The Role of Green Walls in Architecture Today

Running head: THE ROLE OF GREEN WALLS IN ARCHITECTURE TODAY
The Role of Green Walls in Architecture Today
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Introduction
Green walls are also known as vertical gardens or plant walls which grow on vertical
structures having different types of plants or other greenery vegetation attached on them
(Mustonen, 2017). The greenery require growth medium which include soil, water, or stone. In
most cases, the green wall technology is usually installed with built-in irrigation system. Green
walls have become a new trend in the built environment in the recent years. Incorporating the
green nature into the urban environments is not only welcoming by giving a warm feeling, but
also have a number of benefits and functions in such environments (Wood, Bahrami & Safarik,
2014)
Figure 1: Sihlcity Shopping Centre Living Façade by Jakob Rope
Source: https://omrania.com/insights/green-walls-how-technology-brings-nature-into-
architecture/

THE ROLE OF GREEN WALLS IN ARCHITECTURE TODAY 3
The role and benefits of green walls/facades
Essentially, green walls are used to liven up a space. To begin with, the visual benefits of
green facades cannot be ignored. The green plants have a huge impact on decorating the urban
spaces built with brick and concrete thus creating new alternatives ideas for urban agriculture,
indoor decoration and gardening (Mustonen, 2017).
Benefits of green facades to people
Green walls with plants scientifically proven makes human being more productive and happier
beings since they appeal more to the innate needs of us living around nature. Shifting natural
elements to our living spaces generally lifts up our mood, making us more lively and alert at all
time. This concept is normally referred us biophilia (Mustonen, 2017).
According to Wong and Baldwin (2016), studies have also proven that nature in itself can
depress the negative behaviors such as anxiety and aggression. In addition, connection with
nature have been used as a means to reduce stress and restore mental fatigue. This is because the
human body and mind have a positive influence of reacting positively to natural elements around
us.