More and more cities are looking toward nature to redefine the urban landscape. Vertical forests are being built in the Chinese city of Nanjing in an effort to combat rampant pollution in the city, and others are already constructed in Italy and Switzerland. Now, Brussels is planning to build three vertical structures using recyclable materials, renewable energy sources, and 30,000 plants to push it toward a more eco-friendly future.

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Once a port, then a warehouse, then a train and maritime station, Brussel's now-abandoned Tour and Taxis site could soon be transformed into an impressive green haven featuring massive, 300-foot-tall structures partially powered by solar panels. The numerous plants that would be seamlessly integrated into the buildings would allow them to absorb 175 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually.

Apart from sprucing up the aesthetics of this site, the vertical forests would provide a mix of residential, commercial, and business spaces anchored on what the firm Vincent Callebaut Architecture calls “innovative, sustainable building principles.”

The entire plan is still up for approval, but should it get the go signal, here’s a peek at what the remarkable project would look like.

This is the Tours and Taxis building today. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Three massive towers will feature 30,000 plants that can produce 175 tons of CO2 annually.
Meandering indoor gardens make up interior spaces.
Stacked office spaces feature individual gardens.

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