The Inside Track, Connecting the Indian design community 
An Italian project uses a forest for a facade and makes for a highly sustainable building.
A new kind of architecture seems to be taking the world by storm, one that is highly self-conscious of the environment around it and is deeply concerned about sustainability and being green, sometimes literally. And this Italian project fits the bill perfectly.
This project, aptly named Vertical Forest or Bosco Verticale in Italian, is conceptualised by Boeri Studio and consists of two landscaped towers which have incorporated diverse vegetation that includes a variety of big, medium and small sized trees, groundcover plants and shrubs. Intended as epitomising a sort of biological architecture that rejects adhering to the technological and mechanical template of maintaining environmental sustainability, the project is an oasis of vegetation in an urban space.
The Vertical Forest works towards enhancing urban biodiversity but without spreading out along the pricey urban spaces. The greenery that the towers hold are equivalent to a hectare of forest on flat land. As “a model of vertical densification of nature within the city,” the Vertical Forest is an urban landmark. The leaves of the forest on its facade will change seasonally depending on the plants, and offer a changing view of the city beneath.
The vertical forests will also unquestionably aid in protecting the living space from acoustic pollution, maintain a microclimate, absorb carbon and dust particles, give out oxygen, and protect against harsh sunlight and pollution.
On the roof there are photovoltaic panels that make the structure self-sufficient. Additionally, grey water obtained from the building is filtered and reused to water the plants, thus making the entire structure efficient and sustainable.
The main road and parking facilities linked to the complex have been built underground, freeing space of about 1,60,000 square metres for a pedestrianised cycling area where vegetation, public squares and bridges are also integrated. Constructing such vertical forests in metropolitan areas will surely help in making the city a greener place and bring gardens and parks and spaces of lush vegetation into the city.
Text By Tasneem S. Pocketwala
Contact
web: www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net
