Vertical Green Landscape Facades as a Reducer of Pollution in HighDensity Cities: A Review

Authors

  • Anna Hamling * South Dakota State University
  • Caitlyn Van Dam South Dakota State Univeristy
  • Victoria Dubbeldee South Dakota State Univeristy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55121/upc.v2i1.128

Keywords:

Vertical green landscape, High-density cities, Pollution reduction, Sustainability, Green infrastructure, Urban design, Environmental challenges, Social concerns, Urbanization, Well-being, Livability, Microclimates, Aesthetics, Public perception

Abstract

As urbanization continues to intensify, high-density cities grapple with escalating environmental and social challenges that directly impact the well-being of their inhabitants. This paper explores the potential of vertical green landscape facades as a pragmatic solution to mitigate these issues while fostering sustainability within urban environments. In recent times, vertical green landscape design concepts have garnered increasing attention and popularity for their ability to combat pollution and enhance the quality of life in densely populated urban areas. This paper delves into the manifold benefits of vertical green landscapes, as demonstrated by recent research, focusing on their positive reception among the public and their capacity to offer novel avenues for developing green infrastructure. Through an in-depth analysis of relevant literature and case studies, this paper evaluates the role of vertical green landscapes as an effective reducer of pollution in high-density cities. It discusses their capacity to mitigate air and noise pollution, improve microclimates, and contribute to urban aesthetics. Additionally, it addresses the social and psychological advantages of integrating these green systems into urban design, emphasizing their potential to enhance the well-being and livability of city dwellers. By combining quantitative and qualitative methods, the study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with these innovative urban green solutions. In conclusion, this paper underscores the pivotal role of vertical green landscape facades as a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing means of combatting the environmental and social challenges of high-density urbanization. By presenting empirical evidence of their efficacy and positive reception, it advocates for their increased integration into urban planning and design strategies as a pragmatic response to the complex issues faced by contemporary cities.

References

[1] Beatley, T., 2011. Biophilic cities: Integrating nature into urban design and planning. Island Press: Washington, D.C.

[2] Nowak, D.J., Crane, D.E., Stevens, J.C., 2006. Air pollution removal by urban trees and shrubs in the United States. Urban Forestry &

[3] Urban Greening. 4(3–4), 115–123. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2006.01.007

[4] Akbari, H., Pomerantz, M., Taha, H., 2001. Cool surfaces and shade trees to reduce energy use and improve air quality in urban areas.

[5] Solar Energy. 70(3), 295–310. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0038-092X(00)00089-X

[6] Santamouris, M., 2014. Cooling the cities—a review of reflective and green roof mitigation technologies to fight heat island and improve

[7] comfort in urban environments. Solar Energy. 103, 682–703.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2012.07.003

[8] Moazzeni Khorasgani, A., Haghighatbin, M., 2023. Explanation of practical landscape characteristics in historical context revitalization

[9] -case study: Takht-e-Gonbad Neighborhood-Isfahan-Iran. MANZAR, the Scientific Journal of Landscape.DOI: https://doi.org/10.22034/MANZAR.2023.384644.2223

[10] Moazzeni Khorasgani, A., Villalobos, M.H., 2023. Mindscape and its effect on cities’ sustainability: A case study of Bronzeville

[11] Neighborhood—Chicago. Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies. 2350016.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1142/S2345748123500161

[12] Shedid, M.Y., Hefnawy, N.H., 2022. Influence of landscape elements on visual design elements in order to enhance the visual quality

[13] of urban spaces. Journal of Engineering Research. 6(4), 127–134.

[14] Oloś, G., 2023. Green facades support biodiversity in urban environment—A case study from Poland.Journal of Water and Land Development. 59, 257–266.

[15] Ling, T.Y., Hung, W.K., Lin, C.T., et al., 2020. Dealing with green gentrification and vertical green-related urban well-being: A contextualbased design framework. Sustainability. 12(23),

[16] DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su122310020

[17] Ye o m , S . , K i m , H . , H o n g , T. , 2 0 2 1 . Psychological and physiological effects of a green wall on occupants: A cross-over study in virtual reality. Building and Environment. 204, 108134. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108134

[18] Goel, M., Jha, B., Khan, S., 2022. Living walls enhancing the urban realm: A review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 29(26), 38715–38734. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19501-7

[19] Kowarik, I., 2011. Novel urban ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation. Environmental Pollution. 159(8–9), 1974–1983. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2011.02.022

[20] Ogut, O., Tzortzi, N.J., Bertolin, C., 2022. Vertical green structures to establish sustainable built environment: A systematic market review. Sustainability. 14(19), 12349. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912349

[21] Elsadek, M., Liu, B., Lian, Z., 2019. Green façades: Their contribution to stress recovery and well-being in high-density cities. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 46, 126446. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2019.126446

[22] Demuzere, M., Orru, K., Heidrich, O., et al., 2014. Mitigating and adapting to climate change: Multi-functional and multi-scale assessment of green urban infrastructure. Journal of Environmental Management. 146, 107–115. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.07.025

[23] Viecco, M., Jorquera, H., Sharma, A., et al., 2021. Green roofs and green walls layouts for improved urban air quality by mitigating particulate matter. Building and Environment.

[24] , 108120.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108120

[25] Priya, U.K., Senthil, R., 2021. A review of the impact of the green landscape interventions on the urban microclimate of tropical areas. Building and Environment. 205, 108190. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108190

[26] Naqvi, S.M.S., 2023. Maximizing green space in a building complex through alternative landscape design elements [Bachelor’s thesis]. Delhi: Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.

[27] Perini, K., Rosasco, P., 2013. Cost-benefit analysis for green façades and living wall systems. Building and Environment. 70, 110–121.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2013.08.012

[28] Chew, M.Y.L., Conejos, S., Azril, F.H.B., 2019. Design for maintainability of high-rise vertical green facades. Building Research & Information. 47(4), 453–467. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2018.1440716

[29] Miller, R.W., Hauer, R.J., Werner, L.P., 2015. Urban forestry: Planning and managing urban greenspaces. Waveland Press: Long Grove.

[30] Luttik, J., 2000. The value of trees, water and open space as reflected by house prices in the Netherlands. Landscape and Urban Planning. 48(3–4), 161–167. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-2046(00)00039-6

[31] Chan, S.H.M., Qiu, L., Esposito, G., et al., 2021. Vertical greenery buffers against stress: Evidence from psychophysiological responses in virtual reality. Landscape and Urban Planning. 213, 104127.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.

[32] 2021.104127Pérez-Urrestarazu, L., Fernández-Cañero, R., Franco-Salas, A., et al., 2015. Vertical greening systems and sustainable cities. Journal of Urban Technology. 22(4), 65–85.

[33] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10630732.2015.1073900

[34] Hamann, M., Biggs, R., Reyers, B., 2015. Mapping social-ecological systems: Identifying ‘green-loop’ and ‘red-loop’ dynamics based on characteristic bundles of ecosystem service use. Global Environmental Change. 34, 218–226. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2015.07.008

[35] Khorasgani, A.M., Villalobos, M.H., Eskandar, G.A., 2023. Sustaining historic cities: An approach using the ideas of landscape and place. ISVS e-Journal. 10(1), 320–332.

Downloads

Issue

Section

Research article