Vertical Gardening (Speculative) Rainwater harvesting irrigates the garden, while plants provide critical habitat for animals and invertibrates.
Vertical gardens are extremely limited in cold climates. Hydroponic systems are out of the question, and soil bearing designs are currently very limited. The thesis undertook the challenge of designing a vertical garden system that would thrive in cold climate urban environments. This spread shows concept sketches of the final design; a soil bearing system that is planted with native plants from various Manitoban plant communities, many of which are currently threatened or rare in Manitoba. The design framework was undertaken within microclimate conditions unique to vertical gardens, as well as neighbourhood and regional (micro) climates. Parameters followed for vertical garden design in Winnipeg are: to ensure that lightweight materials are used, to provide insulation to protect plants from sudden temperature changes, to choose plants that grow in the region and are adapted to grow in areas with limited soil, increased wind, varying degrees of sunlight (depending on orientation), and increased pollution and salt spray depending on location. Theories relating to the study of green walls covered in the thesis include the human ecosystem model, urban reconciliation ecology, habitat templating, the urban cliff hypothesis, and wall ecology. To read the thesis in full, click here. Nighttime concept sketch showing illuminated gardens adding significant interest to the existing facade and signage.
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