Green Walls, Patrick Blanc January 11, 2007

While green roofs are becoming a familiar concept, French scientist and designer Patrick Blanc has developed a green wall system. Covered in the press around the globe over the past 10 years, Blanc has installed his carefully designed vertical gardens in schools, museums, shopping centers, and private residences.

Two aspects of Blanc's work distinguish it from other "green" installations. First, Blanc is a scientist who has spent 20 years rappelling down steep cliffs to find plant species suited to a soil-less, vertical environment. Second, the walls are carefully composed with a variety of these species, balancing nature and order in the built environment.

Japanese blog "pingmag" features an interview with Mr. Blanc.

Blanc's website is also quite a treat.