Green walls: A boon for sustainable environment

Abstract

Man‟s desire to create a pleasant environment is probably as old as our civilization. Today a clearer identification of the designer activity leads many people to refer to the field as interior designing, architecture and more recently all those concerned with the shaping of manmade environment, refers to the total field as environment design (Fredmann, et. al., 1970). Green Wall concepts offer numerous economic, social and environmental benefits such as greenhouse gas reduction, adaptation to climate change, air quality improvements, habitat provision and improved aesthetics, where as a lot of these benefits are claimed or not well investigated yet. Walls can form an ideal substrate for partial or complete vegetation of several plant species. By allowing and encouraging plants to grow on walls the natural environment is being extended into urban areas; the natural habitats of cliff and rock slopes are simulated by brick and concrete (Johnston, et. al., 2004). The present paper is the outcome of a research conducted to assess the awareness of the Architects regarding the concept of Green Wall. An educational package (booklet) for enhancing the knowledge regarding the Green Wall is also included in the paper. The current paper would help the Architects and interior designers and other masses to understand the specification of Green Wall, the need for garden to improve environment and the utilization of walls as greenery.