The investigation, Classification, and Prioritization of Factors Affecting the Selection of Vertical Greenery Systems as Building Façade and Their Structural Components

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Samaneh Torabifar 1
Kianoush Suzanchi 2
1 M.Sc. Student, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor of Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Aims: Due to high building density and lack of adequate open space in large and growing cities, the possibility of developing green spaces as elements controlling air pollution and urban heat island has decreased. One possible solution is to use the vertical surfaces of buildings to develop vertical greeneries. The right choice of vertical greenery systems according to internal and external factors affecting the system is the key to their success and development. This choice includes the correct choice of each of the four components of the system, including plants, growing media, supporting system, and irrigation/ drainage systems.

Methods: In this study, the factors affecting the selection of these systems were collected and explained through field observation and review and analysis of previous researches and were divided into four general categories based on the effect on each of the main components. Then, through a questionnaire from green wall experts, the prioritization of these factors was evaluated using the Five-point Likert scale. The results of the questionnaire were analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Cronbachchr('39')s Alpha, Friedman, and Spearmanchr('39')s correlation tests, and presented.

Results: The results showed that external factors: "budget", "type of selected plants", "type of vertical greenery system" and "climatic conditions (temperature and humidity)" and also the internal factor: "structural characteristics and building materials" have had the greatest impact on the choice of these systems.

Conclusion: Paying attention to the importance of each of these factors and the prioritizations can help in organized decision making and optimal selection of vertical greenery systems.

Keywords

Subjects

1- Raji B, Tenpierik MJ, van den Dobbelsteen A. The impact of greening systems on building energy performance: A literature review. Renew Sustain Energy Rev. 2015;45:610–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.02.011
2- Besir AB, Cuce E. Green roofs and facades: A comprehensive review. Renew Sustain Energy Rev. 2018;82:915–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.09.106
3- White E V, Gatersleben B. Greenery on residential buildings: Does it affect preferences and perceptions of beauty? J Environ Psychol. 2011;31(1):89–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2010.11.002
4- Emilsson T, Berndtsson JC, Mattsson JE, Rolf K. Effect of using conventional and controlled release fertiliser on nutrient runoff from various vegetated roof systems. Ecol Eng. 2007;29(3):260–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2006.01.001
5- Radić M, Brković Dodig M, Auer T. Green Facades and Living Walls—A Review Establishing the Classification of Construction Types and Mapping the Benefits. Sustainability. 2019;11(17):4579. DOI: 10.3390/su11174579
6- Wong NH, Tan AYK, Tan PY, Sia A, Wong NC. Perception studies of vertical greenery systems in Singapore. J urban Plan Dev. 2010;136(4):330–8. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)UP.1943-5444.0000034
7- Köhler M. Green facades—a view back and some visions. Urban Ecosyst. 2008;11(4):423. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-008-0063-x
8- Safikhani T, Abdullah AM, Ossen DR, Baharvand M. A review of energy characteristic of vertical greenery systems. Renew Sustain Energy Rev. 2014;40:450–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.07.166
9- Pérez-Urrestarazu L, Fernández-Cañero R, Franco-Salas A, Egea G. Vertical greening systems and sustainable cities. J Urban Technol. 2015;22(4):65–85. DOI: 10.1080/10630732.2015.1073900
10- Kontoleon KJ, Eumorfopoulou EA. The effect of the orientation and proportion of a plant-covered wall layer on the thermal performance of a building zone. Build Environ. 2010;45(5):1287–303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2009.11.013
11- Perini K, Ottelé M, Haas EM, Raiteri R. Vertical greening systems, a process tree for green façades and living walls. Urban Ecosyst. 2013;16(2):265–77. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-012-0262-3
12- Ottelé M, Perini K, Fraaij ALA, Haas EM, Raiteri R. Comparative life cycle analysis for green façades and living wall systems. Energy Build. 2011;43(12):3419–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2011.09.010
13- Manso M, Castro-Gomes J. Green wall systems: a review of their characteristics. Renew Sustain energy Rev. 2015;41:863–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.07.203
14- Hopkins G, Goodwin C. Living architecture : green roofs and walls. CSIRO PUBLISHING; 2011. 359 p. DOI: 10.1071/9780643103078
15- Perini K, Ottelé M, Haas EM, Raiteri R. Greening the building envelope, façade greening and living wall systems. Open J Ecol. 2011;1(01):1. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oje.2011.11001
16- Charoenkit S, Yiemwattana S. Living walls and their contribution to improved thermal comfort and carbon emission reduction: A review. Build Environ. 2016;105:82–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2016.05.031