Time to Grow Up: 10 of London’s Greenest Living Walls

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Time to Grow Up: 10 of London’s Greenest Living Walls

London, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is undergoing a green revolution, with biophilic design and living walls transforming its urban landscape. In this journey, we delve into the history of biophilic design, exploring its evolution and impact on urban environments. Additionally, we uncover the myriad benefits of living walls, showcasing how these vertical gardens contribute to sustainability, biodiversity, and well-being in the bustling metropolis of London.

History of Biophilic Design:

Biophilic design, rooted in humanity’s innate connection to nature, traces its origins to the pioneering work of ecologist Professor Steven R. Kellert. In the 1980s, Kellert, along with biologist Edward O. Wilson, introduced the concept of “biophilia,” highlighting humanity’s deep-seated affinity for the natural world. This notion paved the way for biophilic design, which seeks to integrate nature into the built environment to enhance human health, well-being, and productivity.

Over the years, biophilic design has evolved, with architects and designers incorporating elements such as natural light, vegetation, and water features into buildings and public spaces. Today, biophilic design stands at the forefront of sustainable architecture, offering innovative solutions to the challenges of urbanization and climate change.

Benefits of Living Walls:

Living walls, also known as green walls, serve as tangible manifestations of biophilic design, bringing nature into the heart of urban environments. These vertical gardens offer a myriad of benefits, both ecological and psychological, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of cities like London.

  • Biodiversity Enhancement: Living walls provide habitat and food sources for a variety of plant and animal species, promoting biodiversity in urban areas. By creating green corridors and nesting sites, these vertical gardens support local ecosystems and help mitigate the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation.
  • Air Quality Improvement: Plants act as natural air purifiers, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Living walls, with their dense vegetation, help filter out harmful toxins and particulate matter, improving air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory ailments in urban residents.
  • Temperature Regulation: The dense foliage of living walls helps regulate temperature extremes in urban environments, acting as natural insulation against heat and cold. By reducing the urban heat island effect, these green structures mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance thermal comfort for city dwellers.
  • Noise Reduction: Vegetation absorbs and diffuses sound waves, making living walls effective noise barriers in busy urban areas. By dampening noise pollution from traffic and construction, these green buffers create tranquil oases amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
  • Psychological Wellbeing: Numerous studies have shown that exposure to nature has positive effects on mental health and well-being. Living walls, with their lush foliage and calming aesthetics, provide stress relief and relaxation for urban residents, promoting feelings of happiness and connectedness to the natural world.

Explore London’s top 10 living walls:

  1. The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences: Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences boasts over 140 vertical gardens, a masterpiece by award-winning French artist Patrick Blanc. From street level to the tenth floor, these lush gardens seamlessly blend native and exotic plants, creating a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling streets of Mayfair.
  2. The Rubens at the Palace: Located in Victoria, The Rubens at the Palace is home to a sprawling living wall spanning 350 sq. m. With 10,000 herbaceous plants, this green marvel not only cleanses the surrounding air but also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the local ecosystem.
  3. Sky Garden London: Perched atop 20 Fenchurch Street, Sky Garden London boasts the largest living wall in the city, covering an impressive 700 sq. m. With 52,000 plants adorning its surface, this verdant tapestry not only adds beauty but also helps the building achieve its sustainability goals.
  4. MTV Offices Green Wall: In the vibrant neighbourhood of Camden, MTV’s office features a bold living wall wrapping around its façade. With 18,000 plants, including species known for their air-purifying properties, this living artwork serves as a symbol of eco-conscious design.
  5. Paddington Central: Beneath Bishop’s Bridge, Paddington Central’s curved living wall stretches 82 sq m, creating a vertical mini forest in the heart of the city. With over 6000 hardy plants, this green oasis adds a touch of serenity to the bustling district.
  6. Rosewood London: Located in High Holborn, Rosewood London’s living walls adorn the Garden House Wing, providing a tranquil retreat amidst the urban landscape. With five species of plants, these walls offer both visual delight and environmental benefits.
  7. No 1 Court Wimbledon: At the All England Lawn Tennis Club, No 1 Court’s living wall mirrors the movement of tennis balls in flight. Spanning 245 sq. m, this green masterpiece provides a serene backdrop for matches while providing nesting grounds for birds and a habitat for bees.
  8. Covent Garden Green Walls: Reviving the area’s garden heritage, Covent Garden’s living walls on Regal House house 8000 plants spanning 21 varieties. Fuelled by rainwater, these walls represent a sustainable vision for urban greening and biodiversity conservation.
  9. Elephant & Castle Station: Amidst the urban hustle and bustle, Elephant & Castle Station’s living wall offers a breath of fresh air. Circular patterns echo the station’s architecture, attracting birds and bees while adding a touch of green elegance to the urban landscape.
  10. Heathrow Airport, Terminal 3, Gate 25: Transforming air travel with greenery, Gate 25’s living wall creates a serene sanctuary amidst the bustle of Heathrow Airport. With 1680 plants, including air-purifying species, it offers respite to weary travellers and contributes to the airport’s sustainability efforts.

Greening London:

As London embraces biophilic design and living walls, it redefines its urban landscape, creating greener, healthier, and more sustainable environments for its inhabitants. From historic landmarks to modern skyscrapers, the integration of nature into the built environment enhances the city’s resilience and fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world. As we look towards the future, let us continue to green our cities, nurturing spaces that nourish both people and the planet.

Contact us today to enquire or learn more about implementing living walls within your design space!