Vertical gardens, also known as living walls or green walls, are structures where plants grow on vertically suspended panels, supported by soil, hydroponic, or aeroponic systems. They are designed to maximize greenery in limited spaces, making them especially valuable in urban areas where horizontal land is scarce. By covering building facades or indoor walls with vegetation, vertical gardens improve air quality by filtering dust and pollutants, while also reducing noise levels. They act as natural insulation, lowering heating and cooling demands, which helps reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In cities, they also contribute to mitigating the urban heat island effect, cooling surrounding areas through shading and evapotranspiration.
Beyond environmental benefits, vertical gardens bring significant aesthetic and social value. They enhance architectural design, create calming spaces, and promote mental well-being by increasing contact with nature in otherwise concrete-dominated environments. Indoors, they regulate humidity, enrich oxygen levels, and support healthier living and working spaces. Advances in modular panels and irrigation systems have made them easier to install and maintain, with species chosen for their adaptability and resilience. Large-scale vertical gardens on building exteriors also contribute to biodiversity by providing habitats for insects and birds. As part of sustainable urban planning, these green walls integrate ecological functions with modern design, offering a practical and visually striking solution for greener, healthier cities.
Title : Assessment of environmental odour sources and their effects on air quality and human well-being: A case study of Budapest
Bence Hernadi, University of Pannonia, Hungary
Title : Integrating QR technology, the world's first nursery-preneur model, and a world record native seed bank for grassroots agripreneurship
Aniket Tayade, 8 naturals, India
Title : Oil-gas potential and geodynamics of the Caspian-Mediterranean and Mexican-Caribbean regions
Valentina Svalova B, Institute of Environmental Geoscience RAS, Russian Federation