2 CASE STUDIES ANALYSIS

2.1 Case Study Analysis: Bosco Verticale, Milan, Italy

Bosco Verticale, meaning "Vertical Forest," is a high-rise residential project located in Milan, Italy, designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti.

The project consists of two towers, measuring 111 meters and 78 meters in height, respectively, with a total of 900 trees and over 20,000 plants integrated into the façades.

The primary objective of Bosco Verticale is to address urban deforestation, improve air quality, and create a sustainable living environment while promoting biodiversity in an urban setting.

Design Strategies:

Vertical Forest Concept: The towers feature cantilevered balconies and terraces designed to accommodate a variety of plant species, including trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Selection of Flora: A diverse range of plant species is carefully selected to attract birds, insects, and other wildlife, creating a habitat within the urban environment.

Irrigation System: An automated irrigation system is employed to provide water to the plants and ensure their well-being.

Environmental Benefits:

Biodiversity Promotion: The integration of plants and trees on the towers' façades provides a habitat for various bird species, insects, and other wildlife, enhancing urban biodiversity.

Air Quality Improvement: The abundant vegetation helps to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, contributing to improved air quality within the immediate vicinity.S

Noise Reduction: The vegetation acts as a natural sound barrier, mitigating noise pollution from the surrounding urban environment.

Sustainable Architecture as a Catalyst for Wildlife Conservation

Social and Economic Implications:

Aesthetic Value: Bosco Verticale enhances the visual appeal of the cityscape, creating an iconic and green landmark.

Improved Quality of Life: Residents of Bosco Verticale experience the benefits of living in close proximity to nature, including enhanced well-being and connection with the natural environment.

Figure 2 section source https://inhabitat.com/bosco-verticale-in-milan-will-be-the-worlds-first-vertical-forest/_bosco-verticale-3/

Economic Viability: The project has been commercially successful, attracting high demand and commanding premium prices for its residential units, thereby demonstrating the market potential of sustainable architectural design.

Impact Evaluation:

Monitoring and Research: The project incorporates monitoring systems to evaluate the effectiveness of its ecological features, including assessments of plant growth, biodiversity, and ecological interactions.

Knowledge Transfer: Bosco Verticale serves as a source of inspiration and knowledge for future sustainable architectural projects worldwide, providing valuable insights into the integration of nature in urban settings.

2.2 Case Study Analysis: Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay

• Overview:

Sustainable Architecture as a Catalyst for Wildlife Conservation

Gardens by the Bay is a prominent urban park located in Singapore, spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land.

The park features several sustainable architectural elements and design strategies aimed at promoting biodiversity and wildlife conservation within an urban setting.

• Supertree Grove: source https://www.nudgeglobalimpactchallenge.com/manmade-trees-waterfalls-and-climates-make-for-a-symbiotic-park/

The Supertree Grove is a key feature of Gardens by the Bay, comprising 18 tree-like vertical structures ranging from 25 to 50 meters in height.

Design and Function: The Supertrees are embedded with vertical gardens, photovoltaic cells, and rainwater harvesting systems. They mimic the ecological functions of trees, providing shade, serving as vertical gardens for plant species, and acting as a platform for environmental sustainability features.

Biodiversity Promotion: The Supertrees offer habitats for a diverse range of plant species, including epiphytes, ferns, and orchids, promoting biodiversity within the urban environment. They also attract various bird species and insects.

• Cloud Forest and Flower Dome: The Cloud Forest and Flower Dome are two conservatories within Gardens by the Bay that house a wide array of plant species from different climate zones.

Ecological Significance: The conservatories employ sustainable architectural features such as energy-efficient glass panels, automated shading systems, and temperature and humidity control mechanisms to recreate distinct environments for various plant species.

Biodiversity Conservation: The conservatories provide habitats for rare and endangered plant species and offer educational opportunities to raise awareness about biodiversity conservation.

Sustainable Architecture as a Catalyst for Wildlife Conservation

• Lakes, Wetlands, and Waterways:

Gardens by the Bay incorporates numerous lakes, wetlands, and waterways, which serve as critical ecosystems for supporting wildlife.

Water Management: Sustainable water management strategies, including rainwater collection, filtration, and recirculation, ensure the conservation of water resources while creating suitable habitats for aquatic and semi-aquatic species.

Avian Sanctuary: The water bodies attract a diverse range of bird species, including resident and migratory birds, providing a sanctuary within the urban landscape.

• Education and Research:

Gardens by the Bay serves as a platform for research, education, and conservation initiatives.

Research Collaborations: The park collaborates with research institutions to conduct studies on biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and conservation strategies.

Educational Programs: Gardens by the Bay offers educational programs to raise awareness about wildlife conservation, sustainability, and the importance of biodiversity.

2.3 Case Study Analysis: The Edge, Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Overview:

The Edge is a sustainable office building located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, designed by PLP Architecture.

The building incorporates various sustainable architectural elements and design strategies aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting biodiversity.

• Biodiversity Integration:

Façade Design: The Edge features a living green wall on its exterior, comprising plants and vegetation. The green wall provides habitats for insects and birds, promoting biodiversity in an urban setting.

Sustainable Architecture as a Catalyst for Wildlife Conservation image source https://placetech.net/news/first-look-into-edge-amsterdam-west/

Bird Boxes and Bat Roosts: The building incorporates bird boxes and bat roosts, providing nesting and roosting spaces for these species, further enhancing biodiversity within the vicinity.

• Energy Efficiency:

Photovoltaic Panels: The building's roof is equipped with a large array of photovoltaic panels, which harness solar energy to generate renewable electricity, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.

Energy Management Systems: The Edge utilizes advanced energy management systems to optimize energy consumption and efficiency, minimizing its carbon footprint.

• Water Conservation:

Rainwater Harvesting: The building incorporates rainwater harvesting systems that collect and store rainwater for reuse in irrigation and flushing toilets, reducing reliance on municipal water supply.

Sustainable Drainage System: The site incorporates sustainable drainage systems, including permeable surfaces and green roofs, to mitigate stormwater runoff and promote water infiltration.

• Occupant Well-being:

Indoor Environment Quality: The Edge prioritizes occupant comfort and well-being through features such as natural daylighting, thermal comfort control, and indoor air quality management systems.

Green Spaces and Rooftop Terrace: The building provides green spaces and a rooftop terrace for occupants, offering opportunities for relaxation, connection with nature, and views of the surrounding environment.

• Technological Innovation:

Sustainable Architecture as a Catalyst for Wildlife Conservation

Smart Building Technologies: The Edge employs various smart technologies, including occupancy sensors, intelligent lighting systems, and advanced HVAC controls, to optimize energy efficiency and enhance occupant comfort.

• Certification and Recognition:

The Edge has achieved several sustainability certifications, including the highest rating (Outstanding) under the BREEAM sustainability assessment method.

The building has received international recognition and awards for its sustainable design and innovative features.

• Overview:

Namba Parks is a mixed-use development located in Osaka, Japan, designed by Jon Jerde Partnership and completed in 2003.

The project incorporates sustainable architectural elements and design strategies aimed at promoting biodiversity and integrating nature within an urban environment.

• Green Roof and Terraces:

Namba Parks features a series of green roofs and terraces at different levels throughout the complex.

Ecological Significance: These green spaces provide habitats for various plant species, attracting insects, birds, and other wildlife, thereby enhancing biodiversity within the urban landscape.

Connectivity: The green roofs and terraces are connected through a network of pathways, creating a continuous green corridor and facilitating wildlife movement.

• Native Plantings:

Sustainable Architecture as a Catalyst for Wildlife Conservation

The landscaping in Namba Parks emphasizes the use of native plant species, which are welladapted to the local climate and support local ecological systems.

Biodiversity Promotion: Native plants attract local bird species, pollinators, and other wildlife, creating a balanced and sustainable ecosystem within the development.

• Water Features:

Namba Parks incorporates several water features, including ponds, waterfalls, and streams, throughout the complex.

Ecosystem Support: These water features provide habitats for aquatic species, attract birds, and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the site.

Stormwater Management: The water features also serve as part of a sustainable drainage system, helping to manage stormwater runoff and improve water quality.

• Vertical Landscaping:

The building facades within Namba Parks integrate vertical landscaping elements, such as green walls and cascading plants.

Biodiversity Enhancement: Vertical landscaping provides additional habitat opportunities for plants, insects, and birds, promoting biodiversity in a vertical urban context.

• Recreational Spaces and Public Access:

Namba Parks offers open public spaces, including gardens, plazas, and rooftop terraces, for recreational activities and community engagement.

Connection with Nature: These spaces allow visitors to connect with nature, experience greenery within the urban environment, and appreciate the biodiversity promoted by the sustainable architectural features.

Sustainable Architecture as a Catalyst for Wildlife Conservation

2.5 INFERENCES

Combining the inferences from the case studies of Bosco Verticale, Milan, Italy; Singapore's Gardens by the Bay; The Edge, Amsterdam, Netherlands; and Namba Parks, Osaka, Japan, several key insights and inferences emerge regarding the role of sustainable architecture in wildlife conservation:

Biodiversity Promotion: Sustainable architectural elements, such as vertical gardens, green roofs, and native plantings, play a crucial role in creating habitats for diverse wildlife species in urban environments. These features attract birds, insects, and other wildlife, contributing to biodiversity conservation.

Urban Green Spaces: Incorporating green spaces within urban developments enhances the quality of the built environment and offers opportunities for wildlife to thrive. Parks, gardens, and open spaces provide vital refuges for wildlife and serve as valuable recreational areas for the community.

Eco-friendly Design Strategies: Sustainable architecture integrates environmentally friendly design strategies, such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems, and smart technologies. These strategies minimize the ecological footprint of buildings while creating conditions conducive to wildlife habitats.

Educational and Research Opportunities: The case studies demonstrate the importance of incorporating educational and research components within sustainable architectural projects. They serve as platforms for raising awareness about wildlife conservation, sustainability, and the ecological significance of urban biodiversity.

Economic Viability and Market Potential: The successful implementation of sustainable architectural features in these case studies highlights the economic viability and market potential of wildlife-friendly and sustainable developments. These projects attract demand, command premium prices, and contribute positively to the reputation and branding of the cities or organizations involved.

Inspiration and Knowledge Transfer: The case studies serve as sources of inspiration and knowledge for future sustainable architectural projects globally. They provide valuable insights into the integration of nature, wildlife conservation, and sustainable design in different urban contexts.

These inferences underscore the significance of sustainable architecture in not only creating aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly buildings but also in promoting wildlife conservation, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature within urban settings