Integrated Design and Ecological Performance of Vertical Greening Systems in an Academic Building
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15330/jpnubio.12.149-159Keywords:
green infrastructure, urban greening, greening, urban environment, urbanecosystemAbstract
The article presents an assessment of the current state of vertical greening in Ivano-Frankivsk combined with an applied eco-engineering case study conducted within an academic environment. A field inventory of urban vertical greening identified six climbing plant species currently used in the city, with Parthenocissus tricuspidata and Parthenocissus quinquefolia dominating due to their high cold tolerance, adaptability to urban conditions, and low maintenance requirements.
Based on the inventory findings and local environmental analysis, a comprehensive vertical greening project was developed for the Faculty of Natural Sciences of Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University. The project integrates green façades, a green roof, architectural arches, and hedges adapted to existing structural constraints. Strategic placement of Parthenocissus tricuspidata on the façade exploits solar exposure and is projected to reduce surface temperatures through passive cooling. The extensive green roof system planted with Festuca rubra in combination with accompanying species maintains acceptable structural loads while enhancing stormwater retention.
The greening design highlights trade-offs between ornamental value and climatic suitability by comparing commonly used Wisteria spp. cultivars with more cold-tolerant alternatives, including Wisteria macrostachya and Lonicera spp. While traditional wisteria cultivars are limited by low winter hardiness, the proposed alternatives provide greater climatic reliability and lower maintenance demands.
Beyond environmental performance, the vertical greening system functions as a living laboratory supporting education and applied research. The study demonstrates the ecological, spatial, aesthetic, and educational benefits of vertical greening systems and supports their scalable application in temperate urban environments.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Uliana Semak, Myroslava Mylenka, Taras Melnyk
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