Exploring Uncharted Territories in a Vertical Greening System: A Systematic Literature Review of Design, Performance, and Technological Innovations for Urban Sustainability

Urban areas face escalating environmental and social challenges, including rising temperatures, air pollution, limited green spaces, and noise pollution, driven by rapid urbanization and energy-intensive systems. Vertical greening systems (VGS) have emerged as a promising passive design strategy to mitigate these issues by enhancing thermal regulation, air quality, biodiversity, and psychological well-being. However, existing research on VGS remains fragmented, often addressing isolated aspects rather than adopting a holistic approach that integrates design, fabrication, implementation, and long-term performance monitoring. This study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) to comprehensively analyze technological advancements in simulation, fabrication, and maintenance within VGS research. Key research gaps identified include the lack of an integrated design–simulation–optimization workflow, limiting the ability to improve VGS performance efficiently. By synthesizing current knowledge and proposing future research directions, this review aims to advance VGS as a scalable and adaptable solution for urban challenges, optimizing its functionality, sustainability, and overall effectiveness in improving urban livability.