Home / Environment / Mexico City's Roads Bloom: Vertical Gardens Transform Highways
Mexico City's Roads Bloom: Vertical Gardens Transform Highways
22 Aug
Summary
- Anillo Periférico's concrete columns now host thousands of vertical gardens.
- Via Verde project combats pollution, heat, and lack of green space.
- Private sector financing, including advertising, supports garden expansion.
Mexico City's Anillo Periférico, a vital ring road, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Launched in 2016 by architect Fernando Ortiz Monasterio, the Via Verde project redesigns its concrete support columns into vibrant vertical gardens. This innovative approach integrates urban greening with existing infrastructure, addressing critical environmental issues like air pollution and rising temperatures.
The project utilizes thousands of plants to create living landscapes along the busy highway. Via Verde's specialized planting system endures challenging roadside conditions, including heat and pollution. Its expansion is notably supported by private sector financing, incorporating advertising as a key funding mechanism, thus reducing reliance on public funds.
Via Verde exemplifies adapting urban infrastructure for environmental benefits in dense cities. While not a replacement for parks, it showcases how underutilized spaces can perform ecological functions. The project transforms symbols of traffic and concrete into living elements, proving even unappealing urban areas can be revitalized.
