Ecological-Social Impacts of Vertical Gardens in the Sustainable City Model

Abstract

Issues such as utilization of natural resources, environmental problems and global climate change increase the awareness on “green design” in the built environment and give direction to the attempts of creating cities with natural environment. In this context, planting works are done on the facades of the buildings to reduce the negative impacts of urbanization and create a sustainable city model. These practices are called vertical gardens- living walls- green facades. Vertical gardens, which allow growth of various species of plants in the complicated city life, balance urban ecology and enhance the quality of urban life. Strengthening the urban ecosystem and improvement of economic-social balances constitute the essence of a sustainable city model. Vertical garden practices contribute to increasing air quality, reduction of urban heat island affect, increasing energy efficiency, reduction of noise pollution in addition to reduction of stress caused by the urban life by improving city aesthetic and provide new job opportunities in the economy. In this study, it is aimed to determine ecological-economical-social impacts of vertical gardens to create liveable, ideal and healthy environments and to reveal how they contribute to sustainable urban model. © 2016, Centenary University. All rights reserved.