Breathing Easy: Living Walls Transforming Airports Worldwide
Living wall at Edmonton Airport provides greenery and improved air quality
Airports, the bustling gateways to the world, are not only hubs of connectivity but also magnets for stress and environmental challenges, notably air pollution. However, an a nature-based solution is taking flight, quite literally, across terminals worldwide: Living Walls. These verdant installations not only combat air pollution but also optimize space and create a tranquil oasis for travelers from every corner of the globe.
How do living walls help combat air pollution in airports?
Airports, with their constant stream of vehicles and aircraft, are notorious hotspots for air pollution. The enclosed spaces of terminals exacerbate this issue, leading to poor indoor air quality that can affect the health and well-being of passengers and staff. Enter Living Walls: natural air purifiers that filter out harmful pollutants and release fresh oxygen into the environment. By harnessing the power of plants, airports can significantly reduce levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and improve indoor air quality, creating a healthier atmosphere for all.
Living wall at Bangalore International Airport Terminal by Sreenag Pictures
How do vertical gardens save space in airports?
In the crowded confines of airports, space is a precious commodity. Living Walls offer a vertical solution to this spatial challenge, transforming blank walls into vibrant green canvases. By maximizing vertical space, airports can introduce nature into their architecture without sacrificing valuable floor area. These vertical gardens not only beautify terminals but also serve as functional elements that contribute to a more sustainable and visually appealing airport environment.
Bangalore International Airport Terminal by Sreenag Pictures
Why are living walls a universal solution for global airports?
Airports cater to a diverse array of travelers from around the world, each with their own cultural backgrounds and preferences. Living Walls transcend language barriers and cultural divides, offering a universally appreciated solution to the common challenges faced by airports worldwide. Whether in bustling metropolises or remote destinations, the calming presence of greenery evokes a sense of serenity and connection to nature that resonates with travelers of all nationalities.
Can living walls help reduce stress for travelers?
Traveling can be a stressful experience, with long lines, security checks, and flight delays adding to the tension. Living Walls provide a natural antidote to the chaos of travel, offering a sanctuary of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of airport terminals. Studies have shown that exposure to green spaces can reduce stress levels and promote feelings of relaxation and well-being. By incorporating Living Walls into airport design, terminals can become havens of tranquility where travelers can decompress and recharge before their journeys.
Changi Airport Terminal 2 living wall offers a calm, biophilic environment for passengers.
Which airports are leading the way in biophilic design?
Living Walls are transforming airport design worldwide by addressing air pollution, maximizing space, and creating a sense of calm for travelers. And when comparing the progressiveness of biophilic design, it's clear that Europe and Asia have embraced it more fully than America. While airports in Europe and Asia have invested significantly in Living Walls and other nature-based solutions, progress in America has been slower, with many terminals still lacking even living planters.
As the importance of biophilic design gains recognition globally, there's hope that airports worldwide will follow the lead. What we are wondering here at Urbanstrong is which U.S.-based team of architects/designers will be the first to extend the presence of Living Walls beyond the exclusive luxury lounges of airports and integrate them into the public traffic ways, such as terminals.
About The Author
Published by Urbanstrong Editorial Team
Reviewed by Alan Burchell, P.Eng., LEED AP, GRP
Alan Burchell is the Principal of Urbanstrong, an award-winning urban sustainability and biophilic design firm specializing in custom living walls, preserved moss walls, freestanding green walls, and architectural plant installations.
A professional engineer, LEED Accredited Professional, Fitwel Ambassador, and certified Green Roof Professional, Alan holds a degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from Columbia University, with a focus on Sustainable Water Management.
His experience spans all seven continents and brings together engineering, urban sustainability, biophilic design, climate-resilient design, and project leadership. A frequently invited industry speaker, Alan helps architects, developers, designers, and building owners create beautiful, high-performing living wall and moss wall installations with an emphasis on design integration, constructability, irrigation reliability, plant health, and long-term performance.
Contact Alan today at aburchell@urbanstrong.com or 215.480.2210 or book a 15-minute chat directly in his calendar here.