Abstract

Reducing pollutant emissions in cities constitutes a global responsibility in urban and building design that has to be implemented through an architectonic local perspective. The design of vegetal façades is a sustainable alternative in order to achieve environmentally respectful buildings. Vegetation offers a thermal response that varies depending on climatic conditions. Hygienic ventilation, thermal ventilation and solar protection would be the features improved in dwellings. In addition to optimization of comfort conditions, the changeable nature of plants implies dynamism and versatility as a positive value for the design of urban areas. Four prototypes of translucent and opaque façades (two of them without vegetation) have been installed in an experimental building in order to determine percentages of energy savings and potential environmental benefits in comparison to traditional façades.