Due to its proximity to China's billowing tailpipes and its own fossil-fueled emissions, Taichung in Taiwan needs as much help as possible to suck up the city's carbon. That combined with the country's centennial celebration of independence inspired Vincent Callebaut to design the Biotic Arch - quite possibly the greenest skyscraper proposal we've ever seen - as part of the “Taichung Active Gateway City.” The tower has so many living facades and vertical gardens that it looks like one giant bush, and it receives all of its electricity from bio, solar, and wind energy sources.

In fact, the Biotic Arch will release zero emissions and help Taichung’s City Government achieve their overall reduction policies. The new building was designed to build a bridge between Taichung’s historical legacy and a newer, greener lifestyle, culture, and respect for biodiversity. But those who are claustrophobic or “chlorophobic” might not want to take up residence here since R. Callebaut has created close green quarters that almost force the kind of peaceful, cooperative co-habitation necessary for sustainable urban communities.

As city populations grow in the coming decades, clever proposals like these will help us to adapt with the changes that are sure to come with said growth.

+ Vincent Callebaut

Via Evolo

4 Comments

Clarinda October 4, 2011 at 11:46 pm

This could not pssoibly have been more helpful!
Tafline Laylin September 14, 2011 at 9:30 am

Often vertical gardens or “living facades” are soil-less and supported by recycled water…
JamesJeremy September 13, 2011 at 9:37 pm

How much water will be needed to support that much ‘living facade’?
asd steve September 13, 2011 at 3:46 pm

That is absolutely stunning, and a strong statement toward the city’s commitment to green energy.