Content by: Eco-Question Senior Editor
Posted by: Eco-Question Editor
Source: Vertical Garden by Patrick Blanc – www.murvegetalpatrickblanc.com
Photo Credit: Patrick Blanc – www.murvegetalpatrickblanc.com
Special Thanks:

• Patrick Blanc
• Jean-Luc Le Gouallec

The Vertical Garden, known as Le Mur Végétal in French, was conceived after many observations in natural environments. The Vertical Garden relies on a new way to grow plants without any soil.

The Vertical Garden can be implemented outdoor or indoor, in any climatic environment. The plant species selection is mainly set according to the prevailing climate conditions. For indoor location, an artificial lighting is usually required. Watering and fertilization are automated.

The Vertical Garden acts as:

• Lowering energy consumption, protecting the building from cold in winter, providing natural cooling system in summer.
• Valuable for shelter biodiversity in the city.

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The Vertical Garden is also an efficient way to clean up the air. In addition to leaves and their well-known air-improving effect, the roots and all the micro-organisms related to them are acting as a wide air-cleaning surface with the highest weight to size efficiency.

On the felt, polluting particles are taken in from the air and are slowly decomposed and mineralized before ending up as plant fertilizer. The Vertical Garden is thus an efficient tool for air and water remediation wherever flat surfaces are already extensively used for human activities.

The Vertical Garden by Patrick Blanc in Thailand:

• Siam Paragon Shopping Mall, Bangkok (2005)
• Emporium Shopping Mall, Bangkok (2005)
• Esplanade Shopping Mall, Bangkok (2007)

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Patrick Blanc Biography

Patrick Blanc was born on June 3rd, 1953 in Paris.

Education

Docteur de 3ème cycle (1978), Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 6.
Docteur d’Etat ès Sciences (1989), Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 6.

Work situation

Scientist for CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) since 1982.

Prizes

• Award winner, French Science Society,Botany, 1993.
• Award winner, Innovation Contest, 1999. Ministère de la Recherche.
• Talent d’or 2002 du Sommet du Luxe et de la Création Virgile prize for the book « Etre Plante à l’ombre des forêts tropicales » 2003.
• Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, 2005.
• Silver medal, Architecture Academy, 2005.

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Vertical Garden, Many works with famous Architects:

• Jean Nouvel
• Andrée Putman
• Francis Soler
• Edouard François
• Jacqueline et Henri Boiffils
• Herzog et de Meuron
• Marc Newson
• Saguez et Partners

Other Activities

• Scientific missions since 1972, Scientific publications since 1977.
• Scientific missions « Canopy Raft » in French Guyana (1989) and in Cameroon (1989).
• New plant species discovery and promotion for Horticulture and Botanical gardens.
• Lectures at University, leading professor for PhD students and especially for Jean-Luc Le Gouallec, team-mate for many years on the Vertical Garden matter.
• Invited speaker for radio and TV reports. Many interviews in newspapers worldwide.

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Related stories:

• The Vertical Garden on Concrete Walls: A Shelter for Biodiversity and A Cleaning System for Cities.
• How eco art & design, science & technology play an important role on eco living?

Learn more on:

• What is Biodiversity?
• What is ecosystem service?
• What are the main causes of biodiversity loss?
• The Billion Tree Campaign – Growing Green
• The International Day for Biological Diversity 2011: Forest Biodiversity

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