Page |1

M V P S’s C O L L E G E O F A R C H I T E C T U R E, N A S H I K

RESEARCHINARCHITECTURE–II

S U B J E C T C O D E: 4 2 0 1 5 6 6 (S S)

RESEARCH TOPIC

IMPORTANCE OF GREEN WALL AND ITS BEHAVIOR IN DIFFERENT REGION

Name: SHIVANI SADGIR

Course: Bachelors of Architecture

Academic Year: 2 010-2 1

Class: Fourth Year B-Arch (Div: B)

Roll No:
 Page |2

M V P S’ S C O L L E G E O F A R C H I T E C T U R E, N A S H I K

This is to certify that the work submitted in this report by

Shri / Kumari SHIVANI SADGIR

of Fourth Year Bachelor of Architecture has satisfactorily

Completed the sectional work for the subject of “Research in Architecture”

For the academic year 2020-2021

Internal Examiner Institute Stamp External Examiner

 Page |3

INDEX

NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

01. Abstract
02. Chapter 1: introduction to green wall 5
1.1 What is green wall?
1.2 What are green walls made of?
1.3 When was the living green wall invented?

03. Chapter 2: living wall and its benefits 9

2.1 Types of green wall
2.2 Which plant species thrive in living green walls?
2.3 Benefits of green wall

04. Chapter 3: effects of living walls in different climates 17

3.1 Hot and humid climate
3.2 Hot and dry climate

05. Chapter 4: green wall in tropical climate 19

4.1what is the urban heat island effect?
4.2problems brought about by the urban heat island effect
4.3ways to fight the heat island effect

06. Chapter 5: effect of green wall on humans 24

07. Chapter 6: case studies 28

08. 32
Conclusion and bibliography
 Page |4

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NAME PAGE NO.

NO.
01. Figure 1: image of green facade 7

02. Figure 2: types of green wall 9

03. Figure3: other benefits of green wall 14

04. Figure 4: an urban heat island is a metropolitan area 19

which is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural
areas especially in late afternoon and nights

0.5 Figure5: effects of surfaces on the heat island 20

06 Figure6: heat island development stages 21

07 24
Figure7: relation between green and public health

08 Figure8: relationship between plans and urban health 25

09 Figure9; visual stimulation left: green façade, right: 26

building wall(control)

10 Figure10; the possibility of changing the living 27

conditions

11 figure11: green walls can restore nature in a largeer area 27

of the site

12 Figure12: photograph of Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo 28

at Lincoln Park Zoo

13 Figure13: consorcio santiago building santiago, chile 29

14 Figure12: mfo park view 30

 Page |5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE NO NAME PAGE NO

01. Table1. Details of green facades and living walls 10

02 Table2: types of green wall according to the 11

structure

03 Table3: vertical greening systems, definitions and 12

their characteristics

04 Table4: types of living walls according to the 13

structure

05 Table5: public benefits of green wall 15

06 Table6: visual effects of green wall 16

07 Table7 : economic benefits of green wall 16

Table 7: suitability of greenery concepts for
different climates

08 Table8: details of different types living walls in 18

different climate

09 Table9: suitability of greenery concepts for 22

different climates

10 Table10: the impact of greenery concepts on 23

building
 Page |6

ABSTRACT

The focus of this research paper is to study different types of green wall and its behaviors’
in different climates. Although green wall is not a new concept and date back to hanging
gardens of Babylonia in 600 BC, but flourished in current decades Plants have served
humanity since the dawn of time, supplying food, clothing, building materials and a host
of other goods. With the advent of the modern industrial city, now home to more than half
of the world’s population, planners, designers and urban advocates are once again turning
to plants – green infrastructure- as a key strategy to provide cleaner air and water. A
variety of different terminology in this area indicates the importance of issue: Hanging or
vertical gardens, balcony gardens, vertical farms, containers or planter boxes greening,
green roofs or rooftop gardens, green or eco buildings, green walls, wall planters,
green envelops and green facades. They can be applied to increase bio diversity and
ecological value, outdoor and indoor value, air quality and finally enhance social and
physical well being of city dwellers. In last few years there is reduction of plantation and
there is need of plants for our living and therefore vertical façade is the need of our future
betterment. The paper comprises different methods of green wall and its impact on
humans.

Keywords- green wall system, materials of green wall, types of green walls, effects on green wall in
different climates.
 Page |7

CHAPTER 1: INTODUCTON TO GREEN WALL

1.1 What is green wall?

Green wall is a modern technology that is gradually finding its place in advanced contemporary cities in
the world today. Green wall is referred to a wall, as an independent structure or part of a building, which
is covered with greenery. Green systems such as green roofs and green walls are often used as aesthetic
elements in buildings, even though the current technology employed in these systems can maximize the

Functional benefits of the plants with respect to the building performance. . In the study of climatic
solutions and the use of green surfaces, green roofs have a much more important value than the green
facade. In the studies, the definitions and general advantages of the green walls are further addressed and
in some cases the climates are mentioned separately.

Figure 1: image of green facade

 Page |8

1.2 What are green walls made of?

Living green walls are comprised of plants that are inserted into a growing medium and then places on the
wall of buildings and properties to provide greenery and the benefits of plants, but using a minimum of
horizontal space.

An Ambius Green Wall is made up of various proprietary systems which are assembled in pieces on a
structure which holds the plants and their respective growing mediums to the wall. Some of the Green
Walls created by Ambius also include a system that allows the plants to be watered automatically.

Ambius Living Green Wall products use a variety of plants in their creation, based upon client’s needs
and a number of factors that go into installing and maintaining them.

1.3 When was the living green wall invented

The idea for living green walls was first patented by Stanley Hart White in 1938, however it is Patrick
Blanc’s name that resounds through the industry. After creating one of the most famous green walls at the
Musee du Quai Branly in Paris, he was designated the godfather of the ‘vegetal wall’, sparking a
revolution in sustainable architecture.

Now known as green facades, plants have probably been growing on buildings since the first stone was
laid. Living green walls are the next generation, differing from climbing plants like ivy, as they are
intricately planned collections of plants held in a structure away from the building.

These miraculous structures bring nature back into urban environments. As the concrete jungle expands
and pollution rises, the application of living green walls stands to reverse this trend. Incorporating
carefully chosen selections of plants into cutting edge design, living green walls have been devised to
help restore the natural balance.
 Page |9

CHAPTER 2: GREEN WALL AND ITS BENEFITS

2.1 Types of green wall

Green walls are organized into panel and tray systems or freestanding walls, meaning there is a wall
suitable for any space.

Panel systems, like Sage and Prowall, have plants pre-grown into the panels and can be used inside or out,
and in any climate.

Versa Wall is a tray system, which is popular for indoor displays. Plants are pre-grown off-site and
inserted into the wall, which offers a great degree of versatility that can be exploited to cover entire
surfaces or designed as living art.

Freestanding walls are most commonly used indoors and are most easily changed, either by changing the
location or changing the plants.

Figure 2: types of green wall

 P a g e | 10

Table1. Details of green facades and living walls

P a g e | 11
 P a g e | 12

Table2: types of green wall according to the structure

Table3: vertical greening systems, definitions and their characteristics

 P a g e | 13

Table4: types of living walls according to the structure

2.2Which plant species thrive in living green walls?

‘There are the primary species of plants that do well in green walls, specifically ones that have a wide
range of tolerances. Certain plants are very picky and they degrade very quickly, so if they do not get
enough water, they would fail very quickly. While other plants have a little more of a grace period, where
they don’t die as quickly and are able to adapt better to their environments,’ says Matt Hills.

2.3 Benefits of green wall

1. Living green walls purify the air

2. Green walls increase the feeling of well-being

3. A living wall reduces the ambient temperature

 P a g e | 14

4. Vertical gardens reduce ambient noise

5. Green walls reduce stress

6. Vertical gardens boost productivity

7. Green spaces show a longer residence time

8. Plant walls add value to the brand

9. More social interaction, less vandalism

10. Living walls offer a powerful “healing environment”

Figure3: other benefits of green wall

Public benefits of green wall

 P a g e | 15

Table5: public benefits of green wall

 P a g e | 16

Table6: visual effects of green wall

Table7: economic benefits of green wall

 P a g e | 17

CHAPTER 3: EFFECTS OF LIVING WALLS IN DIFFERENT CLIMATES

3.1 Hot and humid climate

The climatic indicator of a hot and humid climate is excessive heat and humidity. The purpose of using
ideal green walls in this climate is therefore to reduce the thermal load while avoiding an increase in
humidity.

Using living wall systems reduces the indoor temperature by a maximum of 1.1◦ C while the mean indoor
temperature is 0.4◦ C less than spaces without Living Wall System.

A common concern about the factor of humidity is that the Living Wall System may increase relative
humidity due to its humid bed as well as the plants sweating. The relative humidity of the air layer, is
higher than that in the environment during the day and lower at night

The Living Wall System creates therefore more stable relative humidity in the air layer near the wall
surface without increasing the indoor relative humidity. The results indicate that the Living Wall System
has a high cooling effect on the wall surface and indoor space, and the exterior wall surface gives off heat
to the environment instead of receiving heat.

The Living Wall System with still air has a better performance compared to the Living Wall System with
a naturally ventilated air layer. Results also show that the less the distance between the greenery and the
wall, the better the cooling effect and the higher the relative humidity in the air layer

3.2 Temperate climate

An important effect of living walls is shadowing, which greatly affects the cooling period. The shadow
effect also causes a temperature reduction and a radiation reduction, and also a proper design of the green
cover can result in a significant energy saving the temperature fluctuations in LWS with still air follows
the temperature fluctuation rhythm of outdoor temperature in smaller intervals such that the wall
temperature is less than the outdoor maximum temperature by about 5 °C. While the layer investigated in
including living walls with still air chambers follows the air temperature fluctuations and does not exceed
the hottest outdoor temperature, the layer investigated in living walls with ventilated air chambers reveals
a temperature difference of about 10 °C compared to outdoor, i.e. it is hotter on average by 10 °C

3.3 Hot and dry climate

Excessive heat and very low air humidity are the two most significant climatic indicators in hot and dry
climates. So, all efforts will therefore be made to control these two factors. Many studies confirm the
thermal effects of vertical green surfaces on the building shell. There is credible evidence indicating that
vertical green systems can reduce the air conditioning load by shadowing walls and windows, reducing
the temperature, and a significant amount of annual savings can be considered. Results of investigations
indicate that green façades in hot and dry climates can maintain a temperature which is lower than that of
a simple wall at the peak daily heat of summer. This affects the building cooling load and improves the
 P a g e | 18

energy performance. According to Alexandri et al., (2008), using plants is more effective on the urban
temperature in hotter and drier climates. Saving in energy consumption for the cooling of buildings will
be 23%-100%. The reasons why living walls cause temperature reductions are summarized as follows: -
Reducing heat absorption caused by the plants -Evaporative cooling caused by irrigation -Heat resistance
due to low thermal conductivity

Table8: details of different types living walls in different climate

 P a g e | 19

CHAPTER 4: GREEN WALL IN TROPICAL CLIMATE

4.1 What is the Urban Heat Island Effect?

An urban heat island (UHI) is a metropolitan area which is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural
area, especially at winter season. To avoid confusion with global warming, scientists call this
phenomenon the "Urban Heat Island Effect."There are several reasons that may explain the Heat Island
Effect, but the main reason is the excessive urban development.

Figure 4: an urban heat island is a metropolitan area which is significantly warmer than its
surrounding rural areas especially in late afternoon and nights

4.2 Factors affecting the urban heat islands

-Geographical location include weather, topography and rural environments.

 P a g e | 20

-Dimensions of the city that is related to the form and function :

The shape of the city ( urban surfaces ) contains materials : thermal characteristic and land cover
(sidewalks, roads, etc.) and type of them in terms of surface roughness (leading to increased reflection of
solar radiation and prevent air from flowing freely), Geometry : the size and shape of buildings , wind
flow passing through them, solar radiation is reflected back into space and green space and urban
performance contain of use of energy , water and produced pollution.

- Synoptic weather: Wind and Cloud The time : day and season

-City population: The population density per unit of area of the city and the intensification of the heat
island effect and whatever there are more population density the temperature is higher

Figure5: effects of surfaces on the heat island

4.3 Problems brought about by the Urban Heat Island Effect

The most obvious problem is the intolerably hot weather. Take Taipei city as an example, which owns the
highest population and construction density in Taiwan. Although Taipei city is located at a relatively high
latitude than most places in Taiwan, sometimes the temperature will be the highest because of the Urban
Heat Island Effect. Due to the hot weather, people prefer to stay in air-conditioned buildings than going
outside. However, while these buildings are cooled, the heat which has been removed from the buildings
is extracted into the outside air by the air conditioning systems. In short, air conditioners will release hot
gases when they are working. This will bring about a serious problem – the increase of the outdoor
temperature. Furthermore, as urban heat islands lead to increased temperatures within cities, they
contribute to poor air quality. As for air pollutions, pollutants in an urban heat island will go up to the sky
along with the warm air and diffuses to the rim of the city, but later they will be forced to go back to the
 P a g e | 21

center of the city because of the surrounding cool air. And as for water pollution, hot pavement and
rooftop surfaces transfer their excess heat to storm water, which then drains into storm sewers and raises
water temperatures as it is released into streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Rapid temperature changes can
be stressful to aquatic ecosystems. Air pollution and water pollution are seen every where nowadays,
modern people usually do not detect the seriousness of them. The terrifying thing about air pollution and
water pollution is that they circulate, and during the circulation, pollutants in air and water kept
accumulating. Such circulation will severely harm residents’ health and lower their life quality. Therefore,
how to solve the Urban Heat Island Effect becomes an issue that concerns everyone. Ways to fight the
Heat Island Effect There are many ways to fight the Heat Island Effect. For example, restrict the waste
heat released by vehicles, factories and air conditioners; sprinkle water in order to lower the temperature;
use materials that can reflect sunlight to build constructions; disperse the crowd to the suburbs, reduce the
waste that are produced by people, and so on. However, the most effective way is to increase the
vegetation spaces. So green walls and green roofs are by far the most popular ways to cooling the city

4.3The development of urban heat islands

This process is fully illustrated in the following figure. Artificial heat ,narrow streets, levels of insulation,
dark pavement, etc that all cause urban heat island

Figure6: heat island development stages

 P a g e | 22

4.3 Statement of the problem

Sustainable urbanization can bring many benefits that have been ignored in recent years in the wake of
communities’ haste for relentless development. The results of this short-sighted approach, including noise
pollution, congestion and serious reduction in quality of life are visible to everybody. Sustainable
development needs addressing the following factors: reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing
waste and pollution, using environmentally friendly materials and having access to efficient public
transport. Due to the lack of sufficient attention to ventilation and desired temperature and comfort in
parking spaces and pilots in most buildings, residential complexes, etc., using a sustainable and economic
method to create a pleasant atmosphere for residents and users is important. Green walls have their own
benefits in different climates and adapting to local and climatic conditions is therefore necessary to
benefit from their maximum efficiency

Table9: suitability of greenery concepts for different climates

 P a g e | 23

Table10: the impact of greenery concepts on building

 P a g e | 24

CHAPTER 5: EFFECT OF GREEN WALL ON HUMAN AND NATURE

5.1 Introduction

Rapid urbanization and the lack of green infrastructure threaten the health of urban dwellers. Green
façades have been proposed as a green infrastructure solution to compensate for the loss of green spaces
in dense city areas; however, as far as we know, there is inadequate evidence for associations between
views of green façades and relaxation. This study aims to clarify the physiological and psychological
relaxation effects of viewing a green façade landscape.

Health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2016b) as the state of complete physical,
mental and social well-being, rather than merely the absence of illness. Some of the best-known effects of
urbanization concern mental state

Recently many studies have shown that reconnection to nature is the key to human health. The power of
nature has impacts on human sense and intelligence including our physical, psychological and mental
health Greenery can improve public health by reducing air.

Figure7: relation between green and public health

 P a g e | 25

Figure8: relationship between plans and urban health

5.2 Greenery & global warming

Plants are considered one of the climate change fighters. Global warming occurs as a result of high
percentage of CO2, which is due to human activities, in the atmosphere.

Photosynthesis phenomenon, which plants take carbon from the air, and provide more Oxygen, can
reduce the emissions.

However, plants cannot fight climate change by themselves since a lot of water, spaces, budgets, nitrogen
fertilizers and technological improvements are needed. It is impossible to plant enough vegations to stop
climate change. The only way to avoid natural catastrophes is to cut down on sources of carbon dioxide
emissions as fast as possible

5.3 Greenery and mental health

Urbanization affects mental health by increasing stress and factors such as overpopulated and polluted
environments, high violence levels, and decreased social support. Mental health conditions are one of the
main causes of the overall disease burden worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

By 2020, these will account for nearly 15 percent of disability-adjusted life-years lost to illness
(WHO, 2016b). By the way, the burden of mental disorders is highest among young adults, which is
 P a g e | 26

considered to be the population's most productive age. Mental disorders consist mainly of
depression and neurotic disorders

. A recent meta-analysis has shown that current city residents have significantly higher anxiety (by 21%)
and mood disorders (by 39%)

The current mental disorder burden has not yet been adequately addressed by health systems across the
world, and the gap between the need for treatment and its provision is wide.

As part of growing concerns regarding the health of urban residents, a considerable amount of literature
has shown that nature can help alleviate many of these health problems and is linked to positive effects on
human health and wellbeing

. Moreover, large differences in disease prevalence are reported when comparing residents of very green
and less green settings, even after controlling for socioeconomic status. Green infrastructure includes
numerous features such as parks, gardens, and green streetscapes, providing many benefits; and is
increasingly seen as a way to improve public health in cities

Research on urban green spaces' direct public health benefits focused on the three major areas of physical
activity, mental health, and specific treatment development.

Two main types of experimental studies are conducted: one examines the effects of visual stimuli
exposure, and the other examines the direct effects of being outdoors in the green space

Figure9; visual stimulation left: green façade, right: building wall(control)

When participants observed the green façade, alpha relative power and parasympathetic activity
increased, suggesting that participants could relax better and thus experience improved mood and
attention.

In addition, subjective emotional conditions suggested that the green façade stimuli provide feelings of
comfort, relaxation, cheerfulness, and vigor compared to the building-wall. We can decisively conclude
 P a g e | 27

that urban residents could benefit substantially physiologically and psychologically from green façade
viewing.

The results may assist urban planners, designers, and communities in their efforts to increase the green
space in cities. In other words, in order to improve public health in cities, the integration of vertical
greening in buildings in future compact cities should be considered.

Figure10; the possibility of changing the living conditions

figure11: green walls can restore nature in a largeer area of the site
 P a g e | 28

CHAPTER 6: CASE STUDIES

1. Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo (Cable System)

Figure12: photograph of Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo

Location: Chicago, IL New construction or retrofit:

New Date of implementation: 2004

Size: 4,000 sq.ft

Cost: $7800

Green Wall System: Plants used: Vitis Riparia; Riverbank Grape (Special Hybrid)

Structural support information: 4mm stainless steel vertical wire ropes and4mmø horizontal wire rods
connected in rectangular grid using UV-Resistant cross clamps. Hand-installed terminal end fitting
swallowed field trimming of ropes and rods for Source: Carl Stahl Décor Cable Innovations simplified
installation. System attachment and tensioning allows easy dismount/remount for plant control and
building maintenance.

Project Overview: Design objectives / criteria: Create a natural, imaginative, multi-sensory experience of
the North American wood sand the creatures that call it home provide a variety of opportunities to
experience and learn for children of different age levels Filter out urban distractions by managing the
placement of topographic elements, buildings, and animal exhibits.

: The vine support system that fronts the west side of the zoo building accomplishes several goals: it helps
control late afternoon summer heat gain in the building by acting as a natural sunshade; allows winter
heat gain for natural heating when the deciduous vine leaves drop in the fall; and looking outward, it
resembles the view through a tree canopy. For those looking down on the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo
from the surrounding high-rises, it helps the building blend into the woods that have been created around
it. In addition, the structure is quite safe as the cross clamps allow the horizontal rods to slip as force is
applied, eliminating any horizontal climbing elements.
 P a g e | 29

2. MFO Park (Cable and Wire-Rope Net System)

Figure12: mfo park view

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

New construction or retrofit: Retrofit

Date of implementation: May 2002

Size: 37 500 sq.ft. (328ft x 114ft)

Cost: $180,000 (materials)

Green wall system:

Plants used: Fallopia aubertii , Vitis coignetiae , Campsis radicans , Celastrus orbiculatus , Ampelopisis
brevipedunculata

Structural support system information:

Steel Structure with tensioned stainless , steel cables.

Project overview:

Design objectives/criteria:

To create a green environment within an industrial zone where people come to relax and

have lunch without truly leaving the city.

It is also used for events such as open-air cinemas in the summer and various festivals.

Design solutions/decisions:

The structure needed to be as tall as 56ft as the other factories surrounding it.

Finding plants to grow this tall was particularly difficult. As a result the wall was designed
 P a g e | 30

with different levels of planter boxes with various plant types.

The base level used Ampelopisis brevipedunculata to grow to a maximum of 20ft.

The second level used Campsis radicans and Celastrus orbiculatus to grow a medium

height of 43ft.

The third level used Fallopia aubertii and Vitis coignetiae to grow up to 56ft

3. Consorcio Santiago Building Santiago, Chile

Figure13: consorcio santiago building santiago, chile

Building Data: Year of Completion  2007

Height 120 meters

Stories 36

Building Gross Floor Area 11,835 square meters

Building Function Residential Structural Material

Concrete Green Wall Overview: Green Wall Type

Façade-supported green wall (metal mesh)

Tree planters and gardens on communal cantilevering balconies Location on Building

 P a g e | 31

South façade: 6th to 36th floor (green wall); balcony tree/gardens every 4th floor  Green walls to car
parking podium on south, east and west façades,1st to 5th floor Surface Area of Green Coverage  1,274
square meters (approx.)

Design Strategies

Trellis-supported green wall runs nearly full height of building from podium (30 fl oors)

Green wall actually 30 overlapping separate one-story green walls, supported by horizontal planters at
each floor

Communal cantilevering “sky garden” balconies, with trees, signifi cant planting and water features,
every four floors

Significant planting to individual unit balconies encouraged

Luxuriant planting elsewhere, including car parking podium green walls and landscape podium top

Vertical greenery, podium top and other site vegetation achieving 130% of plot as greenery
 P a g e | 32

CONCLUSION

There are various methods for green wall construction and making the building sustainable and eco
friendly. Green walls would increase the chances for people to be surrounded by plants while they are
working, walking, driving during a busy day. Low income class would be benefit too as they cannot
afford going to public parks constantly. Although green wall systems are expensive, their benefits would
pay back on human health and the cost of medicine. Studies are still needed to investigate the cost
reduction on public health as a result of using multiple greenery systems for creating a healthy
environment. n addition, subjective emotional conditions suggested that the green façade stimuli provide
feelings of comfort, relaxation, cheerfulness, and vigor compared to the building-wall. We can decisively
conclude that urban residents could benefit substantially physiologically and psychologically from green
façade. It is suggested to increase the awareness of using vertical gardens among designers. Also,
governments should subsidize greenery systems, and issue new legislation to encourage developers to do
so.
 P a g e | 33

References

https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijaers.612.51

https://doc-04-6g-apps-
viewer.googleusercontent.com/viewer/secure/pdf/jqb22b946092asq5h824u6eev2edctt7/3391gfgtht2adpm
96g7ieih4v4lk4vv2/1620792375000/drive/14742836023979505966/ACFrOgBIzQqdSMquCaR83UZVB
QF9AXyGjlmCdwoCpNslJ2fQ9rMqAnl9GADj6mQs4eAc0K_hubi98ppRS17gmE0eWPuPBzQxyYqee
Wvaw-Zb8P57HcB5qo1KkhmZX-BRKhQ_-
A33EROrzFez8I04?print=true&nonce=1hclhuaadn4dk&user=14742836023979505966&hash=8466r63p
vr0jfflkkiq250b85svdcmkq

https://www.slideshare.net/ElisaMendelsohn/green-walls-technology-benefits-and-design

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:1e38e393-ca5c-45af-a4fe-31496195b88d

https://fdocuments.in/document/introduction-to-green-walls-technology-and-benefits.html

Green Building Envelope Report_gesamt_170109.pdf

Raji_-_Post-print_version (1).pdf