THE BOSCO VERTICALE IN MILAN - FASCINATION OF SKYSCRAPERS

In Milan, the twin towers of the BOSCO VERTICALE are planted with metre-high trees from top to bottom. It is a bold architectural experiment that sets new standards for green architecture.

Since October 2014, the façade of the Bosco Verticale – the Vertical Forest – has been attracting attention. The twin towers in Milan’s Porta Nuova district are a built experiment unlike any other. From top to bottom, the residential towers are covered with trees and bushes that rise up on the balconies.

It was designed by Milanese architect Stefano Boeri. He was confronted with questions that an architect never had to ask. How can trees and plants be watered and cared for at a height of 100 meters? Which plants are suitable for strong winds? Together with the botanist Laura Gatti, he came up with an ingenious concept.

The result is a vertical forest of 900 trees, 5,000 bushes and 11,000 plants at a height of 100 meters in a city whose air pollution is one of the highest in Italy.

Dense traffic, dense population, smog – these are problems in many large metropolises. The Bosco Verticale introduces a new, surprising solution to improve urban living. Stefano Boeri’s architectural experiment could lead to a new type of high-rise building. It is no coincidence that the Bosco Verticale was awarded the International High-Rise Award.

In the early 21st century, more skyscrapers are being built than ever before and new experiments are being undertaken. With the series UP TO THE SKY Sabine Pollmeier and Joachim Haupt present new and extraordinary skyscrapers around the world.