Living wall installed at Saint Mary’s University

Tropical and household plants part of newest green feature on campus

A view of the plant-covered living wall in the new atrium under construction at Saint Mary’s University. Photo: Jessie Ross

It's the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada and the question many students ask upon seeing it is, is it real?

The entire three-storey-high wall made out of 14 species of green plant life is real. The living or bio wall at Saint Mary's University is home to more than 1,100 tropical and common household plants, and stands out starkly against a building made of metal and glass.

"Most students are surprised by just how big the wall is. They don't expect to see the plants take up the whole wall,'" says Caitlin Dix, 24, a student representative for the university sustainability committee.

Named for its ability to "breathe," the wall is just one of the many green features of Saint Mary's $17.5-million atrium project. Donations from alumni, faculty and friends as well as funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency covered the cost.

The atrium is an extension of the school's commitment to the environment and the result of student requests to increase the school's sustainability efforts.

"We believe that the university is a living laboratory where we can create a sustainable future and the installation of the living wall is a fine example of this," says Gabrielle Morrison, chair of the university's sustainability committee.

The project is being built to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED standards and will connect the Patrick Power Library with the Burke buildings.

The atrium will also feature a green roof, office space, a 100-seat lecture hall and café. The focal point will be the distinctive living wall. It is both a living piece of art and science.

"The wall is an amazing feature that looks great but also serves a purpose," says Dix. The plant life will be an air filtration system for the atrium and will continuously clean and improve air quality.

The wall will also be used for research and teaching and the university hopes it will attract new students. Dix says the wall will help Saint Mary's stick out in potential students' minds and attract those who have an interest in sustainable development.

The living wall, which Saint Mary's claims is among the largest in the world, can be viewed from afar but the atrium is not yet open to the public. The building is slated to be completed by December.

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