Green/Living walls - Patrick Blanc

We are living in an increasingly industrial world, since 1750 (the start of the industrial revolution) there has been a conflict of interest between our urban and rural spaces. With the transition away from agricultural-based industries towards machine-based manufacturing, came an influx of population from the countryside into towns and cities, which swelled in population. Nowadays, problems of the early-industrialised cities have become a thing of the past, however the modern city dweller is still living in places that may have a detrimental affect on their health.

A report by the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology, found that concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and microscopic particulate matter (PM), both of which can be harmful to human health, exceed safe levels on the streets of many cities. Past research suggested that trees and other green plants could improve urban air quality by removing those pollutants from the air. The study concluded that careful placement of grass, climbing ivy and other plants can reduce the concentration at street level of NO₂ by as much as 40 percent and PM by 60 percent.

The popularity in ‘green/living wall’ is growing steadily, greater concerns about our environment and habitat loss has made artist and designers to reconsider the role plants can play within the design process. Using plants as a medium can often be unpredictable and hard to manage, however Patrick Blanc is a true master of manipulation nature, into ore-inspiring masterpieces. He has pioneered and developed the systems that allow for green walls to work so successfully. With sweeping green foliage his projects transform buildings into lungs of the city.

Not only do living walls bring beauty back into the urban environment but they also provide additional benefits. Living walls help to reduce traffic noise and temperature. They help to improve air quality by reducing dust and particulates and help to reduce the amount of heat lost from a home. Another significant benefit is the increase in biodiversity, along with aid for food and shelter for wildlife. The importance of which can be see in the projects to bring bees to urban locations. Along with this living walls may have a positive impact on both physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Street art - Mentalgassi, OaKoAk and Aakash Nihalani

Our everyday surrounding are often uninspiring bland places, in which we pass to get from one place to the next. Rarely do we stop and take note of our physical surroundings. Sometimes fragments catch our eyes and instantly connect us back into our settings. Street art has had an unprecedented rise due to the success of a certain Bristolian graffiti artist. However street art must not be confused with public art. Just like street art, public artworks are displayed in public spaces, planned and commissioned by the owner of the space. Street art on the other hand is raw, vibrant and inspiring.

Graffiti is closely connected to street art, and one form of which, that many of us experience on a daily bases, when done well it has the ability to brighten our day, altering the way in which we see and interact within our physical environment. Street art only works in the context of the street.

Street artists take their external surroundings, using what is already present and elevating it into something spectacular, inspiring and imaginative. Three examples of the most exciting street artist doing this are Mentalgassi, OaKoAk and Aakash Nihalani, all three of which use specific elements within their location as bases for their design. 

Mentalgassi is a Berlin art collective built up of 6 individuals; creating large-scale expressive image installations, usually of their friends. Like many street artists Mentalgassi campaign and highlight political issues such as the unjust imprisonment of Tony Davis. Their work brings a relatable and humanistic approach to cold, industrial environments. For more information check out their website.

OaKoAk’s creations are often result in ‘blink and you miss it’ creations that are often simple and playful. To the French artist, the city is seen as one big playground with endless chances to alter, adapt and interject humour. OaKoAk does what street art does best, amuse and inspire people of all ages. For further example of his would see his website.

The most successful street art is all about interaction and interacting with the local environment. Aakash Nihalani’s work highlights details that might otherwise go unnoticed. His work often engages the public to interact due to his two-dimensional environments, offering a momentary escape from their daily lives. More information can be found on his website.

Possibilities are endless and limitations are only imposed from the creativity and scale of their vision. Design that everyone is able to connect with and enjoy outside has a greater resonance away from the harshness of the gallery setting.