Walking into the first floor entrance of UNH Manchester, visitors may be surprised to see a nook near the main stairway that is bursting with foliage. This living wall is one-of-a-kind in New Hampshire, and it isn’t just for show.
Beginning in November 2012, UNH Manchester will be the home of the northernmost, as well as the only indoor, public vertical garden.
Aaron Kinne of Concord, is a student in the general studies program at UNH Manchester, as well as the designer and creator of the living wall.
“The original goal of the project was to accomplish one of two things,” says Kinne. “One was to help with the air quality in the school.” A wall covered in various species of plants will enable a cleaner, fresher atmosphere as well as bring life to the classic brick of the historic millyard. “The second goal was to beautify the grotto and open up the space which was previously only taken up by a single light and a stone bench.”
Students can now sit on the bench and enjoy the warm, brightly lit area. The sustainable design created by Kinne, who wants to become a botanist, promises to continue to liven the area and to provide a refreshing place for students and visitors to meet.
A ribbon cutting ceremony has been scheduled on Thursday, November 15 from 12:00-12:30 p.m. in the first floor at UNH Manchester, 400 Commercial Street. The event is free and open to the public. Sponsors of the "living wall" include Lowes of Bedford, Cole’s Gardens in Concord, Dean Ali Rafeiymehr and UNH Manchester.
For more information contact Jamie Saucier, student activities coordinator, at jamie.saucier@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4395.
Originally published by:
UNH Manchester
Written by Ian O'Dowd
