Overview

Italian studio Stefano Boeri Architetti continues its incredible line of greenery-filled towers by unveiling plans to add a little greenery to Dubai, the most densely populated city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. The plan is to build two massive skyscrapers covered in thousands of trees and shrubs and create a beautiful green scenery for the city known for its hot desert climate.

The science and other stuff to know

The Italian studio revealed plans to build the two Vertical Forest skyscrapers during 2022’s COP27 climate change summit, which will take place until November 18, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, Dezeen reported. Measuring 190 (623 ft) and 150 meters (492 ft) tall, the two tapering towers will integrate “2,640 trees and 27,600 shrubs on the facades,” along with “a system of greenhouses and hydroponic gardens,” according to the studio’s website.

Hydroponic gardens are engineered to grow plants in a vertical formation using water-based, mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil.

Another key aspect of the project is “the management of the water cycle” and the incorporation of renewable energy sources. The tower will incorporate a desalination and grey water recovery system, alongside photovoltaic surfaces that will produce up to 5,100 kWh of clean energy for the towers.

So what?

Vertical Forests consist of towers with planted facades. And the concept is a way of combining high-density residential development with greenery in urban centers. According to Stefano Boeri Architetti, Dubai’s project aims to bring the benefits of “urban forestry” to the city.

“The project, commissioned by Impact One, represents the first Vertical Forest prototype for the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) area with the aim of integrating the benefits of urban forestry such as the absorption of fine dust particles, microclimate regulation and reduction of the greenhouse effect together with innovations as part of the management of the water system in arid climates and the optimization of energy production from renewable sources,” the studio said.

The sustainability goals and mission of Vertical Forests are closely similar to this Saudi Arabia’s 100-mile skyscraper that looks like it’s from a sci-fi movie.

What’s next?

Stefano Boeri Architetti is the eponymous studio of architect Stefano Boeri. Other similar projects by the company include the Vertical Forest in Milan, Italy, and Trudo Vertical Forest in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

As the world strives to reduce its carbon footprint, such structures could be built more frequently, as the diversity of plants helps to create humidity, absorbs CO2 and dust, produces oxygen, and protects people and buildings from harmful sun rays and acoustic pollution.