In recent years the world of architecture has turned towards what are commonly called “vertical gardens”, or skyscrapers or entire complexes that give the natural element as much space as the architectural one. The design and construction of these new buildings gives the possibility to create real green oases in urban areas of cities and metropolises. 
One of the latest projects in this sense is the Urban Forest by Koichi Takada Architects. 

Urban Forest is a skyscraper designed for the district of South Brisbane in Australia and, in addition to merging architecture and nature, it pays homage to the typical residential style of Queensland. 

It is a 30-storey building that houses 382 apartments, a two-story rooftop garden, a public park and a tourist center. 

The 1000 trees and 20000 selected plants cover the entire structure of the building, isolating each apartment and filtering natural light and heat. To further reduce the environmental impact, the Urban Forest is equipped with solar panels and a rainwater collection system that is reused to irrigate the plants. 

The entire skyscraper is raised above ground level through a series of columns and a public park with different varieties of plants has been developed underneath the building, which represents a cool and shady place for tenants to spend their time. 

Finally, within the Urban Forest has been created a tourist center where visitors, tourists, students from schools and universities can experience a journey of discovery of the various species of plants present in the structure and their importance.