Green woods are about to emerge in China

The vertical forest design that spans skyscrapers promises to be a viable solution to help China cope with heavy air pollution.

Stefano Boeri Architetti, the architectural firm in Italy, plans to build the first vertical forest in Asia in Nanjing, China, according to IFL Science.

The vertical forest design of Stefano Boeri Architetti. Photo: IFL Science.

The company is planning to build two towers full of trees, known as the vertical forest or Nanjing Green Tower in Pukou District, Nanjing. Expected to be completed by 2018, this 6,000-square-foot building will be covered by 600 tall trees, 500 medium-sized trees, 2,500 lowland trees and shrubs.

"A vertical forest will help regenerate biodiversity locally, absorb 25 tons of _CO2 per year, and provide about 60 kg of oxygen per day," company representative Stefano Boeri Architetti said.

One of the two towers will be 200 meters high with offices, museums, rooftop clubs and schools with green architecture. The remaining tower is 108 meters high with a hotel and a swimming pool on the top floor.

According to Stefano Boeri Architetti, the built up vertical forest will contribute to increasing biodiversity, providing habitat for birds and insects. The diverse vegetation here also helps to regenerate moisture, absorb CO ₂ , dust and produce oxygen.

In the city of Stuttgart, Germany, about 1/4 covered roof of greenery, while in London, England, about 121.000m ² trees are planted on the roof.