Urban Vertical Green

The need and potential of vertical greenery systems in dense urban areas

Urban population is on the rise, and therefore the demand for liveable cities keeps increasing. To achieve this, cities need to become greener. But in a lot of cities, the spatial density prevents conventional horizontal forms of greening. Therefore, alternative ways of greening, such as vertical greenery systems, become necessary for the integration of greenery into dense parts of the city. This study presents a GIS-based multi-criteria analysis that indicates which areas need greenery the most. Amsterdam is taken as the case study. The multi-criteria analysis has shown that the historic centre of Amsterdam needs greenery the most. The suitability for vertical greening in these locations was analysed, leading to certain facades. A case study of the most suitable façade and its local conditions showed what types of vertical greenery systems and plant species could be applied. This provided an initial selection of possible systems and plant species. Based on the preferences of the stakeholders, a direct green façade made of Ivy was deemed as most suitable. Further research on how dense, urban, and possibly historic areas can be greened is necessary to broaden the possibilities in which this can be done.