Use of outdoor living walls in Mediterranean-like climates: A case study of Antalya Kaleici


Elinc Z., Kaya L. G., Danacı H. M., Baktir I., Gokturk R. S.

JOURNAL OF FOOD AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT, cilt.11, sa.1, 2013 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 11 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2013
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF FOOD AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Living walls, Antalya, Kaleici old city, plants, ENVIRONMENTAL PREFERENCE
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The aim of this study was to identify suitable greening project(s) that can be accomplished in good harmony with the historical walls of Antalya Kaleici, which are strictly protected monuments. Three different methods were considered for greening the walls. First one is planting climbing plants very close to the walls, second one is planting climbing plants near walls that are already protected by wire cages, and the last is using PVC flat framing with a self-watering system. Recently, the importance of green lands has been widely accepted and appreciated by authorities. Green walls block noise, cold, and heat; reduce air pollution and prevailing winds; provide better habitat microclimates for biodiversity of animals and plants; and improve aesthetic characteristics of living areas and water management. Living walls are rather important in regions characterized by hot summers, such as the Mediterranean Basin, since they can modify the atmosphere by reducing the effects of high temperatures. Living walls also reduce energy consumption by reducing air conditioner usage. Use of living walls should be wide-spread in such areas because of these advantages, in addition to the aesthetic and ecologic superiorities that they provide. The only disadvantage of incorporating living walls is the required management of irrigation systems. The use of green walls in the Kaleici will provide an example for similar geographical regions.