Living walls allow a rural aesthetic to emerge in an urban setting. These vertical gardens, usually growing on the side of buildings, not only bring green into an otherwise brick and mortar realm but, in some case, help to filter clean air into the building in which they are growing upon. Or, as in the case of Japan’s latest atypical design, the vending machine on which they are growing.

This prototype from Fuji Electric is giving green vending a new meaning. The moss-covered vending machine is powered by solar panels located on top. The moss provides insulation during the winter seasons to improve energy conservation.

[Sources: Fuji Electric, ecofriend]