Edith Green–Wendell Wyatt Federal Building, Portland, OR — redesigned : clusterflock

[fuzzyjay]

via clusterflock.org

I've always wondered why buildings aren't deliberately covered in ivy or whatever. Maybe because of the bird-shit problem. This looks cool, though.

Posted via web from fuzzyjay's posterous

Comments

[pink-halen.livejournal.com]

Mainly people don't like to let Ivy invade a building because the plant's roots burrow into the mortar and crack the wall or open it to leaks.

[sunsmogseahorse.livejournal.com]

That is the case. I wonder whether this method would permit the beneficial effect of the ivy (shade and cooling via evaporation of water through the respiration of the leaves) without compromising the integrity of the structure.

[fuzzyjay.livejournal.com]

I have read that, and also that ivy's decomposition adds humic acid to the mix. There is a type of resistant mortar, though, that can be used, or at least, I think I read that somewhere.

[bearhedded.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but if they plan ahead, and install a trellis for it to grow on, that would take care of it. Just have tracks that clippers could run up and down along, to keep it off the concrete!

My late friend, Bill Fitzpatrick, started a rumor that they were going to cover the Kingdome with ivy! I helped spread it as far and wide as possible, in hopes it'd catch on!

I guess it didn't......

[perlcub]

Am I the only one noticing that the greens are on the side of the building facing *away* from the sun?

Neat!

[huxbear.livejournal.com]

I've always had a soft-spot for buildings with stuff growing on 'em... :o)

[bearartist.livejournal.com]

It is certainly unique, it looks like some sort of curtain. im not sure if I would like it if it were done more often.