Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) | Milan

Bosco Verticale is a pair of residential skyscrapers located in the Porta Nuova District of Milan, Italy. These towers are distinguished by their integration of a significant number of trees and plants on their facades.

Visual Characteristics

The complex consists of two towers, one reaching 111 meters and the other 76 meters in height. The facades are characterized by projecting balconies designed to support a substantial volume of vegetation. Over 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 15,000 perennial plants and climbing plants are integrated into the structure. The primary building material is reinforced concrete, with exterior finishes incorporating glass and metal elements for the balconies.

Location & Access Logistics

Bosco Verticale is situated at Via Gaetano de Castillia, 20124 Milan. It is approximately 2.5 kilometers north of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). Access is via public roads. The nearest Metro station is Garibaldi FS (M2, M5 lines), located 0.8 kilometers southwest. Tram lines 10 and 33 also serve the immediate vicinity. Parking is available in nearby public garages, such as the one at Piazza Gae Aulenti, 0.3 kilometers south.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Bosco Verticale commenced in 2009 and was completed in 2014. The project was designed by the architectural firm Boeri Studio (Stefano Boeri, Gianandrea Barreca, and Giovanni La Varra). The original purpose was to create a residential complex that integrates urban living with biodiversity, aiming to increase green space within the city and improve air quality.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the building's integrated vegetation from the exterior is the primary activity. The design allows for seasonal changes in the foliage. Access to the interior of the residential units is restricted to residents and their guests. The surrounding Porta Nuova district offers pedestrian zones for viewing the architecture.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The towers contain residential apartments, commercial spaces on the ground floors, and associated building services. Restrooms are available within the commercial areas and residential lobbies. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this urban area. Food vendors and restaurants are located within the Porta Nuova district and along nearby streets.

Best Time to Visit

For visual appreciation of the vegetation, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most dynamic foliage displays. Mid-morning or late afternoon provides optimal natural light for viewing the building's facade and the interplay of light and shadow on the plants.

Facts & Legends

The project's design aimed to create a microclimate around the buildings, reducing urban heat island effects and absorbing CO2. It is estimated that the vegetation on the towers can absorb approximately 14 tons of CO2 annually.

Nearby Landmarks

• Piazza Gae Aulenti (0.3km South)
• Biblioteca degli Alberi (Tree Library) Park (0.1km East)
• Unicredit Tower (0.4km Southwest)
• Garibaldi Station (0.8km Southwest)
• Corso Como (1.2km Southwest)