Westfield shopping centre - London

Inside Westfield shopping centre.

Hi Everyone,

While I was in London I saw a couple of great examples of green or living walls. These walls were used to bring green and nature into the design of new harsh concrete and glass buildings.

Outside Westfield Shopping centre

     Green/Living Walls

A green wall is a wall partially or completely covered with greenery that includes a growing medium, such as soil or a substrate. Green walls may or may not have a water system which directly waters the wall. Green walls are ideal for small spaces and building facades. 

 Advantages to a green wall: 

·       Provides insulation for building walls

·       Easy to assemble

·       Easy to care for

·       Provides a place for living plants where space is limited.

·       Lends itself to contemporary design – aesthetically pleasing

·       Year-round colour

·       Provides habitats for animals

·       Keeps homes cool in summer if built inside

·       Contributes to reduced noise pollution

Disadvantages to a green wall:

·       Hard to keep weed free

·        Can be expensive

·       Position: plants are dependent on sunlight, shady positions will reduce the plants which can be used.

·       May not be readily available in your area

    If anyone can think of any other great examples of green walls, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I would love to see your photos. 

Thanks for reading and hope you have a great weekend. 

Bicester Shopping Village

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all had a good new year and January isn't getting you down too much. I am back down south and back at work. It's bitterly cold outside but the sun has had some warmth in it which makes working outside at this time of year much better.

Last weekend I visited Bicester shopping village with a friend from work and to my surprise there was great outdoor planting which brightens up otherwise grey and blue surroundings.

https://www.bicestervillage.com/en/home/

Bicycle displayed next to potted ferns and conifers.

Bear statue next to planted conifers.

Benches are integrated into the design of the village displays to provide a place for shoppers to sit and rest.

Recycled glass propagator planted with entangled climber.

 
The village's display made use of classic winter bedding plants such as Cyclamen and winter-flowering heather alongside everyday items such as bicycles and benches. I really enjoyed my trip out and I am not ashamed to say I spent for time outside taking pictures than inside the shops.

Thanks for reading 😄