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Green walls and roofs, the end of the importance of architecture?
Saturday 21st March 2009
Last night saw the latest special from BBC Gardeners World screened, exploring and examining the concepts of planting up walls and roof spaces. Now as the flagship gardening show on the BBC the brand has become a little hit and miss over the past twelve months. The loss of the presenter Monty Don caused an impact that has proven difficult to compensate for. Nothing can be criticised on the visually appealing presentation of the specials or weekly magazine programme, the narrative though can on occasion be too light.
However last night ‘cheeky’ Joe Swift bubbled along exploring the phenomenon that is sure to now gain greater exposure of planting upwards. It was an interesting look into a subject that has been growing in momentum. Architecture can be hit or miss, with finance and vision limiting what might be achieved. Once created the built environment tends to stand for as long as society enjoys or reveres it or it is sacrificed. Polarising opinions, if ‘good’ or ‘bad’, architecture creates response. But will architecture be about to face its biggest challenge, the loss of its importance or relevance?
Will the aesthetic value of a building be as important if the planting of the exterior walls and roof spaces takes a hold? The importance of architectural detail is lost to the rampant growth of nature clothing what in essence is simply a selection of boxes arranged for function. Planning authorities could save time and money on whether a building is using ‘x’ or ‘y’ material as an exterior finish. Would public comment cease on the finish of the outside of a building and instead revert to whether the flowering period should be May or September?
Once the concepts of green walls have been understood further buildings once thought to have reached the end of their aesthetic and functional existence might be given a second life, rather than being pulled down. The opportunities would appear to be endless for the current built environment. Imagining the world’s tallest buildings being covered in the extraordinary varieties of plants that could be grown is perhaps a fanciful thought but why not?
So thank you to ‘cheeky’ Joe for presenting a thought provoking and gentle introduction for the wider public to chew on. Let it be hoped that the gardening and horticultural enthusiasts and professionals embrace this ‘new’ idealism. The mother of the arts may well be about to change.
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