As green design becomes more common and sought after, a beautiful living wall has many advantages. For starters, it is physically appealing to the eye. Different plants can be used to create images, logos, or just an attractive compilation of greenery.
This image is from the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. headquarters in Pittsburgh. It is a soil-based wall at 2,380 sq. ft. in size, consisting of 602 panels that are 2′ x 2′.
The benefits of green walls are as abundant as green roofs. They reduce the heat island affect given off in urban environments, filter the water that runs through the plants, helps control the indoor temperature of the buildings, and absorbs noise.
The Ann Demeulemeester Shop in Seoul (below) has an exterior living wall, and well as interior green walls. Use of bamboo and other natural sustainable materials are also used.
There are multiple ways to produce living walls. Some can grow on the structure, on trellises, or in their own panels or pots. They give a natural, earthy feel with unlimited options for artistic designs and customization.
Beverly Claybrook, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C is an architectural technology instructor at DCTC. She has a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts in behavioral science from the State University of New York.
Before coming to Minnesota, she studied architecture at the University of Texas. As a registered architect, she has many years of experience in the field. While working at architectural firms in Minneapolis and Dallas, she specialized in corporate buildings and facilities.
In addition to teaching, Beverly continues to work on both residential and commercial projects in her private practice. She enjoys all aspects of architecture from the initial, creative brainstorming to seeing the finished project.
As a registered architect, Beverly is a long-standing member of the American Institute of Architects, or AIA. As a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, Accredited Professional, she thoroughly understands green building practices and principles, and is versed in the LEED Rating Systems. She is also a Certified Interior Designer.
As for her teaching philosophy, Beverly favors a studio approach to give students hands-on experience. She believes in respecting everyone's differences and tries to make the classroom a welcoming and stimulating environment.
She hopes her students will work to make the world a better place while making better places in the world.
Her students are the best part of her job as a DCTC instructor. She enjoys challenging them, elevating them, and encouraging them to realize their full potential. She loves to see her students learn, grow and succeed.
Contact Information:
Beverly Claybrook
beverly.claybrook@dctc.edu
651-423-8306
