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Generate shadows without trees: vegetable awnings, a new way to generate shadows in the city.
(www.singulargreen.com)
I found these kind of cool as an idea, as they can be added rather easily to existing cities and provide some greenery without taking up space, while providing shade:
They probably also need an irrigation system? Or need to be watered daily? They don't look like they would hold a lot of water when the sun evaporates everything.
I also have concerns about nutrient cycling, every rain and over watering is going to wash nutrients into the street below. This is an interesting idea, but could use more refinement.
It does have an irrigation system. You can see the pipe assembly on the left. It is that big white thing running through. That goes to a water tank, which collects the rainwater from the sails and then pumps it back up when needed.
I see, thanks. You probably mean on the right? It is also explained in the article you linked.