[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text css_animation=”top-to-bottom”]Did you know that Milan is one of the most polluted cities in Europe? Italian architect Stefano Boeri has designed an unusual plan to give the city back what it is lacking: some greenery. The Bosco Verticale is a superstructure designed by Boeri Studio to bring the world´s first vertical forest to Milan, Italy. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Rendering balcony © Stefano Boeri
However many people argue that the extremes of hot and cold temperatures, as well strong winds and rain, found at that height are too much for most plants. Many question whether the building is really greener, given the extra materials needed to support the trees and soil. The total cost of this project is 5% more than a traditional skyscraper. They suggest focusing on preserving and restoring places that already have or need trees, instead of building towers loaded with trees.
Vertical greenspace could solve the problem of finding room for trees in dense cities. To preserve existing places is the perfect solution but reality shows that most cities have a lack of green places. Building New
York´s central park would be almost impossible today. The idea of blurring of the lines between nature and living space is great.
Bosco Verticale in Milano © Paolo Rosselli
The types of trees were chosen based on where they would be positioned on the building. Interesting is that people are not just choosing an apartment based on the size or view. They also have to consider which trees and plants they will be living with. The plants are grown specifically and are pre-cultivated.
The design is made up two towers, which are 110 and 80 meters high. They are spread over 27 stores with a total built up area of 40 000 square meters. The apartments range from compact two-room apartments to penthouses and duplexes. The balconies are 28cm thick and extend outwards for 3.35 meters. They are made of reinforced concrete and house 900 trees, 5000 shrubs and 11 000 floral plants. That is equivalent to 10 000 square meters of forest!
Water supply system – vegetation – vertical forest © Stefano Boeri
Besides being a beautiful addition to the city’s skyline, the Vertical Forest is a home to a variety of plants, which protect from the harsh sun during summer. During winter the trees allow sunlight to warm the interiors. The trees create a microclimate, filtering dust, removing carbon dioxide and creating oxygen. The greenery is irrigated using grey water produced in the building. Photovoltaic systems are installed to improve energy self – sufficiency. “The project is set to create a new standard for sustainable housing” said the engineering firm of the project.
