Green walls are independent vertical structures attached to the wall provided with a medium for plants and attached built-in irrigation systems. We are living in a polluted environment, hence it is advisable to maintain trees and plants that purify the air and makes us free, fresh and energetic. This article is about green walls and their healing benefits.
The green walls are the best option to make us feel close to nature. The concept of Green walls is getting popular nowadays. It was earlier confined to commercial and residential establishments. They are slowly getting into the residential atmosphere as an architectural concept. Surprisingly the green walls are much more than a back to nature architectural concept.
WHAT ARE GREEN WALLS?
Green walls consist of plants grown in a medium and placed on horizontal walls using a framing system. The system members are assembled structurally and fixed to the wall. The system includes both automatic and manual watering facilities.
Also read : Green Roofs- Types, Features and Advantages
BENEFITS OF GREEN WALLS
Environmental and healing benefits
Plants naturally take in carbon dioxide and absorb pollutants and then expel fresh, clean oxygen. Green walls make us happier and energetic with their close to natural abilities. They can lift our moods and help us to forget the feel of a busy urban atmosphere. It is a proven fact that nature can heal a lot of human behaviourism like anxiety, depression, aggression stress, mental fatigue etc. Ashrams built across the world are full of greenery and are the best destinations for healing minds.
Architectural and visual appeal
They are visually appealing and give an entirely different feel from the conventional interiors. The space looks bright, charming and pleasing due to the presence of living walls.
Energy efficiency
The outdoor green walls are energy efficient as they can reduce the heat transmission to the interiors in areas where they are exposed to direct sunlight. The transpiration process of plants can reduce indoor heat to an extent and function as an energy-efficient solution. Transpiration is a process in which the plants release water in the form of moisture or water vapour.
Acoustic properties of green walls
Vertical gardens have good acoustic properties. Indoor vertical gardens absorb high-frequency noises.
Improving air quality
Environmental pollution is the biggest challenge we are facing nowadays due to industrialisation. Being close to nature can reverse the urbanisation effect to some extent. Apart from the action of photosynthesis plants are known to absorb poisonous gases by purifying the air. Studies show that they can reduce harmful pollutants to an extent of about 25-30 %.
Recreating eco systems.
The vertical gardens can recreate a missing natural ecosystem in the urban areas.
Biophilic effects ( productivity increase) of Green walls
Being close to plants can have a positive impact on an individual’s well being. Studies have shown that even seeing nature while working can increase job satisfaction. The installation of a green wall also makes the employees feel at ease with the companies commitment to maintaining a healthy work environment. By spending about 8 -12 hours in offices people develop a lot of discomforts due to inadequate ventilation, chemical indoor pollutants etc. Vertical gardens reduces such discomforts to an extent.
Leeds certification
Green walls are an internationally recognised green building certification (LEEDS) system. They help in transforming the design, construction and operation of buildings. Vertical gardens can secure LEEDS points due to their eco-sensitive and sustainable solutions in terms of water usage and environmentally friendly qualities. The LEEDS certification tends to increase the property values too. For more details about LEEDS certification refer the article “LEED certification India- A comprehensive guide”
Living walls contain a large number of plants placed horizontally in a relatively small area. This can provide the maximum benefit, as they are installed using minimal floor space.
INDOOR AND OUT DOOR GREEN WALLS
OUT DOOR WALLS
Outdoor living walls are visual elements and the plants chosen are to be in line with the prevailing climatic conditions of that area. The plants have to look good, absorb rainwater, insulate buildings and have to be cost-effective.
INDOOR WALLS
Unlike outdoor plants, indoor plants have space restrictions, size restrictions and species restrictions. The plant choice will be limited to indoor plants with air purification abilities. This system is suited to be fixed lengthwise than height wise for easy maintenance.
Hence it can be concluded that green walls are not a mere architectural concept for visual appealing , but an environmental friendly, sustainable, energy efficient, accounting option which can give mental peace, and feel the nurturing of nature.