Milan may be one of the leading cities when it comes to fashion and design, but they are doing pretty well with looking after the environment too. I was lucky enough to visit Milan last year, and saw these buildings from a far and they definitely do draw your attention.

The Bosco Verticale, otherwise known as Milan’s green buildings, are situated in the district of Porta Nuova. They were designed by Boeri Studio and built because of the growing cities and the loss of nature around us. The project is the world’s first vertical forest; I love the idea of expanding but taking nature into account as well.

The buildings are 110 and 76 meters high respectively, and are aimed at reducing pollution and creating a better living space for people. They are covered in a range of trees, which will help with absorbing carbon dioxide and dust particles, producing humidity and oxygen and will protect from radiation and acoustic pollution.

The plants and trees are planted on each apartment’s balcony. The trees have been chosen to correspond with Milan’s weather; in summer they will provide shade and filter pollution and in the winter the bare trees will allow some sunlight into the apartments for warmth.

If you are wondering about all the water for the plants, they’ve got that covered too! The plant’s water will be reused greywater from the building, which will have been filtered through a system designed for them.

Not only are these buildings helping to save the planet, but they look beautiful too. With Milan being one of the fashion capitals of the world, it is only fitting that they are.