The development takes inspiration from progressive, eco-friendly initiatives and studies around the globe. These include:​

• New French legislation declaring that rooftops on new buildings in commercial zones must be partially covered with plants or solar panels. Green roofs have an insulating effect, helping to reduce energy needed to heat buildings in winter and cool them in summer. The Canadian city of Toronto has also made green roofs compulsory for industrial and residential buildings. (http://bit.ly/frgroof)

• The recently completed sustainable Bosco Verticale towers in Milan will eventually have the equivalent of one hectare of forest in the centre of the city, with trees absorbing urban dust and producing oxygen. The architect, Stefano Boeri, is now planning a second vertical forest in Lausanne, Switzerland (work is to start in 2017).(http://bit.ly/bosvert) (https://vimeo.com/77235516)

• Companies are covering their buildings in trees and shrubs to minimise greenhouse gas effects, supply shade, boost air quality and lessen the need for air-conditioning. These include the Park Royal on Pickering hotel and the planned high-rise development Marina One, both in Singapore, and an ambitious complex in Ho Chi Minh City, which will be covered in bamboo, and linked with bridges shaded by foliage. (http://bit.ly/buldgrn)

• Gotham Greens, a company that operates technologically advanced urban rooftop greenhouses in New York and Chicago, yields pesticide-free crops using ecologically sustainable methods and clean energy. (www.gothamgreens.com)

• The American Institute of Architects’ top green buildings for 2015 showcase excellence in ecological design and reduced energy consumption. (http://bit.ly/bestgrbld)

• The super-green Bullitt Centre in Seattle, US, makes energy to spare. (www.bullittcenter.org)

• The sustainable Carbon Positive House in Melbourne, Australia. (http://bit.ly/ozsustain)

• Green skyscrapers in Beijing, China. (http://bit.ly/grbeij)

• For open-air event inspiration: the Galileo Open Air Cinema (http://thegalileo.co.za/); wine tasting (www.tuningthevine.co.za/); rooftop parties (http://bit.ly/partrf).