Arup’s ‘living wall’ scaffolding will reduce noise and air pollution

Design, engineering and construction powerhouse Arup’s ‘living wall’ scaffolding system is currently being piloted at Mayfair in London, with the aim to reduce noise by 10 decibels and air pollution by approximately 20 percent.

Working in collaboration with development and management corporation Grosvenor Group, the project will make building sites look more appealing, whilst providing numerous advantages to reduce the impact on local communities and improve air quality at the site.

The ‘living wall’ incorporates flowers, fruits and grasses over 80sq metres and includes sensors to monitor the impact of the building work. Alistair Law, Façade Engineer and the Living Wall Lite’s developer at Arup, said, “Living Wall Lite has the potential to transform scaffolding and hoardings into much more than just a cover up. By introducing plants and flowers, we can create a more attractive and healthier environment for local residents, businesses and workers on site.”

Designed by Arup and manufactured by Swedish living wall specialist Green Fortune, Mark Tredwell, Development Director of Grosvenor’s London estate, said: “This is a great initiative and is in line with our long-term ambition to improve the environmental sustainability of the buildings across our London estate, reducing emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

“As the estate continues to adapt and evolve we want to ensure that the impact on the community is positive. As well as reducing air pollution, we hope the living wall will introduce a rich biodiversity to Mayfair and encourage people to linger in the area.”

The company are currently undertaking restoration and redevelopment work at St Marks Property, transforming the build into a modern communal space, incorporating a variety of retail outlets, due to complete in 2017.

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