CaixaForum Valencia, located in an iconic building within the City of Arts and Sciences, has taken a step forward in integrating art, culture and nature. In collaboration with Paisajismo Urbano, the cultural centre has inaugurated what is already considered the largest indoor vertical garden in Europe, a work that transforms the experience of those who come to see it and redefines the boundaries between architecture and urban ecology.
The role of Paisajismo Urbano in the project
Behind this green installation is Paisajismo Urbano, a pioneering company in vertical gardening and green solutions for urban environments. With a proven track record internationally, the Paisajismo Urbano team was responsible for conceptualising, designing and installing the vertical garden at CaixaForum Valencia, applying its advanced techniques in vertical cultivation, plant selection and automated irrigation systems.
The proposal was not only aesthetic, but also deeply functional and sustainable, with the aim of improving the environmental quality of the building, offering a constant visual spectacle and conveying a clear message of commitment to nature.
Vertical design and biodiversity
The vertical garden, which spans several floors inside the building, is home to more than 300 plant species selected for their resilience, adaptability and ornamental value. The layout of the plants was meticulously planned to create a dynamic visual experience, with contrasts in colour, texture and shape that change with the seasons.
From ferns, mosses and tropical plants to native varieties adapted to Valencia’s microclimate, each species has been incorporated based on both aesthetic and ecological criteria. The result is a living tapestry that transforms the interior of CaixaForum into a true urban ecosystem.
Environmental benefits and urban wellbeing
Beyond its impressive visual presence, the vertical garden at CaixaForum Valencia offers significant environmental benefits. The plants act as a natural air filter, reducing CO₂ concentrations and providing oxygen to the environment. They also help regulate the interior temperature, reducing the need for artificial air conditioning systems and improving the building’s thermal comfort.
Furthermore, by reducing noise pollution and creating a relaxing atmosphere, the vertical garden contributes to the psychological well-being of visitors, serving as a space for disconnection and contemplation in the middle of the city.
A cultural and educational experience
This green space is not only an example of living architecture, but also an educational tool. CaixaForum Valencia, in line with its mission of cultural dissemination, organises guided tours, workshops and activities related to the vertical garden, aimed at audiences of all ages.
Thanks to these initiatives, visitors can learn about biodiversity, the value of urban ecosystems, and the importance of preserving and promoting nature in our cities.
A symbol of a sustainable future
With this project, Paisajismo Urbano reaffirms its position as a leader in the integration of nature and architecture, offering innovative solutions for more sustainable urban development. The vertical garden at CaixaForum Valencia is not just a landscaping project: it is a statement of principles, a reminder that the cities of the future must look towards greenery, towards life, towards humanity.
At a time when the climate emergency and the need for healthy spaces are more urgent than ever, interventions such as this one show the way forward. CaixaForum Valencia and Paisajismo Urbano have demonstrated that it is possible to create beauty, culture and sustainability in a single architectural gesture.
The indoor vertical garden at CaixaForum Valencia not only beautifies an iconic space in the city, but also inspires a new model of urban development. Thanks to the work of Paisajismo Urbano, Valencia now has a new symbol of connection between culture, nature and citizen well-being.
This project demonstrates that when design is put at the service of sustainability, the results are not only visible: they can be breathed, felt and experienced.
