Normally at a big construction site, an ugly OSB wall plastered with posters provides a barrier between the site and the rest of the city. Typically thought of as eyesores, these walls are anything but pleasing to the eye. But what if they could be transformed into living urban spaces full of plants and systems that provide both an environmental and social benefit to the people walking by? The Symbiotic Green Wall, by Kooho Jung & Hayeon Kelly Choi, could do just that!

The Symbiotic Green Wall is an urban ecosystem designed to help buffer, protect and revitalize construction areas. The wall collects rainwater and wastewater from the construction site, filters and stores it, and then distributes it around the site. The external wall, which the public sees, has plant pods, sitting areas, shade, bird nests and lighting to provide a pleasant public outdoor place to enjoy. The wall itself acts as a water storage tank and planter, while the interior wall on the construction side has a sprinkler system to help maintain dust.

A series of environmental sensors monitor noise, air quality, dust, vibrations and odors in order to provide a more pleasant environment. Visible indicators will also alert passersby and the construction site to the current environmental conditions. With the upgraded look of this wall, people may actually beg to have construction sites go up in their neighborhoods!

http://inhabitat.com/living-green-wall-buffers-filters-construction-zones/