Architecture Seminar 2012

Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
1
THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD
SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN STRUCTURE
CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
AFFILIATION: BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE (SEMESTER 8), FACULTYOF ARCHITECTURE & THE
BUILT ENVIRONMENT, LIMKOKWING UNIVERSITYOF CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY, MALAYSIA

ABSTRACT
Planting on roofs and faades is one of the most innovative and fastest developing
fields of green technologies with respect to the built environment and horticulture.
From green roof, the same transition seems to be happening with the concept of
green walls. New technologies allow us to create living walls. This is no longer a
concept, but a reality in Europe and a few major walls have been built in the urban
structure such as Barcelona Green Side-Wall.

The aim of this study is to present and evaluate an innovative treatment facility of
green wall. It consists of vertical green can improve the environment in urban areas
and to the multi-scale benefits of vegetation. Therefore, vertical green is becoming a
key design consideration in modern building developments. The main drivers of the
green walls include improving microclimates, reducing the urban heat island effect;
maintaining and improving soil function and water quality, and enhancing the quality
and quantity of plant and animal habitats.
There are two main types of green walls: green faades and living walls, biowalls,
vertical gardens or more scientifically VCW (vertical vegetated complex walls) for
the exterior and interior building envelope. Green faades are walls covered with
climbing plants which are rooted in the ground. Living walls are walls covered by
plants which do not root in the ground, yet root in soil or mats suspended on the wall
itself, and there is a plant watering system to supply fluid and nutrients to the plant.
With green faades the plants are always on outside walls; with living walls the plants
can be attached either on interior or exterior walls. Living walls perform well in full
sun, shade, and interior applications, and can be used in both tropical and temperate
locations. (Wikipedia, 2012)

Keywords: Green Wall; Vertical Green; Green Facade; Green Technology; Sustainability







Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
2
INTRODUCTION
In this modern concrete jungle of many developed and developing countries; the big
cities, metropolitans and such has experienced inevitable lost of green space, due to
converting valuable green space to commercial buildings and towers, factories,
veapartments, residential apartments and housing estates. Growing and nurturing
green gardens, parks have becoming more challenging over the years. The major
cities heat index has increased gradually over the years. Heavy industrialization,
increase numbers of automobile on the road and also increase human populations has
become a significant contribution to pollutions. As a results of all these, a green house
effect is the product of such rapid uncontrolled, unplanned developments.
Contemporary architecture in fact is increasingly focusing on vertical greening
systems as a means to restore the environmental integrity of urban areas, biodiversity
and sustainability. Applying green faades, which is an established feature of
contemporary urban design, can offer multiple environmental benefits on both new
and existing buildings and can be a sustainable approach in terms of energy saving
considering materials used, nutrients and water needed and efficient preservation of
edifices. Green faades are made up of climbing plants either growing directly on a
wall or, more recently, specially designed supporting structures. The plant shoot
system grows up the side of the building while being rooted in the ground. With a
living wall the modular panels are often made of stainless steel containers,
geotextiles, irrigation systems, a growing medium and vegetation. (Wikipedia, 2012)
To provide a full perspective and a viable case study on vertical greening systems a
vertical greenscaping proposal for Limkokwing University campus is developed
throughout this research.
The primary objective of this research is to study how a modern architecture
incorporates with green walls, living walls, bio-walls or often known as the vertical
gardens or more scientifically known as vertical vegetated complex walls can play a
vital role in improving and resolving the mention problems. Apply these green
technologies system in Limkokwing University campus and promoting vertical
greening as a method of green acupuncture in urban settings. Proposed a landscaping
project of the schoolyard we are creating an interactive learning environment where
students will learn how to live a sustainable life in their urban area through
contemporary methods of education.








Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
3
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK































PROPOSED
IMAGE DESIGN
DESIGN
CONSIDERATION
PROPOSAL
PROBLEM STATEMENT
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
GREENSCAPING
SCHOOL
LITERATURE REVIEW

ENVIROMENTALLY
FRIENDLY
AESTHETIC URBAN LIVING
DATA COLLECTION
STATISTIC OBSERVATION QUESTIONNARE
RESULT & ANALYSIS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Figure 1.0 Diagram of Research Approach
S
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1

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A
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2

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Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
4
LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Significance of Green Space in Urban Planning
Rapid urban development leaves less available space for green space and green wall is
one way of reclaiming it. In Sydney 2 Councils have accepted green walls as green
space as part of the planning process. (Mark, 2010) This signifies the importance of
green space in cities where urban development is growing fast.

Cities around the world are becoming denser, with greater built form resulting in
more hard surfaces and less green space, leaving little room for vegetation or habitat.
One way of creating more natural environments within cities is to incorporate green
walls in new buildings or to retrofit them in existing structures. This practice has long
been established in Europe and elsewhere, and now Australia and New Zealand have
begun to embrace it.

1.1 Green Walls Improve Aesthetic in Urban Living
Frank Lloyd Wright once said, "A doctor can bury his mistakes, but an architect can
only advise his clients to plant vines." It turns out that his suggestion is also a good
idea for creating handsome buildings. And who wants to hide an investment in green
away on the roof when you can hang it out for everyone to see. (Alter, 2008)
Edouard Franois is the master of the green faade, saying "'Man can live solely
within architecture. He needs a complex building which must be decorated. Only in
this way can he be happy.' Indeed, in Franois' view, working with nature offers a
welcome complexity: 'Watch a tree. It has a thousand branches, it moves, grows,
changes colour!' (Alter, 2008)
"A sincere artist is not one who makes a faithful attempt to put on to canvas what is in
front of him, but one who tries to create something which is, in itself, a living thing."
Sir William Dobell
Introduction of green walls creates positive consequence of having more new green
space in cities, where available spaces are scarce. Green walls are still newcomers in
landscape architecture, and innovation is fast in this sector. They are invading new
places every day. On bridges and roads, they can cover ugly or decaying concrete
structures.
A Green Wall that are well designed and maintained can significantly enhance a
buildings appearance, whether its to add a new aesthetic dimension, disguise a car
park, refresh a tired faade or add colour and texture to a complete wall or section. In
areas where graffiti is not welcome and is a potential problem, green walls can act as
an effective deterrent, making the application of graffiti to the building structure
almost impossible.
In botanical gardens or in forest it is easy to see that nature has come up with a huge
variety of colours, textures, patterns and sizes. By utilizing this diversity and
incorporating hundreds of species of plants it is possible to create living art. Varieties
of plant with various colours as paints and walls as canvases.
Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
5
The weakness of the green wall is not more than high maintenance work required on a
consistent basis in order to keep the wall living and in natural and healthy condition.
Plants must be maintained, including, trimming, watering, replanting, and washing.

2. Green Walls Improve Urban Climate
Green wall has multiple impacts on cities and citizens: they protect buildings from the
effects of the natural elements, they are introducing more gardens in urban areas and
they can even be used to grow vegetables. Under sun exposure, a bare wall will
contribute to heat conduction inside the building, making the internal building
temperature rise, and contributing to the urban heat island effect. But green walls,
where the leaves of plants lose water through evapotranspiration, lower the
surrounding air and building temperatures. Green walls also depress locally the cities
temperature: they create a microclimate.
Loss of green space is generating excessive heat build up in cities and urban areas,
combined with smog, lenses of hot smoggy air divert weather systems over and
around cities and lead to urban heat island. The urban heat island effect is defined as
a metropolitan area which is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas. A
large portion of this heat comes from the multitude of hard surfaces, including
exposed walls, which radiate the suns energy. Vegetation has been shown to reduce
this effect and the negative impacts it has on life quality. (Patrick, 2011)

The installation of green walls mitigate the management of storm water and improved
water quality by retaining and filtering rainwater through the plants soil and root
uptake zone, hence cooling the walls and building. Heat also could not trap
underneath this green vegetation walls for longer period of time, it provides shedding
from hot sun and UV exposure. A collective effect of such system promotes a cooler
urban climate. Hence it is reducing the urban heat island effect in cities.

2.1 Green Walls Reducing Carbon Footprint and Improving Air Quality
In the natural biological world, plants require carbon dioxide to synthesize food
through direct exposure of sun light in the commonly known process called
photosynthesis. The bi-product of this amazing process is the valuable oxygen to the
earth. Simple equation to note that, the more plants grown in the urban area, will
recycle the carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
As the plants grow in the green walls, they trap carbon dioxide and produce oxygen,
and soak up such pollutants as lead and cadmium. The plants absorb greenhouse gases
from the atmosphere and store it in their tissues, basically acting as carbon sponges.
The way we arrange the plants in our living wall system is quite dense which means
that we are able to have many in a small amount of space. Therefore the carbon that is
sequestered (i.e. absorbed and stored) from, say, a 20 m2 (215 ft2) wall is about the
same as a medium sized tree. (Patrick, 2011)
Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
6
Air quality is improved by a biological process called bio filtration. Air can be forced
past the plants and the soil medium containing microbes, which remove VOC's, dust,
and dirt particles from the air. The pollutants from the air are absorbed into a liquid
phase and consumed by the microbes. The microbes use the pollutants as an energy
source and degrade them to carbon dioxide and water. The air is then pumped through
the traditional HVAC system and is redistributed into the building. An estimated 65%
to 90% of VOC's have been removed using bio filtration. (Appropedia, 2012)
The Tokyo Institute of Technology proved that green walls lower the energetic loss of
buildings. Green walls can also prevent the creation of urban dust (partly due to the
effect of wind over buildings) and absorb heavy metal particulates from the
atmosphere. (Marie, 2012)
With such natural carbon footprint reduction and air quality improvement process, the
condition of the urban area will become more liveable. With proper urban planning
which consider green walls as part of the planning and development, the future
quality of urban living may improve significantly.
Although, the excessive water retention may contribute to high moisture index, hence
lead to mold growing. The moisture level of the green wall needs to be monitored and
controlled accordingly.

3. Green Walls - Cost Effectiveness
Green walls are cost effectiveness. The heating costs, insulation and soundproofing
equals to reduced energy use. Thermal isolation of any surface, resulting in great
energy savings and the heat generated from the Sun light will be absorbed by the
green wall. It also promotes absorption of pollutants and noise, which greatly improve
acoustics.
The primary cause of heat build-up in cities is insulation, the absorption of solar
radiation by roads and buildings in the city and the storage of this heat in the building
material and its subsequent re-radiation. Plant surfaces however, as a result of
transpiration, do not rise more than 45 C above the ambient and are sometimes
cooler. (Ong, 2003) This translates to energy saving. The cost of operating cooling
system is reduced significantly.

From economic perspective green walls has the potential to increase residential and
commercial property values by between 7% and 15%. They help to create a positive
perception for prospective purchasers of property. They soften newly built houses and
give immediate character and warmth. Further, they can improve the environmental
performance of buildings and therefore the economic performance through reducing
heating and cooling costs. Green walls provide screening and or barriers where
fencing regulations may limit alternatives. They may enhance the prospects of
securing planning permission. (Wikipedia, 2012)


Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
7
3.1 Green Walls - Social Perspective
On social perspective green walls may have a positive impact on both physical and
mental health and wellbeing. Green views and access to green spaces in cities help
and relieve the everyday pressures of crowding and noise. They may have a positive
impact on crime reduction since residents living in greener surroundings actually
report lower levels of fear, fewer incivilities, and less violent behaviour. Green walls
can benefit communities socially by instilling higher public esteem and pride for an
area.
Green walls are unlikely to be graphitised, improve the quality and perception of the
urban environment, and can provide security as a dense and natural barrier for
unwanted guests. Green walls can have seasonal variations in colour, growth, flowers,
and perfume which provide all year round interest. Green walls can provide local fruit
and vegetation for the community. All this may contribute to an increase in property
value.
However, one must be careful to choose plants that won't release excessive pollen.
This may contribute to unpleasant health condition to the nearby residence. It may
also attract unwanted insects like termite which may cause problems to wooden
structure in particular.

















Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
8
RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
Green Wall technology may be used for a wide variety of projects - both new build
and refurbishment for a variety of building types. From small garden projects to large
industrial and commercial developments, the benefits of Green Wall systems are
being realised across the public and private sectors.
With carbon reduction targets a key focus for many public sector organisations
(particularly schools and hospitals), Green Walls can play a contributory role,
significantly helping to reduce a buildings carbon footprint.
In schools the systems can also deliver educational benefits, encouraging pupils to
engage with the problems of carbon reduction and climate change and with broader
ecological and environmental issues. Specific systems can be designed to suit a range
of plant types, and as a habitat for different wildlife.
Green Wall systems require very few small fixings and therefore the impact on, or
potential for damage to a buildings faade is minimal. Similarly, the system is set
away from the wall so, with the correct plant choice, plants will not damage the
faade and systems may be used with confidence on existing buildings, even those
that may be listed.
Recent developments in vertical farming techniques also demonstrate the potential
and versatility of Green Wall systems. Using large urban structures to grow crops on
their facades, buildings would become farmscapes - effectively with green walls
providing a sub-structure to support the growth of crops such as fruit and vegetables.
[Green Wall System By MAA Architectural System]

Proposal
In Malaysia, Cyberjaya, the well known IT hub of many Multinational Companies
(MNC) and home to the world renown tertiary institute Limkokwing University is a
great place to start with introducing Green Walls System. This booming metro-city
with more and more MNC and residential development shall incorporate the Green
Walls system in the architecture planning. Limkokwing University shall lead the
others in Cyberjaya becoming the pioneer in this green architecture planning.
In Limkokwing University, the campus walls which are facing East direction shall be
given priority to introduce the Green Walls system. With prolong sun light and UV
exposure to these walls, the building will build up and also trap the heat air and
increase the temperature of the structure and requiring more energy in cooling the
building. Green walls shall be able to counter such problems, which not just cooling
the structure but also promote more natural oxygen to the campus and the surrounding
environment. The ideas of vertical greening Greenscaping School proposal are: -

Raising environment awareness educating young people
Empowerment of local community
Innovative design solutions
Use of eco-friendly materials
Synergy and cooperation of different professions
Aiming towards sustainable future
Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
9
In developing the design for the campus, studied the possibilities for applying soft
landscape for every architectural surface of the buildings. Proposed develop details to
provide for plants to grow on roofs and walls of the buildings. For the campus plaza
building block, its four storey height and the backyard were facing east. For the East
faade of the building, first we make a study and research of climbing plants to be
applied as an architecture screen and prepare to design the detail to allow climbing
plants to grow alongside the 4 storey building block.

The structure could home to a wide assortment of plants, which are watered using a
system of pulleys. Not only is this green wall a fine example of vegitecture, it has also
become a sanctuary for urban birds and the role of plants in creating sustainable
futures. The programme of the vertical greening Greenscaping School: -

Creating an educational vertical garden consisting of Medicinal garden, Butterfly
garden and Aromatic garden

Implementing the concept of experiential and creative learning with banners
illustrating important scientific facts and stories.

Designing an outdoor classroom for workshops, practical classes and
extracurricular activities.

Suggesting new educational uses to boost interaction and creativity.

The programme above proposed to create special ambient that will motivate and
improve socialization, interaction and experiential learning. In this way space will
become an instrument of new knowledge and highlight importance of sustainable
development.

Design Considerations
There are several important design and structural differences between ground-level
garden design and vertical garden design in this research on proposed greenscaping
environment for Limkokwing University campus. Here are a few special construction
requirements and considerations when developing the vertical garden and green wall:
Protection of the structural support system's integrity, and waterproofing
protection of that system.

Positive drainage throughout the system so that plantings at the bottom will have
optimal growing conditions without becoming oversaturated.

A long-term, lightweight planting medium that isn't subject to deterioration
through decomposition (normally, this is a synthetic product).

Irrigation and fertilization for optimum plant growth and sustainability.

Adaptation of the plantings to the environmental conditions.

Provisions for maintenance.

Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
10
The most important element in the construction of a green wall is protecting the
integrity of the structural components that support the vertical garden. For this reason,
there must be waterproofing of exceptional longevity to prevent damage and reduce
the possibility of a long-term, expensive reconstruction. We have to consider about
these things for applying vertical plants on existing building or any construction of
green walls.

a) Load-bearing capacity

The weight of the green wall can be anywhere between 25 and 40 pounds per
square foot once they're fully saturated with water. Consultation with the structural
engineer to verify the load-bearing capacity of the existing wall is needed (or
whatever structure will support the green wall).

b) Waterproofing

Several types of waterproofing are available; however, fluid-applied elastomeric
materials provide excellent protection. The modular system is best protected by a
powder-coated protection similar to the racks in a dishwasher. If funding is not an
issue, the structural members can be constructed of stainless steel vs. waterproofing
the system.

c) Planting provisions

Just like any other planting, the success of the green wall installation is depending
on the correct use of materials and infrastructures to be built on the vertical garden.
It is important to carefully choose and installing the materials of best quality and
species conducive to the green wall environment.

d) Drainage requirements

The drainage system can be designed as a closed system or an open system. In the
closed system, the irrigation water is gathered and recycled. However, this system
needs to drain out little water to control the built up of soluble salts that are left
over of the evaporation of waters. Failure to do so may damage the green wall.

It is more ecological to operate the closed system. But the drawbacks are; if any
plant is infected and disease is introduced into the plantings, it's transmitted
throughout the system by the use of recycled water. However, this drawback can be
managed by a process of ultraviolet sanitation of the recycled water. In an open
system, excess irrigation water is discharged into the building's drainage system.
By using an open system, the build-up of salts in the planting medium, and the
sanitation issues, is reduced significantly.

e) Planting media

The planting media should be lightweight, it should have the ability to hold
nutrients, and it should offer adequate moisture-holding capacity and the capability
of developing a firm root zone (for plant stability)but it must also drain easily. In
addition, if the system is to become an active green wall/bio-wall air-filtration
system, the media must provide adequate air exchange.


Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
11
f) Irrigation

Moisture soil condition is critical to the survival of the green wall. Though it
sounds like an elementary process, it's a rather complex operation. The supply of
water, how it will be supplied, and some inherent problems with water types are all
factors that need to be considered in the design process so that plantings can be
successful and economical. The relatively thin, well-drained, soilless mixtures used
in a green wall cannot provide the plantings with the subsurface water normally
available to ground-level plantings. Care is required to prevent the planting media
from drying out and causing damage to the plant materials. For example, a sensor-
controlled drip irrigation system can manage the irrigation system using a minimum
amount of water.

g) Ventilation

The photosynthesis and transpiration cycles requires good ventilation process,
because it helps dissipate the diffused water vapor molecules resulting from
transpiration. Good ventilation is necessary to maintain a normal transpiration rate,
which, in turn, is necessary for the normal photosynthetic rate. Placement of
HVAC grills next to the planting can result in drying and burned foliage due to
excessive moisture loss (i.e. forced transpiration). This is mainly a problem during
the dry and hot season, when hot, dry, blowing air comes in direct contact with the
plant foliage.

h) Temperature.

Most of the interior green walls are designed using tropical and semitropical plant
materials because of its adaptability to human comfort zones. It's generally
recognized that temperatures of 72 degrees F. in the winter and 75 degrees F. in the
summer are acceptable. Night temperatures can - and should - be 10 degrees cooler,
or between 62 and 65 degrees F.

i) Finishes of surrounding areas

A green wall system generates humidity. Some dripping or splashing may occur
through routine operation and maintenance. This should be taken into account
when determining the finishes around the green wall system.

j) Storage

Gardening materials and supplies are required to be stored in a dedicated storage.
This storage should be readily accessible to the maintenance staff members who
care for the plantings. In addition, this area can function as the location of the green
wall's irrigation controller. Also to take note that, the difficulty in managing a
vertical garden is the safety and serviceability of the plantings. Appropriate lift
systems or ladder systems must be available to facilitate routine maintenance.







Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
12
k) Maintenance

In the budgeting and planning, a regular professional maintenance of the plantings
and facilities should be accounted. Special attention must be given to pruning plant
materials in order to maintain balance between plant size and root growth. Regular
grooming of the plants to remove dead and dying foliage should be accounted for,
and systems should be designed to facilitate this activity.

Proposed Image Design
With such lead by example demonstration, this may create awareness to the nearby
community in Cyberjaya about significance of green walls and impact of green walls
to the surrounding environment.
Below is the photo showing the proposed green wall applying on the plain wall of the
existing building blocks (Digital Innovation Centre, Campus Plaza & Administration
Block) was facing east.








Exiting Eest Faade View of Limkokwing University, Cyberjaya.
Proposed green vertical climbing plants/green wall for the building blocks were facing east.
Figure 2.0 Proposed Green Walls Image for the future development.
Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
13
CONCLUSION
Just to go back in time, before any city or agricultural land was developed what
people would find is an ecosystem that is very diverse, containing many different
plants and animal species. Modern cities and croplands have severely reduced that
biological variety. Our outdoor green walls can be viewed as mini ecosystems; the
incorporation of such a variety of plant species supports many beneficial organisms
such as butterflies, bees, ladybugs and humming birds.
As most people are well aware, rainforests are being cut down and burnt at an
alarming rate with over 6000 square meters (1.5 acres) of rainforest lost every second.
Experts estimate that we are losing 45 plant species every single day due to rainforest
destruction. This equates to over 16,000 species extinction a year! The plants that we
use on our indoor green walls are almost all native to tropical rainforests, living under
the forest canopy. (Patrick, 2011) Whenever possible we try to include species that
are threatened in their natural habitat.
Although a subject of debate, supporters of zoos claim that having wildlife in
captivity, where people can visit appreciate and learn about the animals, teach them to
conserve the ones threatened in the wild. One could argue that the same principle can
be applied to a green wall. If people are up close and personal with a multitude of
plant species perhaps they will have a greater appreciation for the natural world and
try harder to halt habitat destruction.
The reasons for greenscaping school in Limkokwing University: -
Green solution helps better quality of living in the campus

Education is essential for awareness of sustainability

Young people can faster adopt ecological principles

Learning through experience increases the impact of educational programme

Creative learning leads to socialization and team work

Green acupuncture helps improving biodiversity

Good visualization stimulates students curiosity and creativity

Involvement of local community increases local development

A combination of sustainable thinking, education and design creates a strong hold
for a better future

This environmentally friendly method provides an ambiance and a visual marketing
opportunity. And, even though green walls aren't well known in Malaysia or else
South East Asia country, their potential benefit to sustainable projects is significant.
With careful plant selection and planning, the green wall can thrive in most places -
indoors and out. Green walls shall be incorporated in a modern architecture, to build a
future sustainable urban living.


Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
14
REFERENCES
Mark, P. (2011). Going out on a limb, www.greenwall.com.au, Retrieved
November 28, 2012, from http://www.greenwall.com.au/Content/Uploads/
Downloads/GoingOut OnALimb.pdf

Appropedia (2012). Green walls, appropedia.org, Retrieved November 28, 2012,
from http://www.appropedia.org/Green_walls#How_do_Living_Walls_Improve_
Indoor_Air_Quality.3F

Wikipedia (2012). Green wall, Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia, Retrieved
November 28, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_wall

Wikipedia (2012). Living wall, Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia, Retrieved
November 28, 2012, form http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_wall

Marie, L. S. (2012, August). Going Vertical, landarchs.com, Retrieved November
28, 2012, from http://landarchs.com/vertical/

Alter, L. (2008, September 24). 11 Buildings Wrapped in Gorgeous Green and
Living Walls, treehungger.com, Retrieved November 28, 2012, from
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Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
15
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Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
16
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Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
17
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Architecture Seminar 2012
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Research Paper: THE GREEN BUILDING ENVELOPE: VERTICAL GREENING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN
STRUCTURE
Author: CHONG ZUI LING (CHLOE)
Name of Lecturer: AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini
18
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