Organization:Plant wall (University of Guelph-Humber)

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Located at the University of Guelph-Humber, the plant wall, also known as the living wall, is a new form of technology that uses a biological system to filter indoor air.[1] The plant wall was invented by Alan Darlington.

The plant wall is one of the largest installations by Darlington and his company.[2] The wall has an area of approximately 150 square meters and consists of over 1,000 individual living plants. The wall acts as a bio-filter and purifies the air that circulates around the building. Working like a humidifier, the plant wall warms the building's air in the winter and cools the air in the summer. The living wall reduces the threat of airborne pollutants and creates a more esthetically pleasing environment. The wall also saves energy by lowering the need to bring new air into the building.[3]

Method of operation

A plenum supports and distributes the airflow through the plant wall; a synthetic media covers this plenum. Ferns, foliage and flowering plants are planted hydroponically (without soil) into the synthetic media. The plants are then fed through a circulating nutrient solution. The building's air handling system, which the plant wall is connected to, removes dirty air. While that process is happening, the plants' leaves utilize CO
2
in the air for photosynthesis, and oxygen is released back into the building.[1]

References