Vertical Greening Systems: A Critical Comparison of Do-It-Yourself Designs

Abstract

Due to the increasing shortage of space in urban areas, vertical greening systems (VGSs) are becoming increasingly popular as a means to provide increased urban greening using building façades. VGSs are usually installed and managed by experts due to technical complexity, however the role of local communities is becoming increasingly important through Do-It-Yourself (DIY) practices. This study aims to explore low-cost VGSs and provide design suggestions and maintenance indications to encourage the expanded use of in situ small-scale VGSs. Firstly, an exploratory review of VGS designs proposed in the scientific literature, and by commercial and community-based solutions was conducted taking DIY potential into account to define eight basic design models categorized through six structural criteria. Then, seven community garden groups were interviewed to inform a critical comparison of the eight design models. Data collected was synthesized to develop a star rating system, thus providing a quick comparative tool. The star rating system shows the performance of five relevant DIY design parameters for each VGS model. The current research may assist in the accessibility of green technologies and facilitate community-scale implementation of DIY vertical greening.

Vertical Greening Systems: A Perspective on Existing Technologies and New Design Recommendation

“…This design requires a reasonable area of land between the building and land boundary to account for the ground-level planting. Costs per square metre of covered vertical surface will be lowest for this simple design compared to the other systems, but these systems have limited noise-abatement capabilities [28]. Stormwater usage is potentially very good, if appropriate guttering, downpipe direction, and drainage systems can be incorporated [35].…”

“…Existing VGSs are classified based on their construction characteristics [11,19,27], and are presented with the following design parameters in mind: structure, type of vegetation that can be supported, material, method of irrigation, and drainage; maintenance requirements; and finally aesthetic value [28,29]. This allows for the critical analysis of VGS design models based on these criteria, which have the potential to supply one or more forms of ecosystem or community amenity.…”

Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening

“…Dominici et al also wrote about cost-effective greening methods in their article [ 46 ]. Due to the increasing lack of space in urban areas, vertical greening systems (VGS) are becoming increasingly popular as a means of increasing urban greening with building facades.…”

“…This contributes to the gradual improvement of air quality and microclimatic conditions in and around schools and can increase the acceptance and awareness of building greening. Dominici et al also wrote about cost-effective greening methods in their article [46]. Due to the increasing lack of space in urban areas, vertical greening systems (VGS) are becoming increasingly popular as a means of increasing urban greening with building facades.…”