Photos courtesy S. Peck "THE GREEN WALL IS DESIGNED TO BRING TRANQUILITY TO A GRIEF-RIDDLED SPACE." - JOYCE MCLEAN THE SPHERE - RECOVERD FROM 9/11 WRECKAGE artist Frizt Koenig, it was recovered from the wreckage of 9/11 and its damaged form provides a potent reminder of recent events at the site and those who died. The Liberty Park green wall stands 25 feet high and extends 336 feet long. The greenery helps soften the hard street edges and provides a focal point for visitors. The plantings were staggered along a horizontal grid to complement the 9/11 memorial, with broad bands of color incorporated to provide visual interest. The green wall system comprises over 20,000 evergreen groundcover and perennial species including Japanese Spurge, Wintercreeper, Coral Bells, Baltic Ivy and Common Periwinkle. These plants provide year-round color and texture and are capable of thriving vertically in a partially shaded environment. The plants are housed in 845 stainless steel panels. There is an extensive 18-zone drip irrigation system, which provides water for the living wall, while at the same time a sophisticated LIVINGARCHITECTUREMONITOR.COM monitoring system ensures the living wall's health. Custommade stainless steel catch basins hang under the panels to capture any water flow. The green wall was pre-grown in the company's Riverhead, New York nursery and monitored by a team of horticulturalists. Pre-growing the plants ensures that the roots are well established into the panels before hanging vertically. Being around plants is natural for people. It makes us content and feel hopeful. This is particularly important in public spaces where tragedies have occurred. Being near plants and seeing them change with the seasons is nature's way of taking care of people - even in busy metropolitan New York City. MORE INFORMATION Liberty Park will be the subject of a tour during the CitiesAlive Conference in New York in September 24-28. LIVING ARCHITECTURE MONITOR / SUMMER 2018 / 23http://www.LIVINGARCHITECTUREMONITOR.COM