You’ve probably seen lots of artist renderings of soaring, dream-like, architectural wonders that incorporate plenty of green in their designs. None of them, however, ever get built. Sure, we might see LEED certified homes with green roofs (we live in one) and a few two to three story buildings of similar ilk, but skyscrapers? Unfortunately not. Particularly here in Vancouver, one look at the skyline from any angle suggests that we have irrevocably fallen for the triumvirate of concrete, steel and glass. But the same is true in urban centers all over the world. The designs have all been just so many masturbatory fantasies. Except, that is, for Milan’s Bosco Verticale, the construction of which is now nearing completion.

Bosco Verticale optimizes, recuperates and produces energy. The building aids in balancing the microclimate and in filtering the dust particles contained in the urban environment. A diversity of plants leds to the producing of humidity, absorbing of CO2 and dusting particles, producing oxygen and protecting the building from radiation and acoustic pollution. This improves the quality of living spaces and gives way to dramatic energy savings year round.

Each apartment, on every floor (in all 27 floors), will have a balcony planted with trees. This trees will respond to the weather: shade will be provided within the summer and in winter the bare trees will allow sunlight to permeate through the spaces. The threes will also filtering [sic] city pollution.

The filtering and reuse of the greywater produced by the building will support the plant irrigation. Aeolion and photovoltaic energy systems will further promote the tower’s self-sufficiency. Plant irrigation will be supported through the filtering and reuse of the greywater produced by the building. Wind energy and solar energy will further promote the tower’s self-sufficiency.

Plus it looks really cool.

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