Around the 5 boroughs there are an increasing number of Living Walls beginning to sprout up, giving a more literal meaning to the phrase urban jungle . This technique of building construction is said to improve thermal efficiency,  increase air quality, and improve the overall visual aesthetic of the design. Most of these are pre-grown soil based modular tiles which get installed on the building facade. Irrigation often incorporates roof runoff catchments and backup, though some still take a hydroponic approach.
One of the main groups greening up building facades around NYC is Green Living Technologies . Some of their more recent work includes the green building face of Oulu in Williamsburg, and the new Pure Yoga being built on the Upper East Side.

Another group flaunting their botanical building prowess is Elevated Landscape Technologies . These guys have an impressive list of pre-grown plant compositions, including various species of blossoming succulents.

With the greenbuilding industry still charging ahead full steam, it should be interesting to see how many organizations take the plunge and start wearing their lawn on their building. I’m also wondering what kind of psuedo-hemp Living Walls the guys in Boulder, CO are gonna be growing… heady i’m sure.