Why Are Living Walls Blooming in Cities Worldwide?
The first time you saw a living wall, what did you feel? Perhaps it was a rush of unexpected tranquility or a wave of wonder at this slice of nature thriving in the concrete jungle. Living walls, also known as green walls or vertical gardens, are blossoming in cities worldwide, and it's not just because they're aesthetically pleasing. There's science, psychology, and a touch of nature's magic at play!
Why are Living Walls Gaining Popularity?
Living walls are more than just a trend. They are a testament to humanity's inherent desire to connect with nature. The concept of Biophilia, a term popularized by Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson, suggests that humans have an instinctual love of nature and living things. It's a connection that has been nurtured over generations, and living walls in urban spaces are a contemporary expression of this age-old affinity.
Living walls have a host of benefits:
Improving mental health: Research shows that regular contact with nature can significantly improve mental health, promoting relaxation, focus, and a sense of being present.
Enhancing air quality: Plants are natural air purifiers. They absorb harmful pollutants and reduce carbon dioxide levels, leading to cleaner, fresher air.
Creating a calming ambiance: There's an inherent calm associated with greenery. Living walls in urban spaces offer an oasis of tranquility in the hustle and bustle of city life.
What's the Impact on Urban Citizens?
Have you ever named a houseplant? Or felt a sense of joy as you watched it grow? If so, you've experienced the emotional bond that can form between humans and plants. It's one of the reasons why many people choose to have indoor plants, and living walls take this experience to a whole new level.
If you're keen on learning more about this fascinating bond, you might want to check out this blog post by Pscyhology Today for more insight https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cravings/201909/11-ways-plants-enhance-your-mental-and-emotional-health.
Can Businesses Benefit From Living Walls?
Definitely! As per the study "The Economics of Biophilia," businesses stand to gain from incorporating biophilic design elements. Retail spaces, in particular, have found that living walls can enhance customer experience, leading to longer store visits and improved sales. Not to mention, they provide a unique aesthetic that sets them apart in a competitive market.
Photo: H&M https://www.briggshillier.com
Take, for example, an H&M store in London's Westfield shopping mall. They've incorporated live and faux plants in their store design, creating a jungle-like ambiance that offers a unique shopping experience. It’s not just about the aesthetics, though. Living walls can act as natural insulators, reducing energy consumption and contributing to a business’s sustainability efforts.
What About Public Spaces and Institutions?
Public spaces, schools, hospitals, and other institutions have much to gain from the incorporation of living walls. Most of these buildings weren't designed with nature in mind, but that's changing. By introducing living walls, we can transform these spaces, making them more welcoming and beneficial for everyone who uses them.
One country leading the way in this transformation is Singapore. Despite being one of the most urbanized places on earth, Singapore has shown a remarkable commitment to incorporating greenery in its cityscape. From green rooftops to an indoor forest in their international airport, the city-state is a shining example of biophilic urban design.
How Do Living Walls Work?
Understanding the science behind living walls is crucial to appreciate their full potential. Unlike conventional potted plants, some living walls use a hydroponic system, a method of growing plants without soil. Instead, the plants are rooted in an inert medium such as rock wool or felt, and they receive nutrients through a water supply system.
Water and nutrients are delivered directly to the roots, which promotes efficient growth even in a vertical structure. This hydroponic approach also helps keep the walls lightweight and easy to maintain.
Moreover, the design of living walls is such that they can accommodate a variety of plant species. You can mix and match plants depending on their light, water, and nutrient needs, creating a unique blend of textures, colors, and shapes. If you're curious about which plants might work best for your living wall, consider checking out our blog post: "Choosing Plants for Your Living Wall? 10 Perfect Plants to Mix and Match." https://soltech.com/blogs/blog/choosing-plants-for-your-living-wall-10-perfect-plants-to-mix-and-match?_pos=4&_sid=c9e55ee41&_ss=r
How to Maintain a Living Wall?
Maintaining a living wall might sound like a daunting task, but it's not as complicated as it might seem. The hydroponic system takes care of watering and nutrients, but you'll need to monitor the system for any signs of trouble.
Consideration of lighting is paramount when it comes to your living wall. Not all settings are fortunate enough to receive abundant natural light, and every plant species has unique light requirements. This is where specialized illumination systems like grow lights prove beneficial. For instance, our Highland Grow Light, a track light system, is an excellent solution for these circumstances. It's designed to project light effectively over larger areas, ensuring your plants receive the optimal spectrum of light necessary for photosynthesis and growth.
What distinguishes the Highland Grow Light is not only its functionality but also its warm lighting effect and aesthetically appealing design. It's not simply a practical grow light system; it's a stylish enhancement that complements your living wall. Check out the Highland here https://soltech.com/collections/highland
Do Living Walls Contribute to Sustainability?
Absolutely. Living walls contribute to sustainability in several ways. By improving air quality, they reduce the need for air purifiers and contribute to healthier indoor environments. They act as natural insulators, reducing energy usage for heating and cooling. Plus, they contribute to urban biodiversity by providing habitats for insects and birds.
The Future of Living Walls
With the myriad benefits they offer, it's no surprise that living walls are rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. From small indoor installations in homes and offices to large-scale projects in public spaces, living walls are transforming our urban landscapes and rekindling our connection with nature.
In the face of climate change and rapid urbanization, these vertical gardens offer a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. They are a testament to human ingenuity and our capacity to adapt and evolve. As we move forward, living walls will likely become an integral part of our cities and our lives.
If you're curious about the intriguing advancements in modern architecture and design that involve incorporating living walls, we suggest taking a look at this highly enlightening article https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-022-19501-7.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of urbanization and environmental change, embracing solutions like living walls is not just wise; it's necessary. So, why not start today? Explore the possibility of adding a touch of green to your space. Trust us, your future self will thank you!
If the idea of living walls captivates you and you wish to build one with minimal fuss, we suggest you read this article. It offers insights into crafting a straightforward arrangement of wall plants using hanging pots, allowing you to establish your personal miniature green wall at home. Visit this link to learn more https://soltech.com/blogs/blog/diy-living-wall?_pos=8&_sid=5f548cfe0&_ss=r.
If you're drawn towards a more ambitious project and are prepared to construct a full-fledged living wall at home, rest assured the rewards of your efforts will be well worth it. To help you embark on this exciting endeavor, here is a useful YouTube video that serves as a great starting point https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epyQBDBssRc
From choosing the right plants to ensuring they have the correct light spectrum for growth, creating a living wall is a journey. It's a chance to reconnect with nature and transform your space, one plant at a time. Remember, every living wall, no matter how small, is a step towards a greener, healthier world!
