Vertical greening design of aged public buildings in the context of sustainable urbanization in China: An ecologically material-oriented approach

Abstract With the ongoing development of the eco-city regeneration concept in China, the demand for sustainable urbanization is rapidly increasing. However, traditional greening design methods may no longer suffice for retrofitting older buildings, given the constraints of existing structures and limited space. This paper proposes a new vertical greening design approach for retrofitting old public buildings. As a case study, the Yulin Comprehensive Market, a public domestic market in Chengdu, China, is selected for a complete vertical green facade upgrade. Field investigations reveal that the building faces challenges such as outdated facilities, poor ventilation, and deteriorating facades, all of which need urgent attention to align with the region’s eco-city regeneration goals. This study employs a combination of regional analysis, practical research, and numerical calculations, utilizing eco-friendly materials such as wood and plants to renovate the market’s exterior. Preliminary designs suggest that increasing the green coverage from 20% to 47% revitalizes low-rise public buildings like the Yulin Market, ensuring they blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment. The research promotes the sustainable development of green, energy-efficient buildings while contributing to the creation of a more liveable eco-city environment. Furthermore, it offers a new perspective on renovating traditional buildings with modern green design principles.