Trees cover Milan tower facade

A new high-rise development in Milan, Italy is being called a “vertical forest.”  The Bosco Verticale development designed by Boeri Studio/Stefano Boeri architect has two residential towers, one 110 metres and the other 76 metres high. They are being constructed in the Porta Nuova district, which is a light-industrial area near the Milano Porta Garibaldi railway station.

Over 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs and 11,000 flower plants cover the exterior of the towers. The vegetation is planted in balconies that extend 3.3 metres outward.

The trees range from between 3 and 9 metres tall, and together the total area of greenery is 10,000 square metres.

The designers say that the plants create a biodiverse microclimate and that by absorbing carbon dioxide and dust particles, the vegetation will help to counteract the air pollution that plagues Milan. The plants will be irrigated largely through the building’s grey water and will be maintained by a central office in the development.

The towers also have wind and photovoltaic energy systems.

Arup is providing structural and geotechnical design, and consulting services on acoustics, vibrations, etc. The buildings are on the site of two existing railway tunnels.

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Bosco Verticale in the Porta Nuova complex in Milan, Italy.  Designed by Boeri Studio.