The Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) will be the greenest building in Milan when completed, which is one of Europe’s most polluted cities.
Designed by Stefan Boeri Architects, as part of their BioMilano vision to incorporate 60 abandoned farms into a greenbelt surrounding the city. The Bosco Verticale building has a green façade planted with dense forest systems to provide a building microclimate and to filter out polluting dust particles. The living bio-canopy also absorbs CO2, oxygenates the air, moderates extreme temperatures and lowers noise pollution, providing aesthetic beauty and lowering living costs.
Each apartment balcony will have trees (900 plantings are planned for the two buildings) that will provide shade in the summer and drop their leaves in winter to allow in winter sunlight. Plant irrigation is provided via a grey-water filtration. Additionally, photovoltaic power generation will help provide sustainable power to the building.
Visit: http://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/
Via Inhabitat
Comments (46)
I think this would definately look super cool, although I do have my doubts it can actually work. What about the roots? on the image there is no space for them to grow, and those trees undoubtedly will grow humongous roots.
Also, how would they prevent branches etc from failing onto the streets?
It is a magnificent idea, very aesthetic and hopefully functional. I´d like to see this happen
written by Dini , October 23, 2011
Also, how would they prevent branches etc from failing onto the streets?
It is a magnificent idea, very aesthetic and hopefully functional. I´d like to see this happen
written by Dini , October 23, 2011
i think if they build it correctly the roots will be able to help maintain the structure, and make it even more stable than a standard building. they probably thought about the branches falling, and will have nets in place, or something. or just directed areas you are allowed to walk outside of the buildings on the ground so that you can stay safe from it. i really wish i could live here. it looks like the most amazing building ever, and i hope they become overgrown with vines, and moss and everything, and it becomes an amazing forest as a balcony for each resident! this is truly the most amazing architecture I've ever seen yet.
written by james , October 23, 2011
written by james , October 23, 2011
Are they going to plant trees on the North face of the building? I don't see how those trees would receive any light.
written by Bob , October 24, 2011
written by Bob , October 24, 2011
It looks like a great idea, though not too well thought out.
Roots certainly won't maintain the structure, in fact, quite the contrary..
The average plant has as much size below ground as above, and those roots will infiltrate the concrete causing water to enter, and cracking the concrete every time the temperature drops below freezing.
Looks fantastic in this rendering, but the finished building will probably be a big disappointment.
written by Big Softy , October 24, 2011
Roots certainly won't maintain the structure, in fact, quite the contrary..
The average plant has as much size below ground as above, and those roots will infiltrate the concrete causing water to enter, and cracking the concrete every time the temperature drops below freezing.
Looks fantastic in this rendering, but the finished building will probably be a big disappointment.
written by Big Softy , October 24, 2011
I think this is a cool idea too, but maybe it should be tried on a smaller scale first. We must learn from the mistakes made in the past. Even Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water house was not built to last the test of time and the power of nature. There should just be more parks in cities, above ground or not.
written by AC , October 24, 2011
written by AC , October 24, 2011
It is true that the roots, if allowed to grow too big, will eventually rip up the concrete. Maybe this could be minimized by frequent trimming and pruning. The roots will usually only grow as big as is necessary to sustain the tops. Falling branches could be a problem, but again keeping it all neat and trimmed can help prevent this. Maybe an overhang around the bottom tier could help catch anything large. One of my biggest concerns would be the leaves in the fall. That would be a huge mess to clean up, and the wind will carry it for blocks. Certain trees will be able to survive on the north face, they will have to be selective about what kind they plant there. They could angle the building so the sides face NE and NW to get a little extra light.For this to work it will take a large crew of landscapers/gardeners working all year round.
written by dirt , October 24, 2011
written by dirt , October 24, 2011
If it was that easy for you guys to think of those problems, im sure they have thought about that. remember its still a work in progress. that image probably is an early one. if they can get those problems out of the way it will be a great idea.
written by Ian , October 24, 2011
written by Ian , October 24, 2011
If there is a storm with any wind........ the trees will become "Missiles" flying projectiles off the building & also through glass doors etc. Lovely idea, however there is a good reason why things are not quasi attached to hi rise buildings
written by Debbie , October 25, 2011
written by Debbie , October 25, 2011
This is kind of ridiculous. As much of a tree hugger as I am, there's no way this could be practical. It would require so much maintenance and even then the building wouldn't last more than a few decades. Even with pruning, the roots will still secrete carbonic acid which will destroy the concrete over time. Also there is a misconception is that roots are about as big as the foliage on top, actually its more like a wineglass sitting on a dinner plate, where the wineglass is the tree and the dinner plate is the extent of the roots. Cool idea, bot innovation will have to come from somewhere else to improve air quality.
written by Calvin , October 25, 2011
written by Calvin , October 25, 2011
Why dont we just stop cutting down the Amazon...
written by Bro , October 25, 2011
written by Bro , October 25, 2011
It looks like the levels are really thick: it might be doable if the whole thing were structurally sound enough to hold the weight of all that dirt. However I think I like vertical gardens better. Mosses and small rooted plants just seem more practical than trees... It'd be cool if we could one day build our skyscrapers to look like trees with interconnected branches.
written by Fyrehed , October 25, 2011
written by Fyrehed , October 25, 2011
News Flash! The building is already under construction, just click on the link. I think it is a great idea. Maybe they have chosen plants that require less root space. Even if the plants are bigger the the average potted plant people will flock to it because it is unique and appealing. By the look of the design, it looks like it allows light to flow through by the way it overhangs and spreads out. The idea has the potential to be profitable, stylish and successful.
written by Colin , October 25, 2011
written by Colin , October 25, 2011
the image is not to scale, sorry
written by FN , October 25, 2011
written by FN , October 25, 2011
This is just not a feasible or practical and here is why:
A root system to anything larger than a bush requires LOTS of room to grow both deep and wide to stabilize the tree. Root systems will continue to grow regardless of the size of the tops of the tree (even if well maintained and pruned). High winds which are typical of high-rise structures will leave the trees susceptible to breaking branches, or (if the roots are not DEEP enough) a possible falling of the entire tree.
Secondly, the watering and feeding of the trees are simply not long-term solutions for a tree's survivability. Just watering trees of that size will require LOTS of water to be run throughout the building for irrigation adding tremendous amounts of weight to the structure. (Not to mention that constantly 'watering' a building is not ideal, as water is the number one reason for deteriorating steel structures).
As for nutrition, (given that the roots are able to support the tree) over time, the dirt will become 'dead' and lacking the sufficient nutrients for a tree to continue living. Think of it this way, a tree takes nutrients and makes leaves, leaves fall off in winter, spring comes and new leaves are grown. This requires lots of nutrients, which are being lost when the leaves fall off, and without a self-replenishing soil system (as found in forests, where leaves and decomposing organic matter add much needed nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to the soil), the trees will simply waste away. Anyone who has kept a plant in a pot for too long will know this!
Honestly, 900 plants between two buildings? How much is the cost of these 'green' buildings? I would bet ANYTHING that constructing two high-rises that house the same amount of people AND covered completely in solar panels, would still leave enough money to plant well over 1000 plants around the city in either parks or along road-sides.
Lastly, I respect the ambition of the architects and government working together to try and solve a serious problem. HOWEVER, projects such as these need to be tested on smaller-scale projects of only 2-4 stories before a high-rise is constructed. Not just to test the strength of the building, but also long-term solutions to keeping the building structurally sound, the trees alive, and the cost-to-benefit ratio of what is being spent compared to just how much of a difference in air-quality this is actually accomplishing...
Yes, the designers of this project HOPEFULLY have considered all of these factors and have done their homework as to which types of plants are practical (while still delivering high air quality), and how to design a structure that can resist roots and water-damage inherent when combining organic and inorganic. I just think that the 'statement' they are trying to make by building this Goliath, may have out-weighed the impracticality of the project.
I would like to maybe make some suggestions to the project, which may add benefits for having trees integrated into a high-rise:
1. A simple water-filtration using the root systems and 'ground' of the balconies to filter non-potable water into useable drinking or 'washing' water.
2. An advanced 'composting' system which will both reduce the buildings waste out-put, AND add valuable nutrients to the soil systems
3. Larger water catchments on top. It is easier to let water run down pipes from the roof, than pump it up 15 floors...
4. Someone mentioned photo-voltaics? (solar panels)....Great! Add more.
Best of luck to anyone who wants to spend a pretty penny (or Euro) and believes it will last 50 years.
written by Colorado , October 26, 2011
A root system to anything larger than a bush requires LOTS of room to grow both deep and wide to stabilize the tree. Root systems will continue to grow regardless of the size of the tops of the tree (even if well maintained and pruned). High winds which are typical of high-rise structures will leave the trees susceptible to breaking branches, or (if the roots are not DEEP enough) a possible falling of the entire tree.
Secondly, the watering and feeding of the trees are simply not long-term solutions for a tree's survivability. Just watering trees of that size will require LOTS of water to be run throughout the building for irrigation adding tremendous amounts of weight to the structure. (Not to mention that constantly 'watering' a building is not ideal, as water is the number one reason for deteriorating steel structures).
As for nutrition, (given that the roots are able to support the tree) over time, the dirt will become 'dead' and lacking the sufficient nutrients for a tree to continue living. Think of it this way, a tree takes nutrients and makes leaves, leaves fall off in winter, spring comes and new leaves are grown. This requires lots of nutrients, which are being lost when the leaves fall off, and without a self-replenishing soil system (as found in forests, where leaves and decomposing organic matter add much needed nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to the soil), the trees will simply waste away. Anyone who has kept a plant in a pot for too long will know this!
Honestly, 900 plants between two buildings? How much is the cost of these 'green' buildings? I would bet ANYTHING that constructing two high-rises that house the same amount of people AND covered completely in solar panels, would still leave enough money to plant well over 1000 plants around the city in either parks or along road-sides.
Lastly, I respect the ambition of the architects and government working together to try and solve a serious problem. HOWEVER, projects such as these need to be tested on smaller-scale projects of only 2-4 stories before a high-rise is constructed. Not just to test the strength of the building, but also long-term solutions to keeping the building structurally sound, the trees alive, and the cost-to-benefit ratio of what is being spent compared to just how much of a difference in air-quality this is actually accomplishing...
Yes, the designers of this project HOPEFULLY have considered all of these factors and have done their homework as to which types of plants are practical (while still delivering high air quality), and how to design a structure that can resist roots and water-damage inherent when combining organic and inorganic. I just think that the 'statement' they are trying to make by building this Goliath, may have out-weighed the impracticality of the project.
I would like to maybe make some suggestions to the project, which may add benefits for having trees integrated into a high-rise:
1. A simple water-filtration using the root systems and 'ground' of the balconies to filter non-potable water into useable drinking or 'washing' water.
2. An advanced 'composting' system which will both reduce the buildings waste out-put, AND add valuable nutrients to the soil systems
3. Larger water catchments on top. It is easier to let water run down pipes from the roof, than pump it up 15 floors...
4. Someone mentioned photo-voltaics? (solar panels)....Great! Add more.
Best of luck to anyone who wants to spend a pretty penny (or Euro) and believes it will last 50 years.
written by Colorado , October 26, 2011
If the average logical person could think of reasons why this won't work, don't you think that the designer or collaborators in construction could too? They wouldn't be building it if it wasn't going to work. Do you think the city wants to waste millions of dollars building something if they don't know every detail? Write's Falling Water was built privately for one family. This is going to be an apartment complex, meaning that it has been approved by the city for construction. Something as bold as this had to have gone through dozens upon dozens of people for approval and I'm sure they thought of and solved any problem that you have.
written by M , October 27, 2011
written by M , October 27, 2011
Looks interesting. But is the air pollution generated while manufacturing so much of cement, steel etc., required for the building lower than the achieved.
Instead , had they gone for Larry Becker kind of building that would have become a role model.
written by Dattatraya Herlekar , October 27, 2011
Instead , had they gone for Larry Becker kind of building that would have become a role model.
written by Dattatraya Herlekar , October 27, 2011
Yes, the scale of the vegetation in the render is way off. This is especially apparent if you take a look at the in progress construction photos on the architects website. Given the scale of the actual balconies, they will probably be capable of supporting small garden trees and large shrubs, as well as smaller understory and ground cover plants. In this case, the fears of massive trees and branches falling into the street below is probably not a big concern,especially if they are held in from the balcony edge at a reasonable distance.
Also, the issues of roots cracking concrete may be contained by installing a gridded structural steel unit system that is essentially a a cage that can contain soil and provide room for roots to grow. This system is used in urban plazas and sidewalks, to prevent tree roots from cracking and dislodging surface pavers. For those concerned about damage from moisture to steel.Remember that steel can be protected against corrosion, think stainless steel or hot dipped galvanized. Also, I would hope that the detailing to protect the structural system from moisture damage is meticulous. Control joints can be used in the concrete to control potential cracking, and these control joints can be protected against moisture.
I think the biggest issue with this concept would be maintenance. Also, I'm not convinced, given the need for regular maintenance, that any energy savings to be had from shading and photovoltaic panels would offset the cost of living in this building.
I think the efforts to provide gardens for tower dwellers are commendable as well as the effort to increase urban biomass. It is something that more designers should explore. Critics need to remember that technical issues of incorporating vegetation into architectural systems are in the relatively early stages of investigation and research. This doesn't mean that efforts in this direction should not be made. These types of projects become case studies for future designs. We learn from both the failings and the successes.
Also, every time you see an architectural render of this nature, take it with a rather large grain of salt. Renders often convey the fantasy or the guiding vision of a project rather than the finished product, and they are often produced well before any technical issues have been resolved. Think of them as a means to communicate the dream of the project
written by v , October 27, 2011
Also, the issues of roots cracking concrete may be contained by installing a gridded structural steel unit system that is essentially a a cage that can contain soil and provide room for roots to grow. This system is used in urban plazas and sidewalks, to prevent tree roots from cracking and dislodging surface pavers. For those concerned about damage from moisture to steel.Remember that steel can be protected against corrosion, think stainless steel or hot dipped galvanized. Also, I would hope that the detailing to protect the structural system from moisture damage is meticulous. Control joints can be used in the concrete to control potential cracking, and these control joints can be protected against moisture.
I think the biggest issue with this concept would be maintenance. Also, I'm not convinced, given the need for regular maintenance, that any energy savings to be had from shading and photovoltaic panels would offset the cost of living in this building.
I think the efforts to provide gardens for tower dwellers are commendable as well as the effort to increase urban biomass. It is something that more designers should explore. Critics need to remember that technical issues of incorporating vegetation into architectural systems are in the relatively early stages of investigation and research. This doesn't mean that efforts in this direction should not be made. These types of projects become case studies for future designs. We learn from both the failings and the successes.
Also, every time you see an architectural render of this nature, take it with a rather large grain of salt. Renders often convey the fantasy or the guiding vision of a project rather than the finished product, and they are often produced well before any technical issues have been resolved. Think of them as a means to communicate the dream of the project
written by v , October 27, 2011
this is ridicules. so un-natural and inhuman. I hate to think this is what our future might look like.
written by hey , October 28, 2011
written by hey , October 28, 2011
Although this is a brilliant idea and has the potential to provide greener spaces in urban environments, it should not be treated as the ultimate solution to habitat loss. Although this structure can support a variety of life, it is not an ideal habitat nor is it holistic in its design. It is important to remember that holistic ecosystems need to provide habitats for a diverse range of life forms, which this design does not. Mammals, amphibian, reptile, microbial and insect life forms may not, and likely will never, reside in such a structure, whereas bird species may thrive. Furthermore, I forsee that the limitation on light within the inner-most parts of the building will limit the ability of flora to successfully flourish.
Man cannot successfully replicate the natural environment with as much detail as millions of years of evolution .... no matter how hard one tries.
written by ANONYMOUS , October 28, 2011
Man cannot successfully replicate the natural environment with as much detail as millions of years of evolution .... no matter how hard one tries.
written by ANONYMOUS , October 28, 2011
What about the wind resistance? The building will not take much wind.
written by Pierre , October 28, 2011
written by Pierre , October 28, 2011
most of the commenters have it right. the trees will tear the building apart. but there is another thing: they're going to have to pump a LOT of water through that building to water all those trees, and to do that is going to take a bunch of energy UNLESS they have an adequate water catchment system or something.
written by mralmostright , October 30, 2011
written by mralmostright , October 30, 2011
Uhm ... guys ... this isn't a concept. It is being built. Now. Additional details can be found at the architects website: www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net
written by Anthony , October 31, 2011
written by Anthony , October 31, 2011
1) it states clearly that grey-water is to be used to water the balcony gardens. Grey water: bathroom sink, shower drain, laundry drain (provided phosphate free detergent is used).
2) Roof gardens are NEVER dirt-on-concrete. EPDM and other "synthetic rubber" roofing systems are always used to prevent water intrusion and therefore prevent root penetration (The roots are chasing water, not "exploring" randomly into the depths of the building)
3) Everyone knows that a tree with a limited amount of soil/root space will stop growing (that is in fact what Bonsai trees are all about).
written by 206fix , November 01, 2011
2) Roof gardens are NEVER dirt-on-concrete. EPDM and other "synthetic rubber" roofing systems are always used to prevent water intrusion and therefore prevent root penetration (The roots are chasing water, not "exploring" randomly into the depths of the building)
3) Everyone knows that a tree with a limited amount of soil/root space will stop growing (that is in fact what Bonsai trees are all about).
written by 206fix , November 01, 2011
Cool, but what happens in fifteen years when they grow too tall to fit under the roof of the balcony above it?
written by amazinggrace1594 , November 01, 2011
written by amazinggrace1594 , November 01, 2011
Headline should have been: "Italian's attempt to make world's largest Chia Pet"
written by Kenji Crosland , November 01, 2011
written by Kenji Crosland , November 01, 2011
Many legitimate concerns here. Could still be a failure, but surely most of these concerns must have been dealt with, otherwise what investors, banks would want to get involved?
written by Matt , November 02, 2011
written by Matt , November 02, 2011
Solve the plant height problem by populating the building with dwarfs. More risky, might the job for pruners...unless the dwarfs don't need much maintenance.
written by Timing , November 03, 2011
written by Timing , November 03, 2011
Why not grow hemp instead of trees?
More CO2 absorbed, more oxygen produced and lots
More building material,
Paper material, biodegradable plastic material, food material, etc etc created. Wake up People, cannabis (hemp) is here to help us.
written by Hemp4Fuel , November 03, 2011
More CO2 absorbed, more oxygen produced and lots
More building material,
Paper material, biodegradable plastic material, food material, etc etc created. Wake up People, cannabis (hemp) is here to help us.
written by Hemp4Fuel , November 03, 2011
Hey here's an idea..how about instead of trying to be all new age and innovative, we stop destroying every natural living plant in the world FIRST..
written by Anon , November 04, 2011
written by Anon , November 04, 2011
i'll wait to see what the experiment will show over 10 years after completion.. :) should be very educational and useful for future projects..:)
but, what will happen when the Forest INDUSTRY comes to clear-cut your house!!!!! :) TIMBER!! from 20th floor!!!
written by Ralph , November 07, 2011
but, what will happen when the Forest INDUSTRY comes to clear-cut your house!!!!! :) TIMBER!! from 20th floor!!!
written by Ralph , November 07, 2011
Beauty really does come in all forms.
written by Andrea , November 09, 2011
written by Andrea , November 09, 2011
This is so unnecessary and completely absurd. Nature is a beautiful thing and its beauty comes from it being natural. This is anything but natural. Im sure it will look cool but this is a disgrace to nature and all it stands for. Trees are meant to be homes for animals and insects, how are animals going to use this man-made, unnatural structure? Modernism has gone too far. I think its outrageous to modernize nature.
written by Avery , November 14, 2011
written by Avery , November 14, 2011
It's not a replacement for the environment- it's just an attempt to improve air quality in a really polluted city. If that works, all power to them. I agree that everyone should be putting money toward conserving lands of biodiversity, but that won't help air quality of an extremely dense, polluted community, which is the sole focus of this project.
written by Sara , November 27, 2011
written by Sara , November 27, 2011
So Avery, are you against orchards and gardens too? They aren't exactly "natural".
Pretty amazing project all around; I wonder if they considered having vines hanging from the balconies to form a kind of green curtain in places.
written by David , November 30, 2011
Pretty amazing project all around; I wonder if they considered having vines hanging from the balconies to form a kind of green curtain in places.
written by David , November 30, 2011
While air filtration is a plus, there are a number of things wrong with these buildings. It's been pointed out that these can't replace a natural ecosystem as far as sustaining biodiversity. Their plan to use photovoltaic power is a pretty backwards idea considering much of the sunlight is blocked by the trees. Aside from that the shadow cast by these huge buildings will have a large impact on the heating costs of the buildings to their north.
written by Yannai , December 02, 2011
written by Yannai , December 02, 2011
Thats right, Yannai. I can imagine a string of demands from tenants in the future wanting to have trees trimmed to allow some natural light in as well. If this did work as shown it would be like living in a cave.
written by Eric , December 08, 2011
written by Eric , December 08, 2011
Where will the roots of the trees grow? I have seen roots damage concrete.. is that a concern?
written by Sandy , December 09, 2011
written by Sandy , December 09, 2011
it seems to be awesome but practically i do not think it is possible, trees are huge and the security of the building would be at stake. especially when the roots start growing.
written by sagarika ranjan , December 09, 2011
written by sagarika ranjan , December 09, 2011
Who can afford this? It won't get built in the current economy unless that is where all the corrupt bureaucrats decide to live.
But seriously, it's a good idea if it's meany as a symbolic gesture toward a greener way of living. It is pleasing that it states that it is being done in conjunction with the revitalization of 60 farms.
Clearly not many of the commentators have grown bonsai. It's not the great outdoors. The plants would be pruned over time and have their vertical growth restricted. The logistical problem would arise when they need to be "re-potted" every 5 years or so to refresh the soil.
written by The Awful Truth , December 16, 2011
But seriously, it's a good idea if it's meany as a symbolic gesture toward a greener way of living. It is pleasing that it states that it is being done in conjunction with the revitalization of 60 farms.
Clearly not many of the commentators have grown bonsai. It's not the great outdoors. The plants would be pruned over time and have their vertical growth restricted. The logistical problem would arise when they need to be "re-potted" every 5 years or so to refresh the soil.
written by The Awful Truth , December 16, 2011
YOU ATTEMPT TO PLAY GOD.
written by Repent, sinners , December 23, 2011
written by Repent, sinners , December 23, 2011
Its amazing how many think a green building actually has to be green in color and covered in green vegetation
written by michael , January 25, 2012
written by michael , January 25, 2012
Remember, tree roots are for nutrient uptake and stability. With man-made supports and hydroponic watering, the root mass could be kept small.
Also, I think the image of the trees on the edge of buildings is the romanticized version. The actual building would have internal courtyards and lots of shrubs. No liability of falling branches.
written by RugbyHukr , February 02, 2012
Also, I think the image of the trees on the edge of buildings is the romanticized version. The actual building would have internal courtyards and lots of shrubs. No liability of falling branches.
written by RugbyHukr , February 02, 2012
Not a single one of you knows what they are talking about. None of you are qualified to be making these assumptions concerning the success of this project. Thats why these apartments will cost a premium price- because they pay people who know what they are doing to design it for them!
written by Matt Tank , February 07, 2012
written by Matt Tank , February 07, 2012
I think it looks dangerous. Too high. What happens when a bad storm comes through.
written by kevin , February 12, 2012
written by kevin , February 12, 2012
Obviously, this is nothing more than a ploy to make people *think* they are trying to be green. Any good scientist knows that most of the world's oxygen comes from algae, and that higher plants actually consume oxygen and expire carbon dioxide during certain growth cycles. However, a building coated in oxygen-producing algae would look "icky" and "gross". So instead, some architect decided that he would put trees all over the place, because trees are like totally cool and green and stuff. As for the building collapsing due to root weight or growth or whatever-it won't happen. Roots only grow as deep or wide as needed to obtain water. Once that water is obtained, the roots stop growing. The science for this kind of ridiculousness exists, but it is not a practical measure to combat global warming. It is a "feel good" project and nothing more.
written by will engineer plants for fuel , February 20, 2012
written by will engineer plants for fuel , February 20, 2012
Write comment
Show/Hide comment form
written by Sue , October 23, 2011