Beirut Wonder Forest Would Cover the Lebanese Capitol With Hanging Gardens

The Beirut Wonder Forest is an ambitious proposal that seeks to transform the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/spatially-just-environments-beirut-proposes-covering-war-rubble-with-a-blanket-of-green/" target="_blank">Lebanese capital</a> into a lush green city by planting tree on its rooftops. Designed by <a href="http://www.studioinvisible.org/bwf" target="_blank">Studio Invisible</a>, the plan would <a href="http://inhabitat.com/sky-garden-house-is-an-open-and-airy-redesign-from-a-cramped-2-bedroom/" target="_blank">infuse greenery</a> and serenity into the stark urban cityscape while breaking down pollution, absorbing rainwater runoff, and improving air quality.

The war-torn <a href="http://inhabitat.com/3beirut-foster-partners-break-ground-on-first-green-roofed-tower-in-lebanon/" target="_blank">city of Beirut</a> is burdened by dark smog due to severely congested roadways filled with old cars that emit high levels of CO2 emissions.

The city of concrete high-rises was not designed with many public green spaces - it emphasizes large vehicles and transportation over park space.

<a href="http://www.studioinvisible.org/bwf" target="_blank">Studio Invisible</a>’s solution is simple, low-cost, and does not disrupt the Beirut's current focus on urban transportation. The proposal asks many, if not all, of Beirut’s high-rises to implement simple <a href="http://inhabitat.com/frisch-vom-dach-to-convert-former-berlin-malt-factory-into-a-rooftop-aquaponics-farm/" target="_blank">rooftop gardens</a>.

By planting trees and plants in pots, the city could introduce an enormous amount of green space that would contribute beauty, water and rain filtration, oxygen, and places for relaxation.

The trees would also provide shade and cooling on a city-wide scale, which translates to a large reduction in energy consumption. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/unstudios-scotts-tower-is-a-soaring-skyscraper-complete-with-sky-gardens-and-a-green-roof/" target="_blank">roof gardens</a> could also be used to raise fruit and vegetables, providing the city with a source of locally-grown produce.

The Beirut Wonder Forest currently has a prototype underway, and if the plan is rolled it stands to benefit the city's health and energy consumption, create <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-stream-linear-park-vibrant-new-public-space-in-sao-paulo-could-help-alleviate-flash-flooding/" target="_blank">public gathering spaces</a>, and well as attract visitors who want to witness the world’s first sky forest.