The Infinite Green :: Urban Architecture Under Italian Skies
With the growing awareness of our need to preserve the environment, architects, engineers and garden decorators are joining forces to develop new solutions to the many challenges that arise when sustainable cities, landscapes and environments are to be established. As city residents feel the squeeze on their living space and recreational areas, urban skylines offer up a refreshing vision and a sense of space.
Milan’s Bosco Vericale (Vertical Forest) is a perfect example of today’s idea of an urban jungle. Designed by Stefano Boeri Architects, these twin residential towers rising to heights of 116 and 76 meters, contain more than 800 trees and 14,000 plants housed on steel-reinforced balconies. The Bosco Verticale not only hosts over 100 species of trees and plants but it is also home yo more than 20 different species of birds.
The project was envisioned to enhance communal green spaces in urban areas and positively impact the wellbeing and safety of citizens. “Biodiversity is one of the most important challenges in our urban environment,” Stefano Boeri says.
Bosco Vericale has also been decorated with awards, winning two prestigious architectural prizes including the 2015 Best Tall Building Worldwide, chosen by the U.S.-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
Green Urban architecture performs a vital role in helping cities adapt to the effects of climate change by reducing the need for artificial cooling in hot weather and attenuating or capturing rainwater runoff, as well as providing a range of habitats for urban wildlife.
Is this vertical forest on a skyscraper giving us glimpses of the future on green urban design? Only time will tell, but there is no doubt that this is a trend going on worldwide with the potential to influence future developments.
