Phd in PLANNING, DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY

Thesis title: Green and Shadows - On the inside visual effect of climbing plants in front of facade openings

This thesis examines the visual effects occurring on the inside of a building in the presence of climbing plants on the outside in front of facade openings. In doing so, the topic is first set in a theoretical framework regarding human health and senses, concepts of connection to nature in general, and the sensuous perception of various natural elements like geometric forms or colour. A system of parameters pertaining to the visual effects in question were gathered, discussed and structured. This summary includes variables like geometrical positioning, material and light properties, and the ever changing biological component of climbing plants. After analysing an array of relevant case studies, the collected research data was used to establish a procedure for a site-study. The experimental approach included series of pictures of six different species of climbing plants in identical growing conditions that were taken over the course of 1,5 years. The visual effects were examined on four surface materials, representing different levels of light permeability. The resulting pictures show varying degrees of direct visibility of the plants, shadow casting and overlap of imagery during all seasons. The analysis of the data gathered demonstrate visual qualities in a multitude of variations. The knowledge gathered here describes the aesthetic connection between the external ecological element and the situation in the inner space. In an implementation alongside the established qualities of facade greenery like shading, climate mitigation or improvement of biodiversity, it represents options that can be used in the design of interior spaces in case of a presence of plants in front of facade openings.