SYMBIOTIC SOCIETIES: Harnessing Vertical Greenery Systems in Urban Environments

Abstract

In densely populated areas where horizontal green spaces compete with residential or corporate real estate, Vertical Greenery Systems (VGS) are becoming increasingly relevant in finding solutions to incorporate nature into the urban landscape as “sustainable vertical urbanism.”Studying the history of architectural greenery informs our understanding of how cultures’ attitudes towards plants have developed, and what challenges previous builders had to overcome or ignore. The record of successful forms of architectural greenery shows that structural systems where plants are not in their natural environment are difficult to preserve. To ensure the best outcome for VGS initiatives, a few key issues must be addressed: issues in management, technical issues, issues in maintenance, issues in mindset, and issues in undervaluing maintenance workers. These challenges can be overcome with conceptual shifts in mindset that can be achieved by operational and technical means. While there are notable hurdles surrounding VGS, it may also be one of the many avenues that can further advance human relations and productivity.