Living Walls for Urban Renewal Projects

Urban areas around the world are facing numerous challenges, including pollution, lack of green spaces, and deteriorating infrastructure.

To address these issues, urban renewal projects have increasingly embraced innovative solutions, one of which is the implementation of living walls. These vertical gardens are not only visually appealing but also offer a range of environmental, social, and economic benefits.

In this blog, we will explore the concept of living walls, their benefits, and how they can play a pivotal role in urban renewal projects.

Benefits of Living Walls

Environmental Benefits of Living Walls

Air Quality Improvement: Plants in living walls absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to improve air quality. Additionally, they can filter out pollutants and particulate matter from the air, contributing to a healthier urban environment.
Urban Heat Island Mitigation: Cities often experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and the prevalence of heat-absorbing surfaces like concrete and asphalt. Living walls help to cool the air through the process of evapotranspiration, thereby reducing the urban heat island effect.
Biodiversity Enhancement: Living walls provide habitats for various species of insects and birds, promoting urban biodiversity. This is particularly important in densely populated areas where natural habitats are scarce.

Social Benefits of Living Walls

Aesthetic Appeal: Green walls enhance the visual appeal of urban spaces, transforming drab and monotonous structures into vibrant and attractive environments. This can uplift the mood of residents and visitors, contributing to overall well-being.
Community Engagement: Urban renewal projects involving living walls can engage local communities, from initial planning and planting to ongoing maintenance. This fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents.
Mental Health: Exposure to green spaces has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. Living walls bring nature closer to people, offering the psychological benefits of greenery even in densely built-up areas.

Economic Benefits of Living Walls

Energy Savings: Living walls provide natural insulation for buildings, reducing the need for heating in winter and cooling in summer. This can lead to significant energy savings and lower utility bills.
Property Value Increase: The aesthetic and environmental benefits of living walls can increase property values. Buildings and areas that incorporate green infrastructure are often seen as more desirable places to live and work.
Tourism and Business Opportunities: Unique and attractive green installations can draw tourists and visitors, boosting local businesses and fostering economic activity in the area.

Implementing Living Walls in Urban Renewal Projects

Site Selection and Planning

Choosing the right location for a living wall is crucial. Factors such as sunlight, wind exposure, and the structural integrity of the wall need to be considered. It's also important to engage with the local community and stakeholders early in the planning process to ensure the project meets their needs and expectations.

Plant Selection

The choice of plants for a living wall should be guided by the local climate, the orientation of the wall, and the specific goals of the project (e.g., aesthetic appeal, air purification, biodiversity). Native plants are often a good choice as they are well-adapted to the local environment and support local wildlife.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing a living wall requires careful planning and professional expertise. It's essential to ensure that the wall can support the weight of the plants and the watering system. Once installed, living walls need regular maintenance, including watering, pruning, and replacing plants as needed. Automated irrigation systems can help reduce maintenance efforts.

Community Involvement

Engaging the community throughout the project can lead to better outcomes and greater acceptance. Workshops, volunteer planting days, and educational programs can help raise awareness about the benefits of living walls and encourage community participation in their upkeep.

Living Wall Case Study: Hannington Lane

Client Background

Westridge Construction collaborated with Architects Morgan Carn Partnership to create a new landmark in Brighton by transforming the old Hannington's Department store into a new retail and leisure space. This redevelopment led to the creation of a new lane that enhances Brighton's vibrant restaurant and quirky café scene, provides new shopping opportunities, and introduces two new nine-storey apartment buildings.

Living Wall Project Implementation

Viritopia worked with Westridge Construction to design, supply, and install an impressive living wall on what was previously a plain facade. This transformation brightened up the space, bringing biodiversity and nature back into an urban environment. The living wall added to the high-quality feel of the new development, enhancing both the visual appeal and the ecological value of the area.

Outcomes

The living wall at Hannington Lane serves as a perfect example of how urban renewal projects can integrate green infrastructure to achieve multiple benefits. It has contributed to the area's aesthetic appeal, drawing in visitors, and enhancing the experience for residents and shoppers alike. Additionally, it has created a habitat for urban wildlife, promoting biodiversity in the heart of the city.

Book a Consultation with Viritopia

With over 20 years of experience of designing and maintaining biophilic infrastructure, Viritopia can create a detailed plan of how a scheme will meet regulatory requirements.

We assist with faster planning process and provide you with what’s needed to elevate your project. Book a living wall consultation with our expert team today or find out more about our green walls and their benefits.

Utilising Living Walls for Urban Renewal Projects