18 December 2024 | Green
Hanging gardens: From the Babylonians to the contemporary age
Hanging gardens are a wonder inherited from the ancient Babylonians: green spaces that bring nature into the city! Learn about their evolution and how to create one in your own home!
Hanging gardens: From the Babylonians to the contemporary age
Greenery seeks fertile ground even in cities. Across Europe, attention is growing toward ideas that recreate natural spaces by utilizing both private and public metropolitan areas. Designers and architects are therefore constantly seeking innovative solutions to meet this demand. The most visible consequence is the multiplication of large rooftops in metropolitan areas being converted into hanging gardens.
Designing green spaces in cities
Designing greenery is not just an aesthetic matter but a necessity aimed at improving the appearance and livability of modern cities.
Today, hanging gardens represent one of the most popular choices among industry experts because they perfectly unite design, architecture, and nature. These enchanting green spaces now adorn buildings of all kinds: condominiums, businesses, offices, and more. It is an innovative solution loved by many and shared for its social benefits.
However, the idea of green roofs is not merely a recent trend: their origins date back to ancient times... much further than one might think!
In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the history of these gardens up to the present day and provide guidelines for designing your own green roof.
The hanging gardens of Babylon: An ancient innovation
It is believed that hanging gardens were an invention of the ancient Babylonian people. Many historians attribute the creation of the Hanging Gardens to 590 B.C., commissioned by King Nebuchadnezzar II, who ordered their construction to ease the homesickness of his Persian wife.
Botanical gardens among the wonders of the world
The Gardens of Babylon consisted of a majestic botanical garden that housed trees and species not native to the region. These gardens were located on the banks of the Euphrates River—south of modern-day Baghdad, Iraq—and were constructed on elevated stone terraces connected by staircases and irrigated by an ingenious system of pipes and cisterns that drew water from the river. Their beauty was so captivating that they earned a place among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.Legend or truth?
According to some historians, the Babylonian hanging gardens were destroyed by a king, while others believe they never existed. Regardless of the true version, the fact remains that humanity today has managed to use this legacy to improve the design and livability of its urban centers.
Contemporary hanging gardens
What is meant by a hanging garden?
A hanging garden is defined as a green space created not directly on land but on terraces, balconies, or rooftops. These offer the opportunity to create a green space for those who do not have access to a traditional garden, allowing them to experience nature at home… even in the city.The benefits of a green roof
A hanging garden is highly recommended, especially for those living in cities, as it provides numerous advantages.Sustainability above all. Hanging gardens can reduce pollution and purify the surrounding air. It is no coincidence that the Italian government introduced the Green Bonus, an economic incentive that allows savings of up to 36% on the redevelopment of green spaces.
Physical and mental well-being. Green spaces offer sound and thermal insulation, reducing both noise pollution caused by city chaos and thermal transmission. A crucial benefit is the psychological well-being that a green area can generate. Generally, green spaces—including green roofs—allow us to relax or enjoy social moments in the midst of nature and away from the city's hustle and bustle.
How to create a hanging garden?
Hanging gardens are allowed under urban development plans and must comply with condominium regulations. Once the appropriate certifications and permissions are obtained, implementation requires a design and architectural study.- The design phase defines the engineering aspects (weights, irrigation systems, load-bearing structures).
- The architectural phase addresses aesthetic aspects, ensuring coherence with both the external context and the home to which the garden belongs.
To achieve the best possible result, it is essential to consider your outdoor space as an extension of both the urban environment and the private one. Only in this way will the hanging garden be perfect!
An example? Our fabulous Fourth-Floor Garden!
First and foremost: what type of hanging garden do you want to create? Before designing your outdoor space, it is crucial to define the type of garden you desire:
A good strategy for designing a hanging garden is to think about how you intend to use the space so you can divide the areas in a consistent and balanced way.
Do you want to recreate a relaxation area, or would you prefer to carve out a space for sports? Or perhaps you want to build a swimming pool or have space to grow a small vegetable garden? Will the area be dedicated to hosting friends and family? Will it accommodate a barbecue or even a fully equipped outdoor kitchen?
Each decision will be crucial for the final choice of elements that will define the spaces of your new outdoor area.
A perfect example is our hanging garden designed by èLUNAPIENA in Liguria: Eden Margherita!
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Design: How to create a hanging garden?
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that relying on a professional is the best solution. Creating a hanging garden is a project that must adhere to precise building regulations. Additionally, there are aspects that only a professional will advise you to consider.First and foremost: what type of hanging garden do you want to create? Before designing your outdoor space, it is crucial to define the type of garden you desire:
- Walkable garden – This has a thickness between 15 and 150 cm and requires as much maintenance as a ground-level garden.
- Extensive garden – This has a thickness between 8 and 15 cm and, consequently, is less demanding in terms of upkeep.
- Sloped garden – This utilizes inclined surfaces of structures, such as rooftops.
A good strategy for designing a hanging garden is to think about how you intend to use the space so you can divide the areas in a consistent and balanced way.
Do you want to recreate a relaxation area, or would you prefer to carve out a space for sports? Or perhaps you want to build a swimming pool or have space to grow a small vegetable garden? Will the area be dedicated to hosting friends and family? Will it accommodate a barbecue or even a fully equipped outdoor kitchen?
Each decision will be crucial for the final choice of elements that will define the spaces of your new outdoor area.
Solutions for every environment
By incorporating bioclimatic pergolas, privacy screens, benches, and planters, we can create areas with different purposes: shaded zones to retreat during summer, spaces designed for increased privacy, and welcoming areas for hosting visitors.Plants and flowers for the terrace: What to choose?
Typically, the plants used to decorate a green roof include shrubs, evergreen trees, succulents, and aromatic plants. These are highly resilient plants capable of surviving for long periods and in all seasons.
Costs and incentives
Defining a standard price for designing and creating a hanging garden is not possible. The numerous variables involved significantly influence the final cost, such as the size, materials, and furnishings. The state encourages the creation of green spaces in cities by offering reimbursements for those who decide to participate in such initiatives. The Green Bonus and the Pergola Bonus allow for significant savings. Take advantage now andconsult our catalog!Hanging gardens: The perfect solution for your outdoor space
Hanging gardens represent the solution you’ve been looking for! Beautiful, lush with greenery, spacious, and perfect for socializing, these outdoor spaces provide countless benefits, both for those who enjoy them and for the surrounding urban environment. It is no coincidence that many cities are striving to integrate them into major urban structures: from private buildings to public spaces, and even companies. These are social and shared spaces capable of transforming a city’s profile and positively influencing the mental and physical well-being of people. Many have already relied on the èLUNAPIENA team for the design and creation of these spaces. Take a look at ourprojects and get inspired!Tags: #hanginggardens #rooftop #green