Stefano Boeri's ‘Vertical Forest’ towers near completion in Milan

Construction is nearly complete on two "green” towers, designed by Stefano Boeri to help alleviate increasing air pollution in the city of Milan.

The two Vertical Forests, which stand at 80 and 112 metres tall, are shrouded in dense vegetation that helps to produce humidity and oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and act as protection against acoustic pollution.

A mixture of 900 large and small trees have been planted on balconies on all four sides of the towers, accompanied by 5,000 shrubs and 11,000 floral plants.

The towers contain units ranging from compact two-room apartments to penthouses and duplexes, with balconies that extend about 3.5 meters outward to provide room for the greenery.

Photovoltaic systems have also been incorporated for better self-sufficient energy.

Completion of Vertical Forest is scheduled for the end of 2014.

Courtesy Archinect