Wonderwoods Vertical Forest | Stefano Boeri Architetti

The Dutch project whose name is “Wonderwoods Vertical Forest”
is the fourteenth "vertical forest" designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti in the world.

It is a true "vertical green city" that hosts public functions and is accessible to all citizens,

a forward-thinking model for the future of urban development

The project has already recognized with numerous international awards,
including the prestigious MIPIM Awards 2025, the International Architecture Awards 2025
and now the New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards 2025

The Dutch vertical forest “Wonderwoods Vertical Forest” designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti and developed in Utrecht, Netherlands, by G&S&, has been awarded as “Global Model of Smart Green Building” for the New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards 2025.

The New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards is an annual worldwide prize initiated 20 years ago by Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS). Supported by UN agencies and other international organizations, the awards program aims to accelerate the delivery of UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 11. The outstanding award winners come from different parts of the world, producing a significant demonstration effect. Positioned as a globally authoritative accolade for a sustainable urban future, and supported by the Global Human Settlements Foundation (GHSF), New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards (New SCAHSA) aims to recognize and honor outstanding innovation and leadership in making sustainable cities and human settlements, and advancing climate actions, and promote their innovative strategies, technologies and approaches as well as successful experience, thereby inspiring more people to follow suit and take decisive action on the ground.

All the awarded in Geneva

Lucrezia De Marco, Head of Stefano Boeri Architetti communication who collect the prize in Geneva

THE PRIZE - New sustainable cities and human settlements awards 2025

Selected by a jury including Carlos Moreno, urban planner and creator of the "15-minute city" vision, and Vicente Guallart, former chief architect for Barcelona City Council, the project has been awarded during the ceremony held in Geneva at the headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization (the agency of the United Nations that promotes international cooperation on meteorology, climate, hydrology, and related geophysical sciences), introduced by Iñaqui Carnicero, Secretary General for Urban Agenda, Housing and Architecture at the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda in Spain. During the event was signed the Geneva Declaration, providing a consensus-based reference for urban transformation and development worldwide, 19 best practices demonstrating outstanding achievements in sustainable cities and climate action were recognized for multiple regions and sectors.

The Wonderwoods project, consisting of two buildings connected by an elevated pedestrian bridge (the Wonderwoods Vertical Forest by Stefano Boeri Architetti and a building designed by Dutch studio MVSA), has already been recognized with numerous international awards, including the prestigious MIPIM Awards 2025 and the International Architecture Awards 2025. Results through which the project reaffirms itself as a forward-thinking model for the future of urban development.

"Wonderwoods Vertical Forest is a true 'vertical city in a forest' because, in addition to housing, it houses green spaces, sports areas, restaurants, citizen services, and offices. It is entirely designed to integrate trees, plants, and flowers, making it a true catalyst for biodiversity. A pedestrian bridge on the seventh floor connects our tower to the adjacent MVSA project, with a raised terrace accessible to all, ensuring that the project's benefits are accessible to all citizens—not just its residents" said Architect Stefano Boeri and Architect Francesca Cesa Bianchi, partners of Stefano Boeri Architetti.

After Bosco Verticale (Boeri Studio, Milan 2014), Wonderwoods Vertical Forest, the 14th "vertical forest" designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti with its 360 trees and 50,000 plants from 30 native species, equivalent to the vegetation of one hectare of forest, is a living architecture, with façades that change in color and foliage density throughout the seasons. These variations are influenced by sunlight exposure and the natural growth cycles of the vegetation. This is a true urban ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and offering shelter to local bird species, thanks to circular openings specially integrated into the façades to house bird nests.

The apartments are characterized by lush greenery on terraces and balconies, abundant natural light, and open views of the surrounding urban landscape. Green maintenance is managed by a centralized building system, equipped with sensors to monitor irrigation and schedule pruning activities efficiently.

In terms of construction, the building was realized using prefabricated façade and balcony systems, and it stands out for the careful articulation of its volumes, which adapt to the specific conditions of the site at different levels. The building’s vertical structure is divided into overlapping “tiers,” creating a dynamic rotation along its axis, and connects at the seventh floor to the adjacent building designed by MVSA.

In terms of functional mix, Wonderwoods’s ground floor hosts bicycle parking and public spaces, while the upper levels accommodate offices, fitness facilities, and a series of duplex residences that combine living areas with studio spaces. On the seventh floor, both indoor and outdoor dining spaces enliven the pedestrian bridge connecting the two buildings, which also includes hanging gardens and offers panoramic views of the city.

Among the project’s sustainable features, the entire area is pedestrian-only, and beneath the buildings, a rainwater collection system allows for the storage, reuse, and safe disposal of rainwater.

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