Düsseldorf – Kö Bogen II The largest vertical garden in Europe
The complex of offices Kö Bogen II in Düsseldorf, which lies halfway between sustainable architecture and Land Art, is officially the building with the largest green facade in Europe. Kö Bogen II, which was designed by Ingenhoven Architects, marks the conclusion of the intervention to redefine the city centre of this German city; it is the joining link among the Hofgarten park, the austere tower Dreischeibenhaus and the elegant theatre Schauspielhaus and it is located not far from Kö Bogen I, by Daniel Libeskind, thus increasing the supply of business areas and offices.
The polygonal structure results from the connection of two transparent glazed fronts with the north and west facades and the roof, considered as a vertical garden. Hornbeam hedge is the chosen essence; it is a native species which does not need a lot of maintenance and, above all, which has green leaves throughout the year.
The plants –30,000 altogether for a total linear surface of 8 kilometres – are put into special containers made of steel with integrated irrigation and drainage systems. The designers estimated that the ecological benefits of the perennial hedges (decrease of the temperature immediately perceived around, carbon dioxide absorption) are equal to those of 80 tall trees, underlying that their brave aesthetical choice is not a mere exercise of style.
Source: living.corriere.it
Photo credits: ingenhoven architects / HGEsch Photography
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