For some time already, climate scientists have highlighted that our built environment has the potential to help mitigate climate change, support adaptation, and improve public health. The general idea is that the way we design and develop our cities can have a long-lasting positive impact on the sustainability and livability of our urban areas.
With that mind, British architecture firm, Sheppard Robson, has recently unveiled the mixed-use Citicape House in London that will have the “largest living wall in Europe” to help improve local air quality.
The building is primarily intended to host a 382-room-five-star hotel, while also featuring events and co-working space. But the best part of it all is that its green space and roof-top viewing gallery are open to the public and offer unobstructed views of the city beyond. On top of that, the structure’s greenery continues to wrap around the building, with space designed for threatened native wildflower species to flourish.
Citicape House’s design is aimed to produce six tons of oxygen and capture over eight tons of carbon each year. It will also lower the local temperature by three to five degrees Celsius.
The largest living wall will also significantly contribute to improving local air quality by trapping approximately 500kg of particulate matter per year. Overall, the new Citicape House sets the new standard for future developments in London and other metropolises around the world.
This story was one of the best from 2019, and we are happy to include it in our “12 Days of Optimism” as we get ready to welcome 2020!
