Laura Gatti, co-designer of Milan’s Bosco Verticale, to landscape db Towers

Laura Gatti, a distinguished landscape planner and agricultural scientist hailing from Milan, has been selected to spearhead the transformation of the residential component of the db Group’s project in St George’s Bay into stunning vertical gardens.

Renowned for her role as co-designer in the creation of Stefano Boeri’s iconic Bosco Verticale in Milan, and her involvement in other celebrated landscape projects for esteemed entities such as Giorgio Armani, Esselunga and Campari, Ms Gatti is now bringing her unique expertise to Malta.

The St. George’s Bay development comprises of two towers housing the exclusive ORA Residences, alongside a five-star Hard Rock Hotel and an expansive shopping mall, St. George’s Mall.

Beyond offering breathtaking views, the residential towers will be adorned with a carefully curated selection of trees and shrubs, thoughtfully adapted to Malta’s unique landscape and climatic conditions.

“It is imperative that the structures we create strike a harmonious balance with our communities. By crafting a vertical forest around these towers, we not only diminish their visual impact but also usher in more sustainable cooling and shading solutions for the buildings themselves.

“In parallel, in light of the open sea a few meters away, we are meticulously selecting the plants and trees that can withstand and thrive in this environment. I am absolutely thrilled to lend my decades of experience to this groundbreaking endeavour in Malta, pioneering a development that stands as a testament to innovation,” said Ms Gatti.

Robert Debono, CEO of db Group, articulated the group’s vision, saying, “Our aspiration is to establish a new benchmark for high-rise construction in Malta, one that mitigates environmental impact and contributes to a greener island. Given the country’s size is limited, vertical construction is arguably a necessity. However, this doesn’t mean we must restrict our landscaping efforts solely to the open plazas below the towers; we can also use the towers themselves as canvases for nature.”

Silvio Debono, chairman of db Group, emphasised the company’s dedication to excellence, stating, “Our company has consistently embraced innovation and uncompromising quality. We take great pride in our collaboration with an accomplished landscape artist for this project, firmly believing that the final outcome will be appreciated by all.”