Vertical forests or green facades in megacities

Greening megacities is a challenging task. On the one hand, every square meter of land must be used efficiently for real estate, retail space, and parking lots. On the other hand, creating a literal concrete jungle does not help attract people or make them feel comfortable. Some regions face an additional problem: a climate that is too hot for growing plants. This is particularly acute in the Persian Gulf countries, where air temperatures can reach +50°C. In addition to a competent approach to urban planning, city architects are using a new approach to greening urban landscapes: vertical gardens. Why this option, what are its advantages, and how does it affect real estate?

What is a vertical garden?

Vertical gardens are an innovative approach to growing plants directly on building facades. These are not just pots hanging from balconies or planters fixed to walls, because plants simply cannot survive in such conditions. A real vertical greening system is a complex engineering structure.

Unlike traditional landscaping, vertical gardens do not require horizontal space and can cover walls of any height. The technology involves the use of special supporting frames, automatic watering, drainage, and plant nutrition systems. Each element of the system is carefully designed to create optimal growing conditions.

Advantages of vertical greening

Vertical gardens solve several problems of modern megacities at once. First, they improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. One square meter of green facade can absorb up to 2.3 kg of CO2 per year. Second, plants on building walls create natural sound insulation, reducing noise levels by 8-12 decibels.

The economic benefits are also obvious. Buildings with vertical gardens consume 15-30% less energy for air conditioning. Green facades protect building materials from ultraviolet radiation and temperature fluctuations, extending the life of the building.

One of the first cities where the concept of a vertical forest was implemented on a large scale was Dubai. Here, the hot climate and limited land resources have created ideal conditions for the development of this technology. In complexes with vertical gardens, real estate abroad is in high demand among buyers and tenants. This is due not only to its aesthetic appeal, but also to its real advantages: a more comfortable microclimate, better air quality, and energy efficiency.

Of course, Dubai is far from the only example of the use of vertical gardens. Similar experiences are already being actively implemented in megacities around the world. Milan boasts the famous Bosco Verticale complex: two skyscraper towers whose facades are covered with 900 trees and 20,000 plants. Singapore has gone even further, making vertical greening part of its national strategy. London is experimenting with vertical gardens on historic buildings, and in Tokyo, green walls are helping to combat urban smog. Each region is adapting the technology to its own climatic conditions and needs in order to make it the standard for sustainable urban development.