The Use of Vertical Gardens as a Network of Urban Navigation Elements with a Positive Impact on Biodiversity and Microclimate in a Dense Urban Environment

Abstract

Horizontal green areas are becoming valuable, yet extruded spots, and their constant elimination at the expense of commercial and housing developments is disrupting green infrastructure. Interlocked existing urban structures seldom allow for the creation of parks and larger green open spaces, which could provide a habitat for a wide range of insects, birds, and other small animals. The lack of green spaces causes urban heat islands (UHI) over the cities. Vertical gardens are alternative solutions for urban areas, where it is not possible to increase biodiversity by creating new horizontal green areas. They effectively utilise surfaces that would otherwise be unused and transform them into effective green infrastructure elements.

Keywords

• verticalgardens
• green walls
• densely urbanised cities
• urban heat island mitigation
• urban design
• living walls