Vertical Gardens: Prototype Designs for Reduction in Weight, Cost, and Complexity

Michael Adam Thomas Clark

Master's thesis

Kvantifikace ekosystémových služeb poskytovaných zelenými stěnami s důrazem na ustanovení potravin a městské chlazení.

Abstract:

Vertical gardens have the ability to provide ecosystem services which benefit both the environment and society. These services can increase and become more effective with a more widespread use of vertical greening systems. This research looks at why vertical gardens are not more widely used and then begins to develop methods to overcome the barriers which prevent the large scale dissemination of vertical gardens. In this research project, three specific problems are addressed; one: wall weight, two: wall cost, and three: wall complexity. A series of prototype walls were designed with these problems in mind and built to be lower weight and lower cost than current walls on the consumer market. The problem of wall complexity was approached by trying to build a system which includes all of the components for plant growth except water and nutrients, and which could be easily erected and grown. The walls were designed to be flexible and easily transported, and they came pre seeded. Once the walls were constructed they were tested in a greenhouse setting to determine if they could complete the first phase of the growth cycle which is germination, in this case using Spearmint (Mentha spicata) seeds. They were weighed at various stages of the process and compared to existing wall designs, and the costs were recorded and also compared with existing market products. The results of the study showed that the walls are substantially lighter and cost less than other wall designs. The growing test showed that pre seeded walls can achieve germination in a greenhouse setting. Although the results show that the concept has the potential to address these problems, there are further challenges with weight, cost and especially complexity of vertical gardens which demand further research.

Abstract:

Vertical gardens have the ability to provide ecosystem services which benefit both the environment and society. These services can increase and become more effective with a more widespread use of vertical greening systems. This research looks at why vertical gardens are not more widely used and then begins to develop methods to overcome the barriers which prevent the large scale dissemination of vertical gardens. In this research project, three specific problems are addressed; one: wall weight, two: wall cost, and three: wall complexity. A series of prototype walls were designed with these problems in mind and built to be lower weight and lower cost than current walls on the consumer market. The problem of wall complexity was approached by trying to build a system which includes all of the components for plant growth except water and nutrients, and which could be easily erected and grown. The walls were designed to be flexible and easily transported, and they came pre seeded. Once the walls were constructed they were tested in a greenhouse setting to determine if they could complete the first phase of the growth cycle which is germination, in this case using Spearmint (Mentha spicata) seeds. They were weighed at various stages of the process and compared to existing wall designs, and the costs were recorded and also compared with existing market products. The results of the study showed that the walls are substantially lighter and cost less than other wall designs. The growing test showed that pre seeded walls can achieve germination in a greenhouse setting. Although the results show that the concept has the potential to address these problems, there are further challenges with weight, cost and especially complexity of vertical gardens which demand further research.

Keywords

Living Wall Systems, Ecosystem Services, Seed Germination, Vertical Gardens

Keywords

Vertical Gardens, Living Wall Systems, Ecosystem Services, Seed Germination

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 21. 4. 2015

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Peter Kumble, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Science

Master programme / field:
Landscape Engineering / Landscape Planning