Green Towers Bringing Nature Back into the Heart of the City! In face of climate change and greenhouse effect, carbon reduction and energy efficiency policies have become our common goal. As everyone seeks for ways to live a greener lifestyle, Vincent Callebaut envisions a futuristic, green Paris.

Can you imagine how the ground you step on and the air you breathe will be like in 2050? World Meteorological Organization (WMO) spokeswoman and Media Officer Clare Nullis invited TV weather presenters from around the world to imagine a weather report from the year 2050 and present possible scenarios. And guess what? The weather reports showed exceptionally high temperatures for Spain, the Philippines, Japan, and many more!

Commissioned in wake of the Climate Energy Plan of Paris, Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut developed a proposal titled 2050 Paris Smart City presenting eight prototypes of towers that integrate elements of nature and technology with rainwater retention tanks and green walls, etc. By bringing green spaces and farm life into cities and integrating community resources, the Smart City project aims to bring greenery back into the city and provide sources of renewable energy in hopes of lighting up Paris.

Model
Antismog Towers

Callebaut will transform Petite Ceinture, an abandoned railway hub, into a multipleuse ecological corridor. The cyclone-shaped towers can remove smog due to the abundant plants.

Model
Bamboo Nest Towers

Due to its rapid growth and short life-cycle, bamboo is one of the most renewable natural resources in the world, and it can be harvested on a regular basis. Bamboo can also greatly reduce the city’s temperature and purify the air.

Model
Farmscraper Towers

Farmscraper Towers comprise of 3 connected structures. Here, organic waste will be composted with methane captured and reused to produce electricity. Rain water can be collected and recycled to water the plants.

Model
Honeycomb Towers

In the US, this is called lowincome housing; but in Paris, it’s the symbol of future sustainable buildings. Honeycomb Towers aim to improve insulation and reduce noise. Thermal and photovoltaic solar panels installed on the roof are designed to produce electricity.

Photos courtesy of Vincent Callebaut ｜Vincent Callebaut