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Username
Lily Turner
Proposer First Name
Lily
Proposer Email
lturner@urbanstrong.com
Proposer Last Name
Turner
Proposer Phone
(513) 348-7654
Proposer Job Title
Director of Sales + Operations
Proposer Additional Info
I have extensive knowledge of various interior and exterior Living Wall systems for residential and commercial spaces. Prior to my move to NYC, I co-founded and ran a 501c3 dedicated to urban beautication via Living Wall systems to maximize the social and environmental impact, especially in low-income areas. I work closely with architects, developers and designers to better understand their goals and budget before placing them with the appropriate Living Wall technology.
Proposed Session Description
Living Walls are one of the modern world’s greatest new art forms, representing a future where Nature, technology, and humanity thrive together. Recently, these lush living tapestries have been making an appearance in new developments, offices, private hospitals, and shopping centers worldwide. Typically, they are solely appreciated for their aesthetics and only accessible to a select group of affluent people. Living Walls should be recognized for their myriad of potential public benefits such as air purification, reduction of urban heat island effect, muffling of noise pollution, stormwater management, habitat restoration, boosted immunity, health and wellness, reduced crime rates and stress levels, enhanced feelings of well-being, and much more. In dense urban areas, city planners and developers are often choosing between more green space or more living space. However, Living Wall technology is a great example of how Nature and modern development cannot only coexist but present a unique juxtaposition in our built environment. Publicly accessible Living Walls can alleviate some of the affects brought on by social, economic, and environmental injustices, especially exterior installations in low-income neighborhoods.
Why is this session important?
Humans have an innate and instinctive urge to feel connected to the natural world. While in the past we had to compromise between urban or natural environments, today we find ourselves at the beginning of a renaissance in which human-inhabited structures can provide safety; while still experiencing the benefits that Nature provides to our mental and physical health. Throughout history, we have seen forward thinkers who build structures that create harmony within their specific environment, but more often we see building and interior designs that overlook our inherent urge to connect with Nature. The inclusion of well designed, ecologically supported plant technology such as living walls and green roofs, provide occupants with increased feelings of comfort, health, productivity, performance, and can even minimize the effects of stress.
Diversity and Inclusiveness
Publicly accessible Living Walls can be used as an aesthetically pleasing tool to produce social and environmental equity for any community, especially low-income neighborhoods. Living Walls can avoid the "Green Space Paradox" especially if the financing to build a Living Wall is supported through grants and fundraising initiatives. And because of their vertical orientation and ability to be retrofitted, they can beautify areas of need without encouraging gentrification.
Learning Objectives
Earn conceptual, high-level knowledge of different Living Wall systems on the market and the myriad of benefits they offer
Understand the affects Living Walls have in different commercial settings via case study highlights; healthcare, office and educational environments
Comprehend how to enhance otherwise sterile spaces to increase property value, reduce GHG emissions, create a unique amenity space, and earn LEED and WELL credits
Understand the costs and process of the design-build-maintenace aspect of Living Wall systems
Has this session been presented before?
No
Additional Comments
I am an authorized CEU presenter and regularly train architects, designers and developers on the features and benefits of Living Wall systems.
Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 1 - No prior knowledge needed.
Session Format
Interview or structured conversation among panelists
Collaborative problem-solving session
Debate between opposing viewpoints
Workshop or skill-building session
Lightning Round (several brief idea pitches followed by discussion)
Presentation followed by in-depth discussion or breakout groups

Strongest Content Connection - NYC 2021

Anything else you'd like to tell us about your session proposal?
Living Walls are extremely versatile in function and design. These systems are not just a trendy form of art but since the start of the pandemic, we have seen a growing demand for bringing natural elements into our living and working environments. We predict Living architecture and green building technology to soon be mandated across dense metropolitan and megalopolis areas in the United states.
Reviewer 1
Ziv, Dorit
Proposal #
108
Committee Decision
Rejected