Green architecture could bring a whole new meaning to the “concrete jungle.” After Milan was named the most polluted city in Europe, the city found a way to counter that. In 2014, two new skyscrapers like none before were inaugurated. The residential towers house not only its residents. Bosco Verticale holds more than 25,000 plants. The plants help filter CO2 for all of Milan. This vertical forest solves the problem of pollution in the simplest way: through nature. There’s no better or easiest way to counter climate change than with nature itself. These green skyscrapers don’t just help the environment, they also beautify the city!

The Bosco Verticale towers in Milan are part of the green architecture movement. Including plants in architecture, help reduce the city’s temperature, absorb pollution, and help its citizen breathe. Having plants as part of the city’s architecture also helps bring comfort to residents and those walking by. Being surrounded by nature encourages calmness and relaxation, even while surrounded by concrete. They also solve the issue of not having enough space for greenery in a densely populated city. When you can’t build sideways, why not build up?

When wanting to join the fight against climate change, you can always start in your own home. Living walls are a great example of green architecture that anyone can start in their own backyard. To start your own living wall, find plants that easily grow up and can e sustained by your soil and existing wall alone. Your green wall, like the green skyscraper in Milan, can help absorb harmful chemicals that pollute your town. 

The amazing advantage to green walls is that they don’t have to be outside!

New York City has seen green walls all over its architecture, both inside and outside. While NYC is known for its parks, it’s also famously known as the concrete jungle. Townhouses all over the city now traded the iconic brick and stone façade for plant-covered walls. Coffee shops and stores proudly exhibit their green canvases instead of generic, mass-produced painting. Having a living wall inside can even help reduce noise pollution!

Eco Brooklyn is the mastermind behind many of NYC’s iconic living walls. The company creates the “perfect blend of art and cutting-edge technology […] that feed the soul and bring the beauty of nature to any space.” If you’re looking to start a living wall of your own, the company also has soil recommendations and blog posts to help you through it. Even when indoors, living walls still filter CO2 emission and increases oxygen levels. Not to mention the mental health benefits that being surrounded by the tranquility of nature while working in an office.

We have written about the easiest house plants to take care of even if you have a black thumb. We’ve made a simple beginner’s guide to composting at home. We’ve even laid out the basics of urban gardening. We’ve even shown you different ways you can build your eco home. And so, why not change our perceptions and start seeing plants as art pieces? That’s exactly what green architecture is all about. Adding greenery to buildings and walls inside softens our usual concrete sights. It alleviates the sharpness of buildings, betters our air, cools our city, and serves as a great conversation starter. Next time you’re looking for a new artist to embellish your home, consider mother nature!