begränad

Begrönad is a Swedish adjective describing surfaces, landscapes, or objects that have been vegetated or covered with greenery. It derives from the verb begrönna, meaning to green or to plant vegetation on a surface. As an adjective it is used to characterize things that have been made greener, such as a roof, wall, or yard.

In practice, begrönad is used for surfaces that host living vegetation, including green roofs and living walls, but also for parks, courtyards, and other urban spaces. The form agrees with gender and definiteness: en begrönad fasad, ett begrönat tak, de begrönade fasaderna.

Begrönade surfaces are associated with urban sustainability and biophilic design. They may improve biodiversity, reduce urban heat, help manage rainwater, and enhance air quality, while also contributing to aesthetics and residents’ well-being. The concept is common in Swedish planning and architectural discourse and is increasingly adopted in municipal policies and building regulations.

Maintenance is a key consideration, including irrigation, pruning, soil management, and structural load. Costs and technical requirements vary with system type, plant choice, and climate.

See also: green roof, green wall, biophilic design.

Etymology: the prefix be- plus grön, green; the word is used as a past participle adjective.