GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
Designing with a purpose
It is clear that biodiversity net gain can be a positive contributor for tackling climate change , however , the opportunity for positive impact is broader than that . How can we make best use of biodiversity net gain to achieve a wide range of benefits – for people , planet and profit ?
Could the same scheme for delivering an on-site biodiverse habitat also reduce noise pollution from local traffic , improve air quality , regulate temperature or enhance the appearance of urban developments to make them more desirable places to live or work ?
At London Wall Place , in the City of London , Make Architects and Spacehub had a vision to do just that . Creating a green oasis in the heart of the city , next to a busy road , and bringing nature to a concrete pedestrian high walk were part of their vision to enhance the local environment for years to come .
Green infrastructure specialists , ANS Global , were commissioned to create vertical façade living wall space that would improve biodiversity , as well as delivering social impact by improving the local environment , and having a positive impact on air quality and acoustics .
Plant palettes suitable to the location , based in indigenous species , were selected for the project , including plants that came from the Old London Wall as far back as the 1800s . Using a living wall system that includes a natural substrate ( soil ), meant greater flexibility in plant selection , allowing for native species , pollinator planting and sources of nectar , creating a new ecological habitat and nesting areas that encourage natural colonisation .
To complement the base planting and provide colour and variety , bulbs such as crocuses , snowdrops , bluebells , daffodils and other plants were selected to inhabit various microclimates across the location .
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