Vertical Gardens

Patrick Blanc–a Parisian botanist–developed the concept of integrating vertically oriented plantings directly into unusual architectural settings. His book, “The Vertical Garden, From Nature to the City” is profusely illustrated ( I thumbed through it for about an hour this afternoon at the bookstore). It begins with many examples from the forests he studies. The next section features a discussion on how certain plants will naturally grow on architectural surfaces (most notably in the tropics). The final section is dedicated to Blanc’s many installations throughout the world.

Musee du quai Branley in Paris

The installations were strikingly attractive, rich in color and texture. The scale of some of these were immense. While most of us have seen ivy-covered walls and mossy walkways, what made these so interesting for me were the variety of the plantings, and their incorporation into unique architectural environments distinct from gardens. Blanc turns what would normally be bland architectural surfaces into living, growing garden-spaces.

Environmental (porno) Graphics

Today, smack-dab in the middle of downtown San Francisco’s Union Square, we came across a gigantic, multi-story advertisement featuring David Beckham in his skivvies. OK, so the guy is ripped…but do I need 5 stories of this shit rammed into my brain? Not subtle at all. The ironic thing was that I didn’t process or remember what was being advertised (Emporio Armani). After we left the square, I kept thinking it must have been CK (Calvin Klein) since it featured someone in underwear. I had to look at the photos again to be sure. Beck over-dominates Union Square + the brand. While it’s good branding for him, I’m not so sure about EA. Maybe he paid them? Perhaps it’s co-branding?

At any rate, contrast the above to an Apple billboard atop a building at a right angle to Macys.