A visual tour of some of the latest in Vegetated Architecture. From the wonderful to the integrated to the sophmoric – the ideas are flowing and the concept is here to stay. A few recent projects:

In todays readings, from Archidose, the amazing pioneer of vertical greening, Patrick Blanc is at it again, creating a softly architectonic form for the CaixaForum Madrid in Madrid, Spain by Herzog & de Meuron (2008). Rusted steel panels and vertical green juxtaposed together. One word: stunning.


:: image via Archidose

A new hypergreen tower by Jacques Ferrier shows elevated pockets called ‘vegetated sky lobbies’ . Again this is one where representation versus realization is a question it provides a compelling building-landscape integration. So good it deserves two shots…

:: images via Green.MNP

A new project, Tuin house, by Reinier de Jong, provides a model of two-story homes are stacked into taller structures – creating vertical suburbs, aimed at providing the amenities of single-family dwellings in high-rise fashion to keep people in more densely populated areas… maybe in Vancouver. While the concept is laudable, the model, which has been floating around for a while, reminds of crappy balsawood models we did in the first year of design studio.

:: image via MoCo Loco

Finally, greening the big box. This prototype Wal-Mart store in Chicago, with gasp! a green roof. I know Wal-Mart is on a kick to ‘green’ up their image (forgetting the third leg of social equity now and again with its employees…) But, how the heck does Chicago get big-box stores to do this. Maybe something Portland can learn from?

:: image via Jetson Green