Green walls – a system of vertical gardens often built on urban building’s exterior walls – are becoming increasingly popular. Using plants, soil, and other organic materials, these walls create a vibrant and appealing outdoor space. The legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon may be one of the earliest references to urban green walls. According to ancient texts, terraces were constructed at the heart of the gardens using a unique system of irrigation and a series of aqueducts. They were built in an ascending fashion, allowing the gardens to be filled with a variety of exotic plants and trees, including cypress, palm, and cedar.

With climate change, there is a new appreciation for exterior green walls and the benefits that come with increasing the amount of plants and trees in a space. Green areas significantly improve air quality as well as reduce the urban heat island effect. Vertical green gardens take up minimal space in dense urban areas and help cut energy costs associated with cooling buildings, while also providing a more pleasant living environment. Greenery adds color and life to an otherwise dull building exterior, but the benefits are psychological in addition to aesthetic: those surrounded by living walls report high levels of satisfaction and well-being.

The environmental impact of green walls extends beyond air quality improvement. They act as natural insulators, reducing the amount of energy needed to cool or heat a building. The plants absorb sunlight, which reduces the heat that reaches the building’s surface, thus lowering the indoor temperature and reducing the need for air conditioning. Additionally, green walls can help manage rainwater, reducing runoff and mitigating the risk of flooding in urban areas.

Incorporating green walls into urban architecture is not just a trend but a sustainable practice with far-reaching benefits. As cities continue to grow and space becomes more limited, the adoption of vertical gardens offers a practical solution for integrating nature into urban life. The aesthetic appeal, combined with the environmental and psychological benefits, makes green walls an essential component of modern sustainable design.

Learn more about the benefits of eco-friendly facades here.