The Truth About Green Walls:

Green Wall Specialists Speak Out!

Dean Hill, ASLA greenscreen

Debbie Kotalic & Chad Sichello GSky Plant Systems, Inc.
Scott Mehaffey, MS RLA FASLA Sage Botanic Media
Mario Nievera, ASLA Mario Nievera Design Inc.

Regional challenges inherent in the sites natural features as well as sunlight, wind,
moisture, and soil present construction challenges in green wall and green wall system
design.

Successful green walls require collaboration between specialists and landscape

architects.

Regional codes and requirements present challenges to green wall construction.

Technology and horticulture requirements are further advanced, but experience leads to
successful green wall projects.

Sage Botanic Media

GSky

greenscreen

2011 ASLA Annual Meeting

San Diego, CA
Tuesday, 11/1/2011, 1:30:00 PM-3:00:00 PM
TUE-B9 The Truth about Green Walls: Green Wall Specialists Speak Out!
Develop an understanding of different green wall systems-both living walls and green-facade walls.
Comprehension of the design considerations of each type of system enables landscape architects, as the
lead consultants, to manage green-wall specialists as they incorporate the sculptural elements clients are
requesting for their urban/residential landscapes.
Learning Objectives

Develop an understanding of different green-wall systems.

Discover exciting design ideas and solutions for green walls throughout North America.
Understand the construction and maintenance technology and the regional possibilities of green
walls.

Course Outline:
I. Regional challenges inherent in the sites natural features as well as sun-light, wind, moisture, and soil
present construction challenges in Green Wall design:
a. Canvas and Palette: As artistic and design oriented Landscape Architects are, how do we inform
ourselves as to what works best to create a successful green wall? How do we think ahead to
modify our landscape architecture designs to incorporate successful Green Walls.
b. Creating the right micro-climate for the Green Wall is important to success and longevity. What
features of the Landscape can help insure a successful green wall, that is equally beautiful?
c. As we manipulate the site to emphasize the existing site characteristics (earthwork, architecture,
planting), how can we better incorporate green wall technology?
II. Successful Green Walls require collaboration between specialists and landscape Architects:
a. Timely contact with Specialist can lead to successful green walls. Other consultants such as
structural engineers (mechanical engineers if indoor installations), lighting, local irrigation
specialists, and local nurserymen
b. What costs and contracts are expected in Green Wall consultants, and how can we better
incorporate these costs into the overall contract for work?
c. How do landscape architect efficiently manage the green wall project portion of the design?
d. What kinds of maintenance technology and maintenance requirements are necessary for
successful green wall installations? And how do we manage the client expectation from the
onset?
III. Regional codes, and requirements present challenges to green wall construction. Technology and
horticulture requirements are further advanced, but experience leads to successful Green Wall projects:
a. Irrigation types for green wall projects such as drip, and spray works best in different
regions per the root zones and plant types.
b. Post construction evaluation and monitoring of the completed project is necessary for the
success and longevity of the green wall as is the same expectation of the overall
landscape
c. Light requirements, seasonal weather patterns and solar changes, soil characteristics,
and plant growth, and plant specifications play a significant role in green wall design and
green wall sustainability
d. Structural considerations for planters and walls that respond to climactic, and geographic
site challenges

Featured Speakers:
Mario Nievera, ASLA
Mario Nievera Design Incorporated
Mario Nievera Design Incorporated provides Landscape Architecture for projects located throughout the
United States, Caribbean, Canada, and Asia. Their projects have been published in many national and
international design magazines recongnizing the firms ability to successfully collaborate with the country's
best architects and interior designers. Mario Nievera graduated from Purdue University, where he was
recognized as an 2009 Outstanding Alumnus. Mario Nievera frequently lectures and is involved with
numerous charities and organizations in New York, New York and Palm Beach Florida, where he
maintains residences and offices.
Chad Sichello
GSKY
Chad Sichello is the founder and President of GSky. Prior to founding GSky, Mr. Sichello started a Green
Roof subcontracting business for two years in the mature Japanese Green Building industry. At ALS-TDI
he managed a small team that developed software and data information systems to aid in
neurodegenerative disease research. He co-founded a European Rail Ticket business called Wandrian,
Newton, MA. Mr. Sichello graduated from McGill University with a B.Mus with Honours in Music
Technology
Dean Hill, ASLA
GreenScreen
Dean Hill, ASLA, CGP is the Director of Sustainability at greenscreen, the leader in green facade
technology since 1993. Dean holds a Master of Landscape Architecture degree and a Bachelor of Arts in
Telecommunications from Ball State University. Dean holds a CertifiedGreen Professional designation
from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Dean can also be seen as co-host/landscape
designer on Grounds for Improvement, an award winning landscape makeover show airing on the DIY
Network.
Debbie Kotalic
GSKY
Debbie Kotalic is the Director of Design and Nursery Management for Gsky Plant Systems, Inc. She has
25 yrs. of experience in the landscape design industry and prior to joining the GSky team, she co-owned
a landscape design/build business and founded a successful production and retail nursery. She also
manages GSky's nursery relationships nationwide and was instrumental in developing and implementing
the maintenance support program for the Gsky Walls.
Scott Mehaffey, FASLA
Sage Botanic Media
Scott Mehaffey, MS, RLA, FASLA is Executive Vice President, Sage Botanic Media, based in Chicago.
Scott develops and promotes living walls across the United States. Sage Botanic Media provides interior
and exterior vertical gardens for public spaces, incorporating promotional imagery and sponsor logos.
BioTecture, another Sage Alliances company, designs and implements vertical gardens throughout
Europe and the United States. Scott has promoted gardening and urban greening for two decades and
joined Sage in early 2011.
Reference/Source Materials
Gsky.com
greenscreen.com