Green walls, also known as living walls or vertical gardens, have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their ability to improve air quality, enhance aesthetics, and promote sustainability. A green wall is a vertical structure that is covered with living vegetation, typically planted in soil or a hydroponic system, and can be either free-standing or attached to a building's exterior or interior. The concept of green walls dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the mythical hanging gardens of Babylon. The modular living wall was invented by visionary landscape architect Stanley Hart White in 1891. His birthday on February 15 is celebrated each year as International Green Wall Day.
Patrick Blanc, a French botanist, and artist, is credited with inventing the modern green wall in 1986, when he grew the first green wall in Paris, France. He developed the technique of growing plants on a vertical surface, without soil, using a hydroponic system. This innovative approach to creating green spaces has transformed the way the world thinks about urban design and the use of space in cities.
Blanc's patented design, known as the Blanc System, involves installing a metal frame with a layer of PVC or nylon, over which a layer of felt is hung. Plants are then inserted into the felt, which is irrigated with a nutrient-rich solution, and the system is attached to the wall. The plants grow, creating a lush, green wall, which can be customized to suit the environment and the design requirements.
Since the invention and improvement of the green wall, the concept has been adopted worldwide, with many architects and designers using them to enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings and provide environmental benefits. Green walls can provide insulation, improve air quality, and create a more comfortable environment in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Some green walls use artistic designs to enhance their aesthetic.
Each year, on the birthday of Stanley Hart White, celebrate this ecological and architectural wonder by celebrating Green Wall Day.
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