Vertical greening systems on heritage buildings : an analytical framework, Antwerp as a case study

Vertical greening systems (VGS) can transform heritage buildings into active contributors to climate adaptation and community well-being, despite technical, regulatory, and cultural constraints. This study introduces the Vertical Greening Systems on Heritage Buildings (VGSHB) Analytical Framework, a qualitative tool that evaluates VGS compatibility with 19 sub-criteria across six aspects: environmental, social, economic, cultural, legal, and technical. The framework avoids prescriptive solutions, instead mapping positive, conditional, or adverse relationships to guide context-sensitive decision-making. Applied to Eclectic, Neo-style, and Traditional architecture in Antwerp, including the Plantin-Moretus Museum, it demonstrates how architectural style influences VGS compatibility. The research combines systematic literature reviews, policy analysis, professional surveys, spatial analysis, and case studies, offering an evidence-based approach for integrating sustainability into heritage conservation.

Kale, E. Vertical greening systems on heritage buildings : an analytical framework, Antwerp as a case study. https://doi.org/10.63028/10067/2238830151162165141