Stunning Vertical Forest Brings City Dwellers Closer to Nature

Vincent Callebaut ecological architecture

Belgian ecological architect Vincent Callebaut won the public vote of the “Imagine Angers” international design competition with a lush vertical forest designed as an innovative residential, multi-purpose environment. Arboricole, which the firms dubs an “inhabited tree for Millennials,” is a 50-apartment building complete with a bar, concert hall, brewery, and art spaces.

Based on biophilic design, which is a concept that brings occupants in close contact with nature, this smart building uses plants and renewable energy technology for a functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing piece of architecture. Callebaut, who is known for his innovative green architecture, caters to young urbanites with Arboricole. As the competition pushed architects to help renew the landscape of Angers, France, Callebaut's design is an incredible example of new city living.

The vertical forest contains residential units that a fully customizable thanks to special, removable partitions, while rentable office space and shared laboratories are an incubator for innovation. Further attracting Millennials age 25 to 35 are the concert hall and rooftop solar restaurant.

But surely, one of the main attractions are the incredible plantlife that is incorporated throughout the building. “Living in an apartment at the heart of a vertical nourishing forest reminds us of our childhood dream,” the firm writes. Thoughtful selection and placement of the plants allows for variation of air temperature and humidity to mimic the surrounding environment, and also filters light and shadow in a pleasing manner.

Additionally, the shape of the building mimics the path of the sun, while geothermal and solar energy helps heat and cool the building. The planters that scale the building are connected, allowing rainwater to trickle from top to bottom and pool into a first-floor pond. And to finish things off, recyclable materials are used through the construction in order to bring things full circle.

By placing people in close contact with nature, the firm hopes to activate them into a better understanding about their environment, allowing them to more deeply enjoy the urban space. And though the design didn't win the main prize, the vote by the public demonstrates the positive impact Callebaut's work can make, even as a concept.

Vincent Callebaut's vertical forest concept for Angers, France won the public vote in an international design competition to revitalize the city.

Arboricole Vertical Forest Concept by Vincent Callebaut

Vincent Callebaut ecological architecture

Arboricole Vertical Forest Concept by Vincent Callebaut

Renewable energy sources and recyclable materials are used throughout the residential, multi-use building.

Vincent Callebaut ecological architecture

Vincent Callebaut ecological architecture

Arboricole Vertical Forest Concept by Vincent Callebaut

Arboricole, which was designed to attract Millennials, includes 50 apartments, as well as a restaurant, brewery, concert hall, and office space.

Arboricole Vertical Forest Concept by Vincent Callebaut

biophilic architecture Vincent Callebaut

Vincent Callebaut Anders Concept Architecture

Vincent Callebaut Anders Concept Architecture

Arboricole Vertical Forest Concept by Vincent Callebaut

Vincent Callebaut: Website | Facebook
h/t: [Arch Daily]

All images via Vincent Callebaut.

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Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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