In a recent video by the YouTube channel Unraveling Architecture, hosted by Natalie Perri, the concept of tree-covered “green” skyscrapers is critically examined. These structures, hailed as beacons of eco-friendly urban development, may not be as sustainable as they appear. Perri delves into the history, the hype, and the harsh realities of biophilic design, providing a comprehensive analysis that challenges the perceived environmental benefits of these green facades.
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is a concept that integrates natural elements into built environments, aiming to enhance the connection between humans and nature. As Perri explains, this design philosophy promises benefits like cleaner air, reduced urban heat, and improved mental well-being. The visual appeal of tree-covered skyscrapers, with their lush vertical gardens and leafy balconies, suggests a harmonious blend of urban modernity and natural beauty. However, Perri argues that the reality is far more complex and less beneficial than these structures appear.
The Origins and Need for Biophilia
The term biophilia, coined by Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson in 1984, describes humans’ inherent affinity for nature. This concept has deep roots, tracing back to ancient civilizations like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and traditional Japanese tea houses, which harmonized built environments with nature. Perri highlights that modern urbanization and technological dependence have widened the gap between humans and the natural world, leading to a “nature deficit disorder” with significant psychological and physical health implications.
Factors to Consider in Green Design
Perri emphasizes that while greenery in urban settings has apparent benefits, such as absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing heat islands, there’s a nuanced disconnect between green aesthetics and true sustainability. Urban areas, despite their small geographic footprint, contribute disproportionately to global CO2 emissions due to their high energy use, transportation needs, and waste generation. Thus, merely adding plants to buildings doesn’t address the broader environmental impact of urban living.
What Makes a Building Sustainable?
True sustainability in architecture involves more than just integrating plants. It encompasses building materials, energy use, water management, and long-term operational efficiency. Perri points out that while green walls and rooftop gardens are visually appealing, they can consume excessive amounts of water and energy if not properly managed. This raises questions about the actual environmental impact of these designs.
Greenwashing as a Sales Strategy
Perri explains that the market demand for eco-friendly designs has led some developers to focus on green aesthetics as a marketing strategy, often at the expense of more substantive sustainable initiatives. This phenomenon, known as greenwashing, can mislead consumers and stakeholders about the true environmental benefits of a project. As a result, some architectural firms prioritize superficial green features over essential sustainability measures.
Debunking the Green Facade
Maintaining living ecosystems in skyscrapers is costly and resource-intensive. Vertical gardens, for example, require substantial amounts of water, sometimes surpassing traditional ground irrigation needs. Perri cites the Caixaforum in Madrid, which demands hundreds of liters of water daily for its vertical garden. Additionally, supporting the weight and complexity of these gardens necessitates specialized frameworks, translating to greater material use and embodied energy during construction.
Case Study: Bosco Verticale
The Bosco Verticale in Milan, a notable example of tree-covered skyscrapers, incorporates over 900 trees and thousands of plants and shrubs. While it absorbs significant amounts of CO2 and supports biodiversity, the building required extensive engineering to handle the additional weight and dynamic forces of the vegetation. Perri notes that despite its green credentials, the Bosco Verticale’s maintenance demands and environmental footprint reveal the challenges of such designs.
The Future of Vertical Gardens
Vertical gardens, while enhancing urban biodiversity, often fall short in supporting local ecosystems compared to natural forests. The cooling effect of plants must be weighed against the energy required for their upkeep. Perri argues that truly sustainable urban design should go beyond superficial greenery to include rigorous engineering and biological research that ensure these structures are environmentally viable.
“Traditional Architecture Should Return”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “Everything should be plant covered, food plants where practical especially. Use a trough at the base of the walls to capture all water for the irrigation system. No more paint. No more roofing or siding materials. All green, and with food growing everywhere.”
One commenter had a suggestion: “Green skyscrapers would be done if they used green walls instead of whole trees and separated the roots from the walls through like aeroponics”
Another person added: “I think traditional architecture should return, I think those kind of houses are made of natural material and are sustainable as well.”
How to Actually Build Sustainably
Perri concludes by advocating for a holistic approach to sustainable architecture. This includes choosing sites with minimal ecological impact, incorporating passive design strategies for natural ventilation and daylight use, utilizing renewable energy sources, and prioritizing sustainable materials. Effective water management, reducing construction waste, and designing for long-term flexibility and adaptive reuse are also crucial. Life cycle assessments should be standard practice to evaluate the environmental impact of building materials and designs over their entire lifespan.
A Marketing Gimmick?
What do you think? Are tree-covered skyscrapers genuinely contributing to urban sustainability, or are they more of a marketing gimmick? What are some alternative strategies to achieve urban sustainability without relying heavily on green facades? How can policymakers and urban planners ensure that new developments prioritize genuine sustainability over greenwashing?
Explore the full insights by viewing the video on Unraveling Architecture’s YouTube channel here.