green walls in new york: a roundup of the city's growing number of vertical gardens

since green walls were pioneered and popularized by french botanist patrick blanc in the 1980s, the typology has grown more and more prevalent in contemporary architecture. these self-sufficient vertical gardens are now decorating lobbies, outdoor recreational space, and even building façades in an effort to beautify a growing number of residences. nowhere is this trend more apparent than in new york, where a host of luxury condominium buildings are including green walls as part of their plans. below, we take a look at five developments that feature lush vertical plantations, including projects by tadao ando and ODA new york.

152 elizabeth street includes the largest residential green wall in new york city
image by noë & associates and the boundary / courtesy of 152 elizabeth street

tadao ando’s design for 152 elizabeth street includes the largest residential green wall in new york city. the vertical garden measures 55-feet-high and 99-feet-wide, spanning the entire southern façade of the building. landscape architecture firm m. paul friedberg and partners collaborated on the design, which will evolve organically through the seasons. the wall will comprise seasonal vines selected for a mix of textures and colors, including english ivy, boston ivy, virginia creepers, jasmine clematis and climbing hydrangeas. read more about the project on designboom here.

1 great jones alley is a 12-story boutique condominium building
image by MARCH

1 great jones alley is a 12-story boutique condominium discreetly tucked away on a historic block in noho. the scheme has a two-story outdoor green wall upon entrance to the building that connects to a private landscaped garden on the 2nd floor, designed by landscape architecture firm HMWhite. the wall is intended to enable a calm mindset upon arrival.

the wall is intended to enable a calm mindset upon arrival
image by MARCH

the austin nichols house a 500-square-foot green wall
image courtesy of austin nichols house

austin nichols house, located at 184 kent avenue in williamsburg, was originally designed by cass gilbert in 1915 and is currently being reimagined by morris adjmi architects. homes showcase gilbert’s signature architectural style and feature a collection of fixtures and finishes by morris adjmi. updated amenities include a new lobby with a 500-square-foot green wall, incorporating 3,500 plants and 25 different species.

the development is located at 184 kent avenue in williamsburg
image courtesy of austin nichols house

251 first is located in park slope, brooklyn
image by heroes visuals

upon entering the lounge at 251 first — a project being developed by adam america, slate property group and vanke U.S. — a green wall guides visitors towards the entrance of a courtyard surrounded by plenty of seating. located in park slope, brooklyn, the garden and a rich medley of woods provide a natural presence incorporating materials and textures that create an environment that seeks to be ‘artistic and optimistic’. see more of the project on designboom here.

materials and textures create an environment that seeks to be ‘artistic and optimistic’
image by heroes visuals

70 charlton is located in hudson square and features two wings connected by an enclosed breezeway
image courtesy of extell

developed by extell, 70 charlton is located in hudson square and features two wings connected by an enclosed breezeway overlooking a lushly landscaped topography. this courtyard was designed by workshop/APD and includes a textured urban landscape with a green wall, birch tree arbor, staggered boxwood garden, a water feature, and integrated seating.

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