After many years of experience, we can affirm that one of the most critical elements for the conservation and healthy development of an interior living wall is adequate lighting.
The integration of plants into indoor spaces is becoming increasingly common in contemporary architecture.
When designing a living wall, it is essential to consider the environmental conditions and the type of lighting available to correctly select the plants and their distribution in the project.
Key Factors for Plant Development
The optimal development and growth of plants in a living wall depend on four fundamental factors: water, nutrients, air, and light. Ensuring that plants receive the necessary light energy is crucial, especially in indoor environments where natural light may be insufficient.
Lighting in Indoor Spaces
Indoors, where natural light is limited or non-existent, it is vital to stimulate the natural processes of plants through artificial lighting. To achieve this, three important aspects must be considered:
- Light Quality: Defines the spectral composition of the auxiliary lighting source.
- Light Intensity: (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density/ PPFD, μmol m-2s-1) The amount of photosynthetically active photons received by the plants per square metre per second and used in the process of photosynthesis decreases proportionally with the distance from the source.
- Photoperiod: The duration of light exposure should mimic natural cycles to promote healthy growth.
Measurement of Auxiliary Lighting
To measure adequate lighting in living walls, conventional units such as lux or lumens are not used, as these values can vary according to the luminaire’s spectrum.
Instead, the Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) is measured, indicating the amount of light useful for photosynthesis that reaches the plants. It is essential to implement light sources that emit the correct wavelength to maximise plant growth and health.
Special Lighting Systems
At Terapia Urbana, we have developed and tested a lighting system that provides the necessary energy (PPFD) and has a spectrum that covers the biological needs of the plant. Additionally, these lamps have a very good colour rendering index and colour temperature, making them perfectly compatible with interior lighting design for the human eye.
Our lighting systems are designed to regulate the amount of light, the distribution of luminous flux, colour, and spectrum. This allows the adaptation and enhancement of the different phases of growth and development of plants in living walls.
These systems meet all the necessary technical requirements to ensure the optimal growth of indoor plants.
Study and Implementation
Before installing a lighting system in a living wall, our team of experts conducts a thorough study to analyse all factors affecting the garden. This analysis ensures a uniform distribution of PPFD, which is crucial for the correct selection of species and landscape design. We ensure that auxiliary lighting balances essential parameters for the healthy development of plants.
Proven Results
Our lamps have been rigorously tested at the University of Seville and implemented in multiple projects across various countries in Europe, obtaining outstanding and verified results.
If you are a professional interested in incorporating a living wall into your project, our team is here to assist you. With our experience and advanced technology, we can ensure that your living wall is visually striking, sustainable, and healthy.
At Terapia Urbana, we are committed to creating green spaces that improve the quality of life and the urban environment. Let us help you realise your vision of a perfectly illuminated and vibrant living wall.
View details and download the catalogue for free here.