoors, are well documented.

They contribute significantly to air purification by reducing pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and ozone (O3).

Studies in Taiwan and Chiayi City report reductions of airborne NO2 and PM10 concentrations by about 40-60%, fine particulate matter by around 10%, and ozone by roughly 30%.

These improvements enhance indoor air quality naturally without energy consumption, positioning green walls as eco-friendly "air purifiers."

They also modulate indoor temperature, lowering it approximately 1.8°C, reducing energy needed for cooling and heating, mitigating urban heat island effects, and contributing to carbon reduction efforts.

Vertical gardens further impact mental health positively.

Research from the University of Tokyo and Sekisui House’s Gohon no Ki project shows that both direct interaction with biodiverse green spaces and even simply viewing greenery from home windows associate with improved psychological wellbeing: reduced depression, anxiety, and loneliness; increased happiness and life satisfaction.

These effects rival traditional socioeconomic factors like income.

The presence of plants enhances occupant comfort, reduces stress, and fosters restorative environments.

Indoor green walls and plants, including succulents, snake plants, orchids, and microgreens, have mood-lifting and stress-reducing effects and may accelerate health recovery.

Vertical gardens, also known as green walls or living walls, are innovative architectural features where vegetation is grown vertically on building facades, interior walls, or freestanding structures.

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Content: Learning from nature ’ s ecology to unlock 3.8 billion years of evolutionary wisdom
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Bionics provides a window for inventors, scientists, architects and designers to draw inspiration from nature ’ s ecology and apply the mysteries of the existence of all things in various environments to find answers to climate change.
The wrinkles of elephant skin have nothing to do with beauty or ugliness, and nature does not care about the survival of the fittest.
The wrinkled skin allows elephants to survive for generations in harsh tropical environments.
The texture of the Namib Desert beetle shell is not decorative, but its inherent "water storage" device, so that it can also take water in the desert to survive.
The wisdom of the survival of the fittest evolved over billions of years.
BioSEA, a local consulting firm that consults on ecological and bionic design, asks why humans don ’ t learn from them to help us survive all the wonders of global warming.
BioSEA has received funding from the Singapore Design Council ’ s Good Design Research programme to launch a tool book, Biomimicry for Tropical Building Skins – A Design Toolkit to Manage Thermal Comfort Using Nature ’ s Genius, on how to draw knowledge from biological structures to handle and address thermal comfort in tropical buildings.
Anuj Jain, 38, co-founder of bioSEA and one of the book ’ s editor-in-chief, said: “The cement forest we live in is very easy to heat up, the whole city is warming up, in the next few decades, will increase by two degrees Celsius, we need to use passive cooling to reduce the temperature, carbon and energy saving. ”
Nature can give us inspiration to solve complex problems.
We want this book to be like a seed, planted in the minds of builders, slowly blossom and let them learn to observe nature and draw inspiration from it to solve problems.
It is not new for inventors, scientists, and designers to draw inspiration from nature and biology for new inventions and designs.
The familiar devil sticker (also known as Velcro) was inspired and designed by Swiss engineer George de Mestral when he found burdock burrs attached to his clothes on a hunting trip home in the 1950s.
Medical scientists have also observed that large gecko feet are constructed so that they can stick to the wall to crawl and get inspired to design new ways to stitch wounds without needles.
The engineer observed that the beak of Kingfisher designed a maglev bullet train, which successfully increased the speed of the train while reducing the sonic boom effect.
Advancing Bionics Globally
However, we now classify intelligence drawn and imitated by nature as biomimicry, thanks to American biology author Janine Benyus.
In 1997, she interviewed scientists, engineers, and inventors to turn their observations of functional strategies for biological survival into stories of innovative technology, which became her seminal book, Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature.
Prior to her invention of the term biomimicry, similar biomimetic concepts were known as bionics, bio-engineering, and biomimetics.
In 1998, Jenny started Biomimicry 3.8, a bionics consulting company, to provide consulting services to multinational companies such as Nike, Boeing, IDEO, P & G.
The “3.8 ” in the company ’ s name refers to the 3.8 billion years of evolution that Earth ’ s creatures have undergone. In 2006, she co-founded the Biomimicry Institute, a non-profit organization that encourages people to incorporate biology into design as a natural part of design.
Her organization organizes a global bionics design competition every year, mobilizing tens of thousands of students and practitioners of the global bionics network to use bionics thinking to solve sustainable development problems, and allows participants to use her, the world's most comprehensive bionics database "Ask Nature" (AskNature).
Anuk, who was studying ecology at the National University of Singapore, flew to the United States to study with Jenny and obtained a professional certificate in biomimicry.
He said: “Each year, the Bionics Institute selects 16 students from all over the world to study with Jenny.
There were very few Asians in the class, and I was the only representative of Singapore that year.
Saloni Swaminathan, 24, a design and research ecologist at bioSEA, another editor-in-chief of “The Bionic Wisdom of the Skin of Tropical Architecture, ” pointed out:“ There are a lot of ideas and designs that are linked to biology today, but people don ’ t know the terms, but they have specific meanings and can ’ t be used interchangeably. ” design refers to most of the architectural space design through aerial gardens, indoor gardens, vertical gardens, etc., to increase the ecological connection between the occupants and nature.
The Parkroyal Collection Pickering hotel and Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore are among the best. “biomorphic ” refers to an abstract form that points to or provokes the imagination of a creature, plant or human body.
Biomimetic architecture design draws on biological ecology
This 150-page book lists more than 50 examples of bionic architectural design from around the world, explaining the concept of bionic design in depth, and enumerating how bionic architectural design can be inspired by the survival and growth characteristics of elephants, beetles, fish, owls, algae, termite mounds, cacti, pine nuts, etc., and applied to building materials and building skins.
The electronic tool book is priced at S $18 and can be purchased at https: / / biomimicry.biosea.sg / order /
Three cases — the elephant, the Namib desert beetle, and the termite mound — reveal how architects have used the traits of these creatures to cool buildings.
BioSEA also uses 3D printing to print their characteristics on small bricks and tiles, allowing architects to conceive how to use them on the building ’ s exterior.
She said that the termite mound has a special structure, with a series of exhaust chestnuts higher than the white ant nest, and the small holes on the mound absorb hot gas and then exhaust it through the exhaust chestnuts to create a natural "air conditioning" system.
African Zimbabwean architect Mick Pearce applied the termite mound concept to the design of the local Eastgate Centre shopping mall office building, creating a natural air conditioning system for the entire building through vent holes and exhaust chutes.
It is also the modern building that has so far applied the concept of natural ventilation so thoroughly and wonderfully.
Anuk also took inspiration from termite mounds to design porous wall tiles that are more permeable and increase the cooling effect of the walls by trapping the air.
The Namib desert beetle "mastered" a unique method of taking water during its evolution.
Rows of convex textures on their shells have superhydrophilic functions; grooves have superhydrophobic functions.
In 2006, Michael Rubner, a scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Oxford University, used a layer of nanoparticles to develop a wonderful material that can absorb water from fog or dew for people to drink. And...
BioSEA imitates the shell of the Namib Desert Beetle, 3D printing 24 ceramic tiles with different densities and tilting them at 35 to 45 degrees to test the function of condensing water droplets.
Anuk believes that the Namib desert beetle can give designers tips on how to increase the water collection function of buildings and how to cool tropical indoor spaces.
Shaloni pointed out that the elephant this behemoth walked through the hot sun of the grassland, exposed for a long time, naturally there are many ways to reduce body temperature and keep cool, and the wrinkles on its skin are a good helper born to control the temperature.
She said: "Just as the hair on the primitive human body has the function of keeping the air trapped and cooling down, so do the wrinkles and crevices on the elephant's skin."
Elephants like mud baths and like to splash water on their bodies because their skin is like a sponge, which traps moisture and distributes it evenly throughout the body to achieve a cooling effect. ” BioSEA also prints cracks and wrinkles on the skin of elephants on bricks to test whether such biomimetic design materials can achieve the same cooling effect if used on building surfaces.
Anuk listed two architectural designs that successfully applied the concept of bionics at home and abroad.
The natural ventilation design of the Votu Hotel in Brazil is based on the Prairie Dog (also known as Prairie Dog) and the cactus. The smart Prairie Dog was born knowing the fluid mechanics of Bernoulli ’ s Principle.
When they dig a hole, they will dig a higher cave at one end, and the high and low air pressure caused by two caverns of different heights will promote a continuous flow of air circulation.
The designer of Votu Hotel imitated the prairie dog and mouse, and designed the ceiling of each room of the hotel with different heights of inclination, and the gaps at the two ends of the ceiling can ensure the natural circulation of air in the room.
The arrangement of wooden strips in the appearance of the room mimics the structure of the cactus to achieve a cooling effect.
The concave-convex shape of the cactus allows it to be exposed to sunlight and shadow on one side during different sunshine periods.
Anuk said a team at the Dynamic Assemblies Lab, part of the University of Technology and Design (SUTD) in Singapore, took inspiration from Starfish Larvae in 2020 to assemble the Knit Pattern Flow Pavilion: “Starfish larvae change the direction of their hair to control the swirl of the water flow, enabling them to move around the water. ” The water moves.
The team used the structure of starfish larvae to make a pavilion, and simulated the intermittent wind speed of nature. They found that the wind, which constantly adjusts the flow, is more comfortable and cool than the artificial wind, which blows continuously at a fixed speed.
He also pointed out that pine cones shrink when wet and open when exposed to heat; mimosa shrinks when stressed; flowers open and close due to sunlight, and the interaction of these plants with cold, hot and light can also be applied to the external design of the building, so that the building shell and skin can be switched according to sunlight to achieve a cooling effect.
Anuk said: “What we are most happy to see in the end is that architects and designers can apply these different bionic research and ideas to the same building and put them together. ”
In this way, the world can witness in the same place how the ancient wisdom of nature is applied to the contemporary space through human wisdom to solve the problem of climate change facing mankind.
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Their origins trace back to ancient civilizations that incorporated terraced and vertical planting, but contemporary green walls emerged with a focus on sustainability, urban greening, and biophilic design.

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Content: 6 Easy Ways to Build an Indoor Garden
CHITING CHANG – HOMIFY
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Indoor plants are not only beautiful, they bring natural greenery to your room, they also have the function of purifying toxins in the air.
If you don ’ t have a large garden or balcony space to grow flowers and plants, you can still work on creating a small garden indoors.
Today ’ s idea book will teach you 6 simple ways to build an indoor garden.
After reading these methods, you should no longer be able to use the space limit as an excuse!
1. Palm Trees
If you want to plant a tree indoors, you must choose plants that can survive in low light conditions.
An atmospheric, tropical palm tree is the perfect choice.
If you have concerns about the frequency of watering and the temperature in the room, ask a professional for more details.
2.
Glass bonsai
Terrarium Installations
The Urban Botanist
Easy to handle, small glass potted plants are ideal for small suites or work desks! You can choose large glass containers, such as old light bulbs, fish tanks, candy cans, etc., then put a small stone as the bottom, spread the moss, and then put the soil.
The next step is to put your plants in the soil and then spread the moss.
When finished, you can put on your favorite decorations again, so that the simple glass potted plant is finished.
3.
Fill the walls with plants.
Green walls can be the most natural decoration in the home, and can also remove toxins from the air and improve the quality of life.
Although the idea is simple, building a green wall can be a tricky task, and if you are not confident in your DIY skills, you can consult with homify experts.
4.
Hang the plants on the wall.
Hanging Vintage Garden Tap Planter
ELLA JAMES
If the above green wall is a bit too much, then you can choose to hang plants on the wall.
If you don ’ t like the general method, you can follow the above example and choose the potted plants made of water taps, so that your potted plants can also be used as decorations in your home.
5.
Kitchen Spices
The easiest way to create an indoor garden is to plant the herbs you need.
Put your favorite herbs in the kitchen, in addition to making the kitchen full of green surprises, you can also let the vanilla smell in the air.
6.
Make your living space green
We love the concept of an indoor garden!
Put a wooden table on the plant of the tree, it becomes a unique tree table.
When guests come to visit, do you have the feeling of playing chess and making tea in the old banyan tree?
More Inspiration for Interior Decoration: 17 Simple and Affordable Ways to Make Your Home Better
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Recent years have seen advances in their integration into sustainable building practices globally.

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Content: Heritage home redefined: A case study in sustainable renovation

Published: Aug. 17, 2023 at 10:00 AM EDT|Updated: 53 minutes ago

LONDON, Aug. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Architecture for London, a prominent architecture and interiors firm focused on sustainable and energy-efficient designs, has unveiled a groundbreaking renovation of a heritage house. The house is transformed into a model of comfort, energy efficiency, and minimal interior design.

The ambitious project was a testament to the potential of existing structures to be innovatively renovated, honoring their heritage while meeting contemporary standards. The approach revealed and celebrated the original structure's modest beauty, whilst achieving an impressive 80% energy saving compared to standard homes of comparable size.

The project champions the sustainable refurbishment of historic homes on a constrained budget. Key low energy design features include triple glazing, a continuous airtight layer, and insulation enveloping the entire building. The original heritage facade was insulted internally using wood fiber.

In keeping with the firm's commitment to green practices, walls were retained to avoid energy-intensive steel box frames. Throughout the renovation, preference was given to natural materials such as stone, timber, and lime plaster over cement-based products.

"Simple steps can greatly enhance a home's sustainability. As my Passive House mentor suggested, 'target the low-hanging fruit.' Just sealing our front door created a draught-free space. Imagine the impact if every homeowner followed suit."
- Ben Ridley, Director, Architecture for London.

About Architecture for London

Architecture for London is a leading architecture and interiors firm dedicated to creating beautiful, well-considered buildings with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Their work aims to positively transform the built environment, contributing to a more sustainable future. Architecture for London works in the UK & internationally.

architectureforlondon.com

Contact: Ben Ridley, mail@architectureforlondon.com, +44(0)20 3637 4236

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2187307/Architecture_for_London.jpg

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SOURCE Architecture for London

The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc.

Practical benefits of vertical gardens, especially indoors, are well documented.

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Content: Flower decor in the house
homify _
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Decorating with flowers is perhaps the most popular method of decorating the premises and garden.
The variety of colors in color, shape and size is simply innumerable.
There are also a variety of ways to decorate flowers.
A hedge of flowers, bright flower arrangements or bouquets in a nice vase - these and many other ideas can arise if you decide to decorate your home with flowers.
Let ’ s look at how we can decorate our home with flowers.
Winter garden
Sometimes it is so desirable that summer always reigns around us, evergreen plants grow and bright sun shines.
But the climatic conditions of our country, contrary to our wishes, suggest a smaller number of warm sunny days.
In any case, this is not a reason for frustration, because it is not in vain that winter gardens have been specially built in the premises for a long time.
For some, the winter garden is a composition of large plants in the corner of the hall or living room.
Of course, the collection of your favorite plants on the windowsill is your miniature winter garden.
But speaking the language of designers, a winter garden is much more difficult.
It requires a separate room, for example, a special room or glazed and insulated loggia.
It should be borne in mind that the arrangement of a full-fledged winter garden will require compliance with a number of conditions important for its existence: this is the humidity of the air, and the presence of a sufficient amount of sunlight, as well as the appropriateness and compatibility of the plants themselves.
Vertical gardening
Vertical landscaping, installation completed
RaStenia
Fashionable vertical gardening in the favorites of interior designers.
Such a living wall decorates the walls of solid offices, fashionable restaurants and has long taken root in the interiors of many apartments and houses.
The most spectacular flowers on the wall look in the living room, where they can take up more space.
No less harmonious it can look in the bathroom, giving the feeling of a tropical jungle, and in the bedroom, pacifying and giving fresh air for a comfortable sleep.
Vertical gardening is possible
Live flowers
An indispensable attribute of floral decor in the house are fresh flowers, or bouquets.
This method of decorating the house has its advantages:
- Firstly, you can always change the variety of colors of your bouquets;
- secondly, decorative bouquets smell nice and are able to give a chic fresh aroma;
- Thirdly, they do not require care in case you do not have the desire or opportunity to care for the flowers in the pots.
However, this method of decoration has its drawbacks: ripped flowers do not live long, which causes them to be sufficiently expensive for permanent use.
Flower decor as a continuation of the interior style
Flowers can be effectively used in the continuation of the style of the room.
Take for example vases, the widest selection of which is presented in the modern market.
And for each style, there is undoubtedly its own.
Fill it with your favorite colors and the interior of your home will sparkle with new colors.
Flowers in pots
Flowers in pots are perhaps the basic and simplest element of floral decor in the house.
Here everything depends on the individual preferences of the owner, and the modern market will definitely be able to offer flowers for every taste and budget.
In addition, a separate element of the decor can be considered flower pots, the choice of which is also infinitely large.
With a thoughtful selection, they will help add colors to evergreen plants and, conversely, dilute the brightness of abundantly flowering plants.
Separately, the types of flower pots are described in the article What are flower pots.
Flower arrangement in a pot
Creating compositions from plants in one pot is simple and at the same time original and creative.
To do this, it is enough to take several plants of different appearance and size and a large pot.
Fill the pot with expanded clay to half, and put the selected plants so that they do not protrude above the level of the pot.
Voids need to be filled with expanded clay, small stones or a ground-sand mixture.
It is important to remember that when choosing flowering indoor plants, they must be in harmony with the tones of curtains, upholstery, bedspreads and other textiles.
And the main thing to remember that flowers require care, only then, they will not only decorate the room, but also recreate a cozy atmosphere of warmth and life in your home.
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They contribute significantly to air purification by reducing pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and ozone (O3).

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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 in Taiwan and Chiayi City report reductions of airborne NO2 and PM10 concentrations by about 40-60%, fine particulate matter by around 10%, and ozone by roughly 30%.

These improvements enhance indoor air quality naturally without energy consumption, positioning green walls as eco-friendly "air purifiers."

They also modulate indoor temperature, lowering it approximately 1.8°C, reducing energy needed for cooling and heating, mitigating urban heat island effects, and contributing to carbon reduction efforts.

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Content: Health · Life
High temperature cities can do this.
Liu Xia
September 14, 2022 08: 52 Source: Science and Technology Daily
This year's "TwentySecond" is the hottest summer in history! Titles such as "Hottest Summer" can be seen almost every year in the past 10 years, and the abnormal heat waves that hit many parts of the world have brought suffocating days, but also serve as a reminder that the "hottest summer" will occur more frequently because of climate change.
As WMO Secretary-General Pettiri Talas said in May, the past seven years have been the hottest on record, and it ’ s only a matter of time before we see the next “hottest year on record. ”
Heat waves pose a danger to cities, and the impact is amplified by the urban “heat island effect ”, with many cities around the world taking measures to deal with extreme heat: building rooftop gardens, planting trees, whitening streets, and so on.
'heat island effect 'intensifies urban heatwave
The study pointed out that a large amount of greenhouse gases emitted by humans will remain in the atmosphere for decades, so the warming will not subside for the time being.
Heatwaves pose a greater danger to the city.
Compared to rural areas with more vegetation, urban residents are "particularly vulnerable because the so-called urban heat island effect amplifies the effects of heat waves".
The urban heat island effect refers to the urban "high temperature" caused by a large number of man-made heating, the increase of high heat storage bodies such as buildings and roads, the reduction of green space and other factors, and the phenomenon of urban "high temperature", and the temperature in the city is significantly higher than that of the outer suburbs.
"Simply put, it means that the city center is hotter than the surrounding suburbs," said Yun Ying Li, a postdoctoral research fellow at Columbia University's Climate Institute, in an interview with CBS on August 25. "This effect is like a" dome covering the city ", she explained, due to carbon emissions, air trapped in high-rise buildings, lack of open space and greening. can escape."
According to a recent study by the Swiss meteorological service, the temperature difference between urban and rural areas can reach 6 ° C.
Other studies have shown that this temperature difference is even as high as 10 ° C.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, said in a report published in the journal "The Future of Earth" that worsening extreme heat is one of the world's biggest health threats.
With more than half of the world ’ s population now living in cities, and more than 65 per cent expected to live in cities by 2050, an increase in extreme urban heat could put billions at risk.
According to Reuters, India has experienced unprecedented heatwave weather since late March this year.
Temperatures in northern, western and eastern parts of India have exceeded 40 ° C.
According to preliminary statistics, nearly 100 people have died as a result of the extreme heat and drought, which has also affected local crop harvests and increased the risk of forest fires and power outages.
According to a recent report by the National Bureau of Economic Research, if the planet continues to warm at its current rate, the number of deaths from high temperatures worldwide by the end of the century could be as high as all current infectious disease deaths combined.
Roof and roof break.
Many cities around the world are already taking steps to deal with extreme heat, and experts are beginning to focus on the roofs and roofs of buildings.
Andra Bardeilu, an expert at the Spanish Institute of Architects ’ High Council, said: “Eighty per cent of residential areas in Spain have flat roofs and are used as public areas with no specific purpose.
Creating a garden on the terrace or roof of a building is very beneficial, on the one hand, it can absorb carbon dioxide; on the other hand, it can relieve the sun exposure, maintain moisture and reduce the temperature. ”
"For this, it is possible to use fleshy plants that require little water," notes Mariano Sanchez of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Spain.
Some scientists have proposed that in order to cool the city, the roof can be painted white (the Los Angeles city government requires residents to paint their own roofs with white paint) or cover the roof with reflective panels and tiles, so that more sunlight can be reflected and less heat absorbed.
According to Urban Climate Leadership 40 (C40), these measures not only help reduce the temperature inside buildings, but also reduce their energy consumption by 20%.
Ground painted white + multiple trees
The ground has also become an important target for urban “fancy ” cooling. According to the C40 study, about 40% of the city ’ s surface is covered by traditional pavements such as asphalt.“ The maximum temperature in the city can reach 65 ° C in summer, and the ground heats the air above it, which is one of the main causes of the heat island effect. ”
Some experts have proposed a solution: use lighter colors of paint to create more reflective surfaces. In 2017, the city of Los Angeles conducted a pilot test: paint asphalt across multiple sections of the street white, using white reflectivity to reflect sunlight and reduce ground temperature.
This gray paint called CoolSeal was originally a military paint, specially used to cool the air force reconnaissance plane, it can reflect 30% -50% of the energy of sunlight, which is 10 times the amount of reflection of ordinary black asphalt pavement.
According to the results of the application of 15 pilot streets in Los Angeles, the surface temperature of the painted surface has dropped by 10 ° C compared to the original.
In addition, multiple trees are also a way to adapt to and reduce urban heat waves.
For example, Miami-Dade County currently has a canopy coverage of just under 20%, and the county has plans to increase that to 30% by 2030. The iconic palm trees on Miami Beach are slowly being replaced by shading trees.
"Trees must be as large as possible to provide shade, but if they are planted too densely it can also cause trouble and have to be trimmed frequently, and there will always be a year or two without providing shade," Sanchez said.
Therefore, large tree species should be planted 10 to 12 meters apart, and smaller shrubs should be planted in between.
(Editor: Qiao Yiqiong, Yang Di)
Related News

Vertical gardens further impact mental health positively.

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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

Research from the University of Tokyo and Sekisui House’s Gohon no Ki project shows that both direct interaction with biodiverse green spaces and even simply viewing greenery from home windows associate with improved psychological wellbeing: reduced depression, anxiety, and loneliness; increased happiness and life satisfaction.

These effects rival traditional socioeconomic factors like income.

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.

The presence of plants enhances occupant comfort, reduces stress, and fosters restorative environments.

Title:

Content: Planting, Watering and Healing: Surprising Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

The grass isn't always greener. Since the early 80's, scientists have studied the biophilia hypothesis – that seeing plants is beneficial to our physical and mental health. With increased urbanization, exacerbated by lockdowns due to a global pandemic, it's becoming harder and harder to ‘go out and get some air.'

The indoor plant market, already spiking in 2019, continues to surge – expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

A study released by Data Bridge Market Research estimates the indoor plant market will reach $26.23 billion by 2029. The physical and mental health benefits of succulents and other indoor houseplants are important factors.

Many people may be surprised to discover the lesser-known benefits of indoor gardens, but experienced horticulturalists and gardeners have been advocating for the expansion of home gardens for decades.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

The addition of real or artificial indoor plants has become a standard practice in many offices, hospitals, schools, and other institutions. According to researchers, just seeing a living plant in the otherwise sterile hospital waiting room environment has been shown to reduce stress levels.

In another study, subjects were asked to repot a living plant or complete a computer-generated task. Those who handled the plants reported feeling more at ease and also experienced lower blood pressure. Participants who performed the computer-based task reported higher levels of anxiety and elevated blood pressure.

Maria Failla, Garden Expert and host of the Growing Joy with Plants podcast, shares, “When I was struggling with depression, it was helpful for me to keep plants indoors that helped me get out of my head and drop into the present. I'd see how many senses I could engage while taking 3 mindful breaths alongside my plants. Scented plants like herbs and geraniums are amazing for this. I love the rose-scented geranium for its romantic scent and the fuzzy leaves I could rub, pinch and take deep inhales with.”

Speed Up The Healing Process

A number of indoor houseplants, such as snake plants, orchids, and spider plants, have natural air purification qualities. Others improve a room’s humidity level or deliver a soothing fragrance. Microgreens also provide essential nutrients, making them ideal for patients in recovery.

Even seeing an indoor houseplant can improve a recovering patient’s mental and emotional state. One study concluded that installing indoor gardens in hospital rooms and public areas positively impacted overall recovery times and patient satisfaction.

Improve Mood During Isolation

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent household quarantines created a spike in indoor plant sales as many consumers discovered the natural air purification benefits of succulents and other plant species. Indoor gardening also provided isolated households with an activity that could be performed safely while under quarantine.

A study conducted in Bulgaria concluded that participants who maintained a home garden or raised houseplants had fewer incidents of anxiety or depression during enforced lockdowns than others who did not invest in plants or other greenery.

Cassidy Tuttle, gardening expert and owner of Succulents and Sunshine, observes, “Succulents are great plants for people who have depression. They don't require as much work as other plants, so they can tolerate the ups and downs that frequently come with depression. They stay looking healthy even if they're not watered regularly. Haworthiopsis fasciata, Zebra Plant, is an especially good option for indoor plants because it doesn't require a lot of light or water.”

Best Entry-Level Houseplants For Starting Indoor Gardens

Annie Schreck, Research Director at Mountain Crest Gardens, offers some insights and recommendations for beginners. “At Mountain Crest Gardens, we hear back from customers all the time that filling their homes and offices with succulents brightens their mood every day. The studies I have seen in this realm indicate that having plants around can correlate with improved student performance in classrooms and reductions in stress and sick days in workplaces. I certainly hope more researchers investigate these complex human-plant interactions.

Schreck adds, “There’s something about having other living creatures in a room that makes it feel cozy and inviting. Caring for them and seeing them respond is just so rewarding. And the great thing is, everyone gets to explore which varieties lift their mood the most! If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend indoor succulents like Haworthia, Jade plants, and Gasteria.”

Snake Plants

Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata)—also known as mother-in-law’s tongue— are thick-leaved succulents prized for their resilience and tolerance for drought. They grow well under low-light conditions, which makes them ideal for indoor gardens and room decor.

One major health benefit of snake plants is natural air purification. This goes beyond the standard absorption of carbon dioxide, however. Snake plants also remove and filter toxic gases such as benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde. They are also said to reduce headaches, improve respiration, and reduce eye irritations.

Microgreens

Microgreens such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale offer a wide range of health benefits, and their compact size makes them ideal for indoor gardens, especially hydroponics. Microgreens and fresh herbs provide home gardeners with flavorful aromatics and salad ingredients.

Among the many health benefits associated with microgreens are blood sugar regulation, vision protection, body weight reduction, and protection from anemia. Growing microgreens is also a highly recommended activity for those recovering from substance abuse since the plants provide the nutrition many addicts lack.

Orchids

While some orchid varieties have earned a reputation for being a challenge to grow, there are many varieties that require only minimal to moderate care. Besides their exceptional qualities as flowering plants, orchids are also natural air purifiers and oxygen generators. As part of a floral arrangement or as individual blooms, orchids have been shown in studies to reduce stress and improve mood.

Orchids are also recommended for people with sleep issues since the plant’s significant oxygen generation and aesthetic qualities both help create more soothing conditions at bedtime and during overnight hours.

Spider Plants

Spider plants have become popular houseplants for first-time home gardeners because of their child and pet-friendliness, ease of propagation, and exceptional air-purifying qualities. Beginning gardeners only need a small cutting from an existing spider plant to start their own projects.

The trailing leaves of a spider plant make it ideal for hanging baskets, a popular growing technique for limited spaces. The plant also raises the room’s humidity level, which helps address respiratory issues triggered by dry air conditions.

Peperomia Plants

 Because of their ability to thrive in drafty, dark, and humid locations in the home, peperomia plants are often referred to as “radiator plants”.  Peperomia plants are succulents, which means they are naturally resilient to abuse and require minimal maintenance.

Tinctures and other products derived from peperomia plants are used to address a range of medical ailments, including headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney issues. The plant also has antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Jade Plants

Another popular succulent for indoor gardens is the ornamental and medicinal jade plant. The jade plant’s distinctive round leaves have become associated symbolically with the acquisition of money and wealth. The jade plant’s appeal goes beyond the ornamental, however.

Products derived from the juice of the jade plant have been used in many cultures for the treatment of ailments including diabetes, skin wounds, digestive issues, and warts. In traditional Chinese culture, the presence of a jade plant also improves the flow of chi, or life force.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

Indoor green walls and plants, including succulents, snake plants, orchids, and microgreens, have mood-lifting and stress-reducing effects and may accelerate health recovery.