See the forest that’s growing within a concrete block in Milan.

An ace creative idea.

What’s that over there? Is that two large building blocks in the middle of Milan covered in a rich, green forest?

Why yes, yes it is. In the Porta Nuova district of Milan, Italy, there is a pair of residential towers that (will) host more than 900 trees on 8,900 square meters of terraces as part of a “rehabilitation” of the historic district.

Or in other terms: lots and lots of trees in a tiny little space to make the place look prettier. An ace creative idea.


Here is the vertical forest being built…

…and here are two renderings of what the future of this block will look like.

Fun fact: The design was tested in a wind tunnel to ensure the trees would not topple from gusts of wind.

Here is a video detailing the plan behind it all.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/77234118

Oh, and just a side thought about the video: How much does the man at 0:23 look like Hugh Jackman?! IS HE HUGH JACKMAN’S LONG LOST TWIN BROTHER?

Culture

Historians explain why men in old-timey portraits always had one hand in their vest or coat

Nature

Beavers were brought to the desert to save a dying river. 6 years later, here are the results.

Nature

In 1879 a scientist buried bottles filled with seeds. Every 20 years, one is dug up and studied.

Culture

Gen Xers share 17 nostalgic dishes they ate growing up—and still make for dinner