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We’ve Landed: Planteria Launches in the United States

We’ve Landed: Planteria Launches in the United States

We’ve got exciting news to share – after two years of behind-the-scenes work, we’ve officially launched in the United States. 

Our new headquarters at 460 Park Avenue South in New York marks a major milestone for Planteria Group. But this isn’t just an expansion. It’s a response to something far more meaningful: client demand.

Why We're Here

Our move across the Atlantic wasn’t part of a grand plan for global conquest. In fact, it started with a request from some of our most valued clients:

“We want you to bring the Planteria experience here too.”

And so, we did. We listened. We planned. We built. Now, we’re proud to say that Planteria is officially operating across the Northeast Corridor – from Boston to Washington DC – bringing the same trusted service that our UK clients already know.

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What We're Bringing to the Table

Our US launch introduces the same signature service model that’s made us the UK’s leading office planting partner:

  • Biophilic design embedded seamlessly into workplace environments
  • Reliable, worry-free plant maintenance
  • Cost-efficient innovation with our Ecoponic substrate system
  • Enhanced employee engagement through our Engage & Bloom workplace experience program

We already maintain over 90,000 plants in UK workplaces, and now we’re bringing that experience to American businesses seeking consistency, simplicity, and results.

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What's Next?

This is just the beginning. While we’re currently focused on the Northeast Corridor, our next destination is already on the horizon: California.

We’re excited about what’s to come – and we’re grateful to the clients who’ve trusted us to take this step with them.

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Let's Grow Together

Want to learn more about our US services, innovations, or how Planteria can transform your workplace?

Read More

Discover ways to enhance your office environment with our expert insights on biophilic design, wellbeing, sustainability and the world of plants.

The Complete Guide to Green Walls

The Complete Guide to Green Walls

Green walls (also called living walls or vertical gardens) are installations of plants on vertical surfaces. They appear indoors or outdoors, from office feature walls to full building facades.

Green walls bring several benefits. They improve air quality, reduce noise, and add visual interest. 

Inside, they can soften acoustics and lift staff mood. Research links greenery with lower stress and faster recovery.

On exteriors, they help cool buildings by shading and evaporative cooling – cutting wall temperatures by up to 14°C (25°F). 

This guide covers every type of green wall: indoor and outdoor, living and artificial. 

It includes design tips, light level advice, maintenance needs, costs, and common questions.

Interior Green Wall Systems

Interior green walls add vegetation to indoor spaces like lobbies, conference rooms, and offices. Below are the main categories of interior walls, each with its features, uses, pros, cons, and care notes.

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Living Walls

Living walls are truly “living” vertical gardens with irrigation. These come in various system types:

  • Modular Panels: Panels or frames that attach to the wall. Each panel contains plants in a substrate or media with built-in drip irrigation. These modules clip together or mount side-by-side.
  • Felt-Pocket Systems: Fabric “pockets” or pouches hung on a frame. Plants are inserted into pockets of synthetic felt, and irrigation wets the entire pocket panel.
  • Mobile Living walls:  Freestanding units on wheels, often double-sided. They include irrigation and work well as green room dividers in flexible or rented spaces.
  • Custom-Built Green Walls: Bespoke structures (e.g. troughs, framework of planters) built on-site. These may combine soil and hydroponic techniques to fit unique spaces or designs.

Regardless of type, living walls work by supplying plants with water and nutrients via an irrigation system. Green walls transform sterile interiors into biophilic spaces, boost air humidity slightly, and serve as living artwork.

Pros of Living Walls

  • Biophilic Impact: Actual plants and foliage. They can include a wide variety of species (ferns, pothos, philodendron, bromeliads, etc.) to create a rich texture and even seasonal interest.
  • Air Quality: Living walls consume CO₂ and some VOCs, improving indoor air.
  • Aesthetics: Greenery is dynamic, growing and changing over time (better visual effect than static art).
  • Customization: Choose plant mix for color, pollination, or function (e.g. air-purifying plants). Soil systems allow bulbs and flowering plants, hydroponic can support air-purifying or even edible plants.
  • Space-Saving: Adds greenery without using floor space – ideal where space is tight.
  • Visual Impact: Creates a striking impression. Often used in entrance atriums with signage to make a bold statement

Cons of Living Walls

  • Maintenance: Require ongoing care. Hydroponic and felt systems need constant monitoring (nutrient levels, pH, pump operation); soil walls are lower-maintenance by comparison.
  • Cost: Higher upfront and ongoing costs (installation and maintenance contracts).
  • Weight & Water: Heavy when saturated (up to ~75 kg/m² for dense modular systems) and potential for water leakage if not sealed.
  • Light Requirements: Plants need enough light; some systems in dim areas may fail without supplemental grow lights.
GreenWallAlley

Design & Maintenance

  • Irrigation: Living walls incorporate drip or capillary irrigation. Hydroponic systems need precisely balanced water and nutrients; soil-based walls retain moisture better, so watering can be less frequent. In all cases, a pump/reservoir or tap connection is required, and drainage must be planned.
  • Plant Selection: Shade-tolerant houseplants (pothos, ferns, mosses) suit low-light walls; brighter walls can support flowering species. Soil-based media allow bulbs and a greater plant range. Many designers use evergreen plants for year-round coverage, adding a few seasonal bloomers for interest.
  • Growth & Pruning: Plants will eventually outgrow modules. Regular pruning and trimming prevent overcrowding. Expect periodic plant replacements.
  • Structural Load: Verify wall load capacity. Many panel systems weigh 30–80 kg/m² when wet. An engineer should approve the mounts.
  • Access: Ensure installers have safe access (scaffolding or lifts) and that the finished wall can be serviced (platforms, catwalks, or permanent walkways).

Artificial Walls (Interior)

Artificial green walls use faux foliage to achieve a “green” look without living plants. They normally consist of artificial leaves and stems attached to rigid panels or mats.

  • How it works: Realistic fake plants (such as vinyl or silk plants) are mounted on panels that clip onto the wall or frame. They are designed to look like living walls but require no soil or irrigation.
  • Ideal uses: Indoor lobbies, offices or retail spaces where maintenance resources are limited, or where water damage is a concern. They are also used to add greenery to areas with no natural light or poor humidity control.

Pros:

Artificial walls require virtually no upkeep – no watering, no pruning, and no pest control. They stay green year-round and are allergy-friendly (no pollen or mold).

High-quality panels are durable and hold their appearance indefinitely. Installation is straightforward (lightweight panels mount easily) and they incur no irrigation or lighting costs.

Cons:

Artificial plants offer few of the benefits of live ones. While they can still support a sense of biophilia by mimicking natural forms, they don’t improve air quality or produce oxygen.

Over time, they can collect dust – though a quick dusting now and then keeps them looking fresh. Up close, even high-quality faux plants may appear less convincing than real foliage.   

Design & Maintenance:

Artificial panels come in many styles and textures, so design flexibility is high. Mounting requirements are minimal (normally requires a level surface and secure fixings).

Maintenance is limited to occasional dusting or gentle cleaning of the foliage.

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Preserved Moss Walls

Preserved moss walls use real moss that has been harvested and treated so it remains soft and green without growing. The moss can then be glued or attached to panels, frames or direct to the wall.

  • How it works: Natural forest moss (often reindeer or sheet moss) is treated with glycerin or other preservatives to lock in moisture and color. Panels of this preserved moss are then mounted on walls. No watering or light is needed, since the moss is “frozen” in its preserved state.
  • Ideal uses: Great for locations with no or low daylight (e.g. interior corridors) where live plants would struggle. Also used for acoustic decoration – preserved moss is highly sound-absorbent.

Pros: 

These walls are very low-maintenance. They never need water or sunlight, and they don’t dry out or turn brown under typical indoor conditions. 

A preserved moss wall can remain lush for years with just occasional gentle dusting. Moss panels also provide acoustic dampening (up to ~90% absorption of mid/high sound frequencies), so they reduce echo and noise. 

The natural texture of real moss is attractive and soothing.

Cons: 

Preserved moss is not alive – it doesn’t grow or change. While it mimics nature and offers some visual biophilic value, it brings none of the air quality benefits of living plants. It can’t recover from damage (people do like to touch it) and is best suited for dry indoor areas.

High humidity or outdoor exposure will cause it to break down. 

Moss walls also have a strong scent for a week or two after installation, but this fades completely and doesn’t linger.

Design & Maintenance: 

Preserved moss panels are sometimes framed and installed like artwork or else cover entire walls. 

They can be cut into shapes or integrated with logos for creative designs. No irrigation is needed, but keep humidity in a moderate range (extreme dryness or humidity can affect the moss texture).

JABmoss

Living Pictures

A “living picture” is essentially a framed or contained living wall – a shallow planter that hangs on a wall like a piece of art.

  • How it works: The system is a flat, rectangular container (often just a few inches deep) with a modular front and a plant-able growing medium inside it. Small plants are placed in the modular sections. The entire frame then hangs on the wall – hence the name “Living Picture”.
  • Ideal uses: Because they are relatively small and self-contained, living pictures are used like botanical artwork to green up small spaces without a full wall installation.

Pros: 

Living pictures create a striking visual centerpiece – a patch of real plants in a frame. They allow a mix of plants (for colour or texture) in a compact footprint. They require much less infrastructure than a large wall.

Cons: 

Because the planter is shallow, plant selection is limited. They still need some care: periodic watering (keeping the water reservoir topped up) and plant maintenance. 

These frames can be heavy when filled, so wall mounting must be secure.

Design & Maintenance: 

Treat a living picture like any hanging garden. Keep the water topped up.  Trim or replace plants that outgrow the frame or die. Hang the frame in bright, indirect light if possible.

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Movable Green Dividers

Movable green dividers (or green furniture) are portable or freestanding plant panels used as room partitions. They are like potted plant walls on wheels or with a stable base. Examples include living office screens with wheels or planters with tall plants (e.g. the Naava or LiveDivider type systems). 

How it works: These units integrate plants into a mobile structure. They may have shelves or pockets filled with plants on one or both sides. Some include features like magnetic whiteboards or even built-in lighting. Many are self-watering: a hidden water tank supplies the plants, and only occasional refill is needed.

Ideal uses: Open offices, coworking spaces, schools, and events. When flexible space partitioning is needed (for privacy, to define zones, or as movable décor), green dividers provide a living barrier. They are often used to subtly segment an area without hard walls.

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Pros: 

Mobility is the key benefit – you can reconfigure them or roll them to cleaning stations. They green both sides of the partition, maximizing impact. 

They are generally easier to install (no drilling into a wall, just position them where needed).

Cons: 

They can be heavy (especially when watered) and require a flat floor to roll smoothly. 

These dividers still need watering and sunlight (or built-in grow lights), and roots can outgrow the container over time. They often cost more due to their mechanical features.

Design & Maintenance: 

Choose sturdy, tipped-resistant bases. These units need an occasional refill of water/nutrients and some basic plant care (trimming, plant replacement). If integrated, irrigation technology may alert you when water is low.

Exterior Green Wall Systems

Exterior green walls and facades bring plant life to the outside of buildings. They must withstand weather and often provide building insulation and habitat.

Living Walls (Exterior)

Exterior living walls are similar in concept to interior ones but built for outdoors. They typically have robust construction, drainage, and choice of hardy plants.

  • How it works: These systems attach to building exteriors or freestanding structures. They often use modular panels with soil or hydroponic media, or large troughs/boxes. A complete irrigation system is mandatory (usually with drainage into the ground or a reservoir). Typical systems include a structural backing (drip tray or substrate box), waterproofing, and irrigation at the top feeding down.
  • Ideal uses: Building facades (new or retrofits), screening parking structures, covering blank walls, insulating glass buildings, or on fences. Also used on construction hoardings (temporary installation) or inside courtyards. Exterior walls can support taller vegetation and even vines under a trellis.

Pros: 

Exterior living walls can significantly affect microclimate.

By shading walls and through evapotranspiration, they cool surfaces – one study recorded wall surface drops of ~14°C compared to bare wall. This reduces AC demand. They capture rainwater and slow runoff, improving stormwater management.

Facade plants trap particulates and absorb CO₂, enhancing air quality. They provide habitat and connectivity for wildlife: native wildflowers and grasses on walls can feed bees and insects.

Aesthetic and branding benefits are high (e.g. covering unsightly elements with gardens).

Cons: 

These systems are expensive to install and maintain. The plantings face full sun, wind, and cold, so plant mortality can be high if not chosen well.

Structural concerns are critical: saturated green walls can weigh 50–100 kg/m² (e.g. ~75 kg/m²) plus wind loads.

Design & Maintenance:  

  • Location: Orientation matters. South or west-facing walls get the most sun, allowing flowering, sun-loving species; north-facing walls require shade-tolerant plants. Wind and exposure must be checked.

  • Irrigation: A fully engineered irrigation system is needed. This often includes a pump, filter, and controller in a “plant room” or outdoor cabinet. Overflow drains must be directed safely. In freezing climates, use frost-protected water lines and timers.

  • Support Structure: Engage a structural engineer to verify that the wall or frame can bear the load. Anchor points must be compatible with the facade material.

  • Plant Selection: Use hardy, low-maintenance perennials, shrubs and grasses suited to the local climate. Incorporate many evergreens for year-round cover; include flowering plants or habitat boxes to support pollinators. Native species are preferred for biodiversity.

  • Access: Plan scaffolding or maintenance access from the start. Facades may require rope access, catwalks, or lifts for pruning and repairs.

  • Regulations: Check local building codes (e.g. wind load, fire rating of panels) and standards (CWCT, BREEAM, etc.). Green facades can contribute to sustainability credits but may need planning approval.

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Artificial Green Walls (Exterior)

Exterior artificial walls use UV-stable faux plants for outdoor greenery. These panels mimic a living wall but are made of plastic or polyester foliage designed for sunlight and weather.

  • How it works: Artificial leaves are affixed to rigid panels or lattices, which mount on a wall or fence. Outdoor variants are treated to resist fading and can include materials like preserved preserved moss combined with synthetic greenery.
  • Ideal uses: Facades of buildings, fences, rooftop screens, or any outdoor wall where you want greenery but want to avoid irrigation or where real plants won’t thrive (e.g. very high walls or shady areas). They’re also popular for décor in outdoor restaurants or events, and for covering construction hoardings.

Pros: 

No watering, no seasonal die-off – the wall stays green and dense year-round. They require virtually no maintenance (just rinse off dust or pollen occasionally). There is no risk of structural damage from roots or moisture.

Artificial walls can be installed quickly and instantly transform an area.

Cons: 

Artificial walls offer none of the ecological services of living walls. They do not insulate, cool, or support wildlife; they may even contribute to microplastics if not high quality.

Sunlight will eventually fade the colours (though quality, UV rated products resist this). The look can appear plastic or repetitive up close, so selection of realistic panels is important.

Wildflower Walls (Exterior)

A wildflower wall is a green wall sown or planted with native wildflower and grass species, creating a vertical “meadow.”

  • How it works: These systems use panels or seed mats filled with a soil/gravel blend and seeded with wildflowers and native grasses. The installation captures rain or is irrigated until plants establish. As the plants grow, they bloom and attract pollinators. Systems like Vertical Meadow use a mix of native grasses and flowers to create a lush vertical habitat.
  • Ideal uses: Site hoardings, construction facades, sustainable building projects, or urban infill walls where biodiversity is a goal. They can be temporary (e.g. covering scaffolding for a season) or permanent features of eco-friendly developments.

Pros: 

Wildflower walls boost urban biodiversity. They become a year-round habitat for bees, butterflies and birds, effectively “stepping stones” between green spaces.

They offer seasonal colour and a dynamic look. During growth they improve public view (greening an otherwise bare wall or scaffold) and damp dust and noise a bit.

Cons: 

These walls are seasonal in appearance. Many wildflower species die back in winter, so the wall can look sparse or brown in off-season.

They require more maintenance than a simple vine wall – you may need irrigation for germination, weeding of invasive species, and periodic reseeding or patching. The structure must hold soil and may require deeper panels for root depth.

Design & Maintenance: 

Use locally appropriate seed mixes, often including perennials (clovers, knapweeds) and annuals (poppies, marigolds) to ensure blooms throughout the growing season. Provide irrigation at first (wildflower plants need water to establish).

In late autumn, the old stems can remain as nesting habitat or be trimmed to recycle nutrients. These walls usually start blooming in late spring and continue into summer.

Ivy Walls

Ivy screens (or vine screens) use climbing plants (often evergreen vines) trained on a trellis or frame to create a living wall or privacy screen.

  • How it works: Vines such as English ivy (Hedera), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), Virginia creeper (P. quinquefolia), and others are grown up a trellis or directly over a wall. Alternatively, panels of ivy plugs (often with roots embedded in coir matting) can be attached to walls. The plants cling or wrap as they grow, covering the surface.
  • Ideal uses: Exterior fences, garden walls, unsightly structures, or for privacy/coverage in outdoor spaces. Ivy screens provide evergreen cover in mild climates, creating a natural green fence.

Pros: 

Once established, many vines are low-maintenance (just periodic trimming). They provide year-round leaf cover (English ivy stays green) or vibrant fall colour (Boston ivy).

Ivy can quickly cover large areas, and as it matures it insulates and shades the wall. Screens are often used for privacy or to hide blank walls.

Ivy also dampens noise somewhat and improves air quality slightly by trapping particulates.

Cons: 

Climbing vines can damage buildings if not managed carefully. Clinging roots (like those of English Ivy or Virginia Creeper) can penetrate mortar or wood, widening cracks and trapping moisture.

Over time, heavy ivy can compromise brick walls or sidings. Ivy can also be invasive; English ivy is non-native in many areas and can out-compete native plants. Furthermore, ivy screens lose leaves in winter if deciduous, or can mat up gutters.

Design & Maintenance: 

Use a supportive structure: install a trellis or cable system so vines do not attach directly to sensitive surfaces.

Prefer vine species that twine or have tendrils (like grapes or clematis) rather than ones with adhesive rootlets. Regular trimming is needed to keep growth in check. Inspect the wall periodically: if cracks form, vines may need to be cut back. On buildings, skip climbing vines altogether unless the material (e.g. concrete) tolerates them.

Ivy Wall

Lighting Requirements

Interior living walls need adequate light. Most wall plants require at least 1000 lux at the leaf surface to thrive. In practical terms, this often means installing full-spectrum LED grow lights above the wall. The lights should provide both blue (∼430–440 nm) and red (∼640–660 nm) wavelengths for photosynthesis, though the lighting can be tuned to emit a pleasing white light (for good colour rendering and aesthetics). Light uniformity is important: designers aim for a ratio of minimum/maximum illuminance ≥0.33 so that all plants receive some light.

In technical terms, lighting is measured by Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD). A target PPFD of about 35 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ on the foliage is recommended for green walls. Over a full day, plants often need a Daily Light Integral (DLI) of roughly 1.5–4 mol·m⁻²·d⁻¹ (the exact need depends on the plant species). In many offices, natural daylight (even from windows) falls short of this, so supplemental LEDs are used. Work with a lighting engineer or horticultural lighting specialist to calculate lamp power and placement.

Lighting Checklist:
  • Provide LED fixtures rated for plant growth (or use high-CRI white LEDs).
  • Mount lights 1–2 m from the wall for even coverage.
  • Avoid UV-heavy lighting indoors (green wall plants don’t need UV and extra UV can cause fast, ungainly growth).
  • Use timers to give plants ~10–14 hours of light per day (mimicking natural days).
  • In daylight zones, choose plants suited to the light level (shade-loving ferns versus sun-loving bromeliads)
Green wall in an office setting. Ans living green wall with lights and office chairs and table

Planning and Installation Considerations

Before installing any green wall, careful planning is crucial. Key considerations include:

  • Structural Support: Assess the load-bearing capacity of the wall or support structure. A fully saturated green wall can weigh at least 50–100 kg/m² . A structural engineer should verify that the wall and anchorage can handle this weight plus wind or seismic loads. For light planters, ground-anchored frames may suffice; for heavy cladding systems, special hangers and infill panels are used.
  • Waterproofing and Drainage: Any irrigation leaks can damage the building. Install a waterproof membrane or gutter behind the green wall to collect overflow. Provide proper drainage lines to carry excess water safely away. In exterior walls, plan for stormwater connection or soakaway (for interior, a drip tray and drain to plumbing).
  • Irrigation System: Most living walls require an irrigation pump and control unit. The pump, pipes, and possibly a nutrient reservoir often live in a nearby cabinet or “plant room”. Ensure you have space and access for this equipment. Plan piping routes from a water source and to the wall, and include backflow prevention as needed. In cold climates, winterize exposed pipes.
  • Orientation and Environment: Consider sunlight, wind, and heat. South/west walls receive intense sun and can support more sun-loving plants, whereas north walls need shade-tolerant species. Also note any heat sources (e.g. windows, HVAC vents) that might stress plants. Plan for microclimate: walls under eaves get rain, exposed facades dry out quickly. 
  • Access for Maintenance: Life safety is key – plan how gardeners will reach the wall. Include scaffolding anchors, permanent catwalks, or ensure space for lifts. Design for occasional removal of panels or trimming from a platform.
  • Safety and Codes: Check fire codes (some panels must meet Class B-s3,d2 ratings for cladding). Use materials rated for interior use if inside, or UV/weather-resistant products outside. In some jurisdictions, green facades or certain heights may require permits or consultations.
  • Electrical and Other Services: Indoor green walls may need lighting or pumps – plan electrical circuits. Ensure any electrical equipment is rated for the damp environment of a green wall.
  • Integration: Coordinate with other building systems. For example, make sure irrigation water can connect to building plumbing. Avoid routing irrigation over electrical fixtures. Incorporate the green wall into the architectural design (e.g. make irrigation controls accessible, integrate base planters as furniture).

By addressing these factors up front, you ensure the green wall will perform reliably.

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Maintenance and Aftercare

Ongoing care is essential for long-term success. Living walls require routine inspections and horticultural upkeep similar to a garden or greenhouse. Below are the typical maintenance tasks:

  • Regular Watering/Irrigation Checks: Verify that drip tubes or hydroponic lines are flowing. Check timers and sensors. In hydroponic systems, replenish nutrient solution and monitor pH. In soil systems, ensure the medium remains moist (but not waterlogged). If the wall is outdoors, adjust watering for season (more in summer, less in winter).
  • Pruning and Trimming: Trim back any overgrown plants to maintain design shape and light exposure. Remove dead or diseased foliage promptly. In high-growth species, monthly pruning is common.
  • Plant Replacement: Replace plants that die or fail to thrive. A good plant company will include free plants replacement in their maintenance contract.
  • Cleaning Filters and Drippers: Clean or replace filters, flush lines to prevent algae or mineral buildup (especially in hydroponic or hard-water areas). This prevents clogs and root rot.
  • Fertilization: Depending on the system, add fertilizer to the irrigation water or apply to soil periodically. Many green wall plants are light feeders, but replenishing nutrients ensures vigor.
  • Inspect Structure: Check that panels and supports remain securely attached. Look for leaks, eroded support brackets, or corrosion. Repair any membrane damage immediately to prevent water ingress.
  • Pest and Disease Control: Watch for insects (aphids, scale) and fungal issues.  Since plant density is high, infestations can spread rapidly if unchecked.
  • Seasonal Tasks: In climates with cold winters, plants may need some protection (e.g. remove sensitive species or use temporary covers). In summer heat, increase irrigation frequency. Remove leaf litter or debris that accumulates on the wall.

Overall, consistency is key. The long-term success of a living wall is dependent upon a robust maintenance and care program. Neglecting maintenance will quickly lead to plant loss and system problems.

Inspiration and Gallery

Explore what’s possible with green walls – real projects, real impact.

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Discover ways to enhance your office environment with our expert insights on biophilic design, wellbeing, sustainability and the world of plants.

Biophilia White Paper

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We spend a great chunk of our lives at work. For some, this isn’t so bad. Walk into a high-ceilinged workspace, filled with natural light, artwork and plant life and it’s more than likely your creative ability will be invigorated. Yet these offices are few and far between, with the reality likely being a drab, open plan office that sucks the creativity and enthusiasm from you the longer you spend there. The way we design our offices is important, from the big aspects to the small, from the obvious to the obscure.

This informative report is the result of research conducted by Where We Work, written by Jessica Andrews with input from Planteria Group.

Where We Work offers a focused range of workplace consultancy services, with the necessary tools and expertise to help understand your business, your people, and your place of work. Where We Work partners with clients to develop a robust workplace strategy by looking, listening and discussing how each company interacts with their space.

Biophilia is word that you’re going to be hearing a lot more of and it’s going to have an ever increasing influence on interior design and architecture. Yet many of us are probably unfamiliar with this term. This paper seeks to explain the concept of biophilia and its application in an office environment as well as investigating the potential benefits of plants in the workspace and why they are so often a forgotten element.

What is Biophilia?

Let’s start with the basics. What is biophilia? Simply put, it literally means ‘a love of life or living things’; stemming from the Greek word ‘philia’, meaning love. As humans, we have an intuitive and deeply ingrained connection with nature and a biological need for immersion in the natural world. The relationship between people and plants has always been profoundly important. Biophilic design is a response to this human need, which works to re-establish contact with nature in the built environment. Plants affect every aspect of our lives; without them life as we know it would not be possible. Plants not only make the air breathable, but kick off the food chain. We feel good in nature, if you were asked to picture a place where you feel calm and relaxed, chances are you would pick a scene involving nature. This is backed up by statistics which show that 90% of us imagine a natural setting when presented with this task (Mocha, 2013). Our mental and physical well-being depends on engagement with the natural environment, being in a drab room without windows and piped air makes us feel lethargic, even depressed.

A connection with the natural world is clearly important. Yet we are living in ever more urban environments, deforesting trees to build our cities around the globe. The increasing academic and organisational interest in biophilia and biophilic design is driven by the positive outcomes that it can help to create, for both individuals and businesses.

This increasing interest in biophilia comes at a time when, as a species, we are more disconnected from nature than we have ever been. Living in an inner city, one can go days without seeing a patch of grass. Living and working in central London, you have to actively search out areas of green, else it could be weeks before you escape the underground, sky scrapers and office spaces overlooking (you guessed it), yet more concrete.

At a time when businesses have more knowledge than ever before on the effect of work environments on their people and their bottom line, it’s surprising that the biophilic agenda is still in its infancy.

In its rawest form, biophilic design is the theory, science and practice of bringing buildings to life and aims to continue a person’s connections with nature in man-made environments, such as offices, where we live and work every day. By mimicking natural environments in man-made ones, we can decrease our isolation from nature and create workspaces that are imbued with positive emotional experiences. (Human Spaces, 2015)

 

Bringing nature to work

Biophilic design brings an office to life. The benefits of biophilia stretch far beyond the practical benefits of recycling clean air.

Recent research into biophilia has found the positive impacts contact with nature can have. Studies have shown that this impact includes increasing academic performance amongst school children, increasing consumer’s willingness to spend and even reducing stress and anxiety before medical procedures. People exposed to natural surroundings are more energised, feel less stressed and have improved attention spans (Human Spaces, 2015) – all good news for employers. Recently, white papers such as ‘The Economics of Biophilia’ have shown us that natural materials in a workspace are not extravagances, but a way to make cost-savings and drive profits. (Terrapin, 2015)

Analysis has shown that individuals with a view from their desk of natural elements such as water, trees or countryside have greater levels of well-being that people who have a view of buildings, roads or construction sites (Human Spaces, 2015). However, one study found that just 58% of workers have natural light reaching their desk and 7% have no windows at all – a clear indication that the benefits of bringing nature to work are not appreciated or applied to the workplace nearly enough.

However, it is important to note that in some cases it is not possible to provide employees with views of nature. If offices are located in the centre of a large city, it would not be a practical aim to strive towards. In these cases, it is possible to bring nature inside. Introducing plants, trees, water fountains and images of nature are all ways to add a biophilic element to an office space, increase the connection employees have to nature and reap the benefits this sows.

This may sound like a daunting task, but bringing plants into the office space has never been easier. Help is also at hand in the form of companies with a wealth of knowledge into biophilia and its application in an office environment.

 

Planteria case study

So we know that plants make us feel good. But how does this feeling directly apply to the workplace? How does having plants in the office impact the bottom line and how can business maximise the potential benefits?

Planteria Group are a company specialising in planting services, with clients in many different sectors including corporate offices.  Established in 1977, Planteria have grown over the past 40 years and now provide a national service to over 900 sites across the UK.  They have seen an increasing appreciation of the importance of planting in the work place.

“We have seen a change in the attitude towards planting in the work place.  What was once considered a ‘nice to have’ is now more likely to be viewed as a ‘must have’ and this is very positive.  However, we still have a way to go in raising awareness of the importance of biophilia and the beneficial effects it has on people, improving wellbeing in the work place, especially with businesses outside of our major cities.  Yes, planting helps to improve productivity and creativity but most importantly it improves physical and mental health and creates a happier environment.  So much time is spent at work, creating the best possible environment for your people is paramount.

Plants and flowers do so much more than add the finishing touches to an interior they can create a completely different ‘feel’ to a location.  What was clinical and bland can be transformed into a vibrant, or more relaxing space.  Planting can also be used for practical benefits.  For example, a living wall or moss wall will improve acoustics by absorbing sound.  Cabinet top planting can cut clutter by removing the areas where people leave cups and folders or unclaimed printing.  Or add live planting dividers to get the benefits and attractiveness of plants whilst creating instant, low cost break-out areas and informal meeting spaces in open plan office.

As one of the first tenants to make their home in London’s Iconic Walkie Talkie building.  Insurance specialists, Lancashire Group were looking to buck the trend.  Their focus in establishing a single office for their combined Lloyd’s and London market operations was to move away from the more usual monochrome minimalism and instead opt for a warm, homely, fun atmosphere for the workplace, with soft furnishings and materials to create a look that managed to be both high-end and cosy.

Plants were an essential element to complete the interior and we chose them with care to reflect and enhance this concept.  We used bark containers in the client waiting area along with neutral white containers in the office and meetings rooms.  Succulent plants add a fun, contemporary touch to the breakout areas, and funky square cabinet top displays completed the fit-out.”

 

Biophilia and productivity

An all too common belief is that money spent on plants is money wasted (Dravigne et al., 2008). This is a sentiment that has been widely shared throughout history, where literature argues that clean, obstruction free work spaces are the most economical route to business health and productivity (e.g. Haberkorn, 2005).

The ‘lean’, rather than ‘green’, philosophy has a long history indeed. The idea that productive workplaces are those free from interference was formally put across by Josiah Wedgewood in the 18th century and it was this work which inspired Frederick Taylor (1911) to apply the principles of scientific management to office space.

In the wake of these findings, it is common for managers to insist that workspaces should be clear of plants, pictures and anything that is not directly required for the job at hand, in order to streamline operations and maximise productivity (Haslam & Knight, 2006). Yet doesn’t basing these assumptions on work that is over a century old seem a little foolish? Indeed, the workspace, the products and services we provide and the technology we use would be unimaginable to Taylor when he came up with his theories.

The evidence suggests that to neglect enrichment in the workplace is foolish indeed. Research by Knight and Haslam in 2010 found that people who work in an environment enriched with plants were more productive than their peers who worked in a lean space. Additionally, levels of wellbeing – measured by sick days, feelings of comfort and levels of job satisfaction – were significantly higher in the spaces containing plants. This study found the lean space to be inferior in all dimensions.

Why do plants have this impact?

Generally, studies into the impact of plants have indicated that we experience a beneficial psychological and physiological reaction from being exposed to nature. Physiological stress, or arousal (as measured by heart rate, blood pressure, and/or skin conductance) is often lower after exposure to plants and nature as compared with urban settings and exposure to nature has been shown to have the capacity to improve attention (Berman et al., 2008).

As it stands, there are three main classes of explanation for these responses. The first states that plants, as living organisms, have a beneficial influence on the climate of the working environment – in particular because they improve air quality. Indeed, when planted in sufficient quantity, indoor plants have been shown to remove many types of air-borne pollutants from both indoor and outdoor sources (Nieuwenhuis et al., 2014). In offices with plants, staff well-being increases and there is a reduction in sick leave (Bergs, 2002). Plants ability to absorb carbon dioxide also has beneficial implications for the office; studies have found that student performance declines with increasing CO2 levels (Shaughnessy et al., 2006), as does workplace productivity (Seppänen et al., 2006).

The second explanation of plants’ beneficial effects revolves around our evolution. Evolutionarily speaking, a green environment reflects the natural world and so supports human physiology (Appleton, 1975).

The third and final class of explanation moves away from physiological responses and instead considers the managerial consequences of enrichment. The basic premise of this theory is that enrichment of the workplace (whether through plants or other means) signals that attempts are being made by management to improve staff well-being (Vischer, 2005). This sense of managerial care communicates their focus on employee well-being, which may lead to increased attention at work, greater productivity and engagement and lower absence and attrition. Evidence supporting this idea comes in the form of a study by Dravigne et al. (2008), which showed that people working in offices with plants reported feeling happier in their job and their performance.

Additionally, this study emphasises the aforementioned point that transforming a lean office to a green one contributes not just to employee welfare, but also to profits and organisational output. Lean, it appears, is meaner than green, not only because it is less pleasant, but also because it is less productive (Nieuwenhuis et al., 2014).

When we’re happy and feeling good, we have a more positive outlook and are generally able to do more. There is clear evidence which directly links biophilia with organisational output. In a study of call centre workers, the numbers of calls handles per hour was 6-7% greater for those with a view of the outdoor environment, in comparison to those with no view. (Human Spaces, 2015)

It is clear that enriched spaces lead to improved job performance and greater productivity.  Yet of course, this idea that empowering organisational strategies have positive consequences is not new to either social or organisational psychology. Both of these disciplines benefit from massive literature supporting the notion that productivity and well-being can be enhanced by including employees in the decision making process and giving them a voice in their workplace (e.g. Eggins et al., 2002).

So, with this abundance of evidence pointing to the fact that enriched spaces make us happier and more productive, why are aspects such as plants not a feature in all modern office spaces?

The problem with the modern office

The way we structure our offices has changed considerably over the past few decades. More often than not, the world of the modern office is dominated by open plan. It’s not hard to identify why this change has occurred, the cost of space has sky rocketed and open plan provides a cost effective way to maximise the number of staff on the office floor. Yet the evidence suggests that the costs of open plan offices might offset the benefits of savings in terms of space if it is not implemented properly, as part of a multi-layered office design. They are often cramped, noisy and starved of light and some staff find themselves in the position of having no opportunity to express their identity at work – at all.

Studies across the pond have found that 70% of American workers personalise their workspaces. Yet it is managers and employees with enclosed offices who decorate more than their co-workers in open plan spaces (Wells & Thelen, 2002). In open plan spaces, personalisation of low-status working space is often infrequent and discouraged (Laing et al., 1998). The dominance of open plan offices means that the majority of staff now suffer from a lack of identity at work and a 2010 study by Knight & Haslam found that clean-desk policies resulted in high levels of personal identity threat, increased stress and a reduced willingness to contribute to company policy. This is thought to be due to the limited opportunities these staff had to express their personal identities, for example by decorating their workspace. Open plan offices themselves are not the problem, as they do have their benefits. However, it is important that offices be designed with the drawbacks open plan can have in mind and counteract these issues – for example by including quiet spaces, artwork and greenery.

A final thought…

The evidence that enriched spaces which involve employees in their design boosts morale and productivity is important. Perhaps most notably because it challenges the managerial models which argue the best way to manage is by removing autonomy and control from staff and having decisions come only from managers – as was noted by Bibby in 1996 (work which is still very relevant to academic research today). The fact that giving workers ‘some say’ in the design of their workspace is seen as ‘experimental’ indicates just how ingrained the ethos of managerial control has become.

At its core, the simplistic answer as to why plants are so often neglected lies with the individuals responsible for office design. The management of the modern office is typically influenced by architects, interior designers and facility managers, rather than by psychologists and office workers (Cohen, 2007). Managers need to move away from an autocratic style of management, towards a more collective approach to office design which involves staff at all stages of the process. Giving employees a say in the type of plants to introduce into a space is a great way to begin this movement.

The idea of incorporating nature into the built environment through biophilic design is less often seen as a luxury in the modern workplace, but rather as a sound economic investment into employees’ health, well-being and performance. Plants in the workspace can have a remarkable impact on employee well-being, both from the biological impact of their presence and the psychological benefit being involved in decision making can have. With this in mind, it seems that taking baby steps to introduce the natural world into the man-made one we have created around us, seems to be of the utmost importance to the well-being of office staff. It seems starkly apparent that green really is better than lean in all walks of life – and the modern office should be no exception.

Author: Jessica Andrews

References

Berman, M.G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19, 1207–1212.

Bibby, A. (1996). ‘Leeds: working life in Call Centre City’, updated from an original article in Flexible Working, August; http://www.andrewbibby.com/telework/leeds.html (last ac- cessed 27 June 2006). 

Cohen, L. M. (2007). Bridging two streams of office design research: A comparison of design/behavior and management journal articles from 1980–2001. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 24, 289– 307. 

Dravigne, A., Waliczek, T. M., Lineberger, R. D., & Zajicek, J. M. (2008). The effects of live plants and window views of green spaces on em-ployee perceptions of job satisfaction. HortScience, 43, 183–187.

Eggins, R. A., S. A. Haslam and K. J. Reynolds (2002). ‘Social identity and negotiation: subgroup representation and super- ordinate consensus’, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28, pp. 887–899.?

Haberkorn, G. (2005). Improving flow in an office setting. In Productivity Press Development Team (Ed.), The lean office: Collected practices and cases (pp. 95–104). New York, NY: Productivity Press.

Haslam, S. A., & Knight, C. P. (2006). Your place or mine? BBC News Web site. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6155438.stm

Human Spaces. 2015. The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace. Available from: http://humanspaces.com/global-report/

Knight, C. & Haslam, S. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied American Psychological Association 2010, Vol. 16, No. 2, 158–172 1076-898X/10/$12.00 DOI: 10.1037/a0019292 

Laing, A., Duffy, F., Jaunzens, D., & Willis, S. (1998). New environments for working. London, England: Construct Research Communications. 

Mocha. 2013. What is Biophilia? And why you need biophilic design in your home. Available from: http://www.mochacasa.com/blog/biophilia-biophilic-design/

Nieuwenhuis, M., Knight, C., Postmes, T., & Haslam, S. A. (2014, July 28). The Relative Benefits of Green Versus Lean Office Space: Three Field Experiments. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied. Advance online publication.

Terrapin. 2015. The Economics of Biophilia. Available from: https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/report/economics-of-biophilia/

Wells, M., & Thelen, L. (2002). What does your workspace say about you.  Environment and Behavior, 34, 300–321.?

Mental Health Awareness and World WellBeing Week

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Understanding those struggling with mental health issues is integral to building a business that can promote equal opportunities. In this article, we consider this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme, and how to avoid stress and friction in the workplace. We also talk about how you can help those who are suffering from mental health issues to create a comfortable workplace that promotes balance and wellbeing.

The average British employee will work for 34 hours and 26 minutes a week, making it extremely important to create a working environment which promotes health and wellbeing. World WellBeing Week starts on June 24th this year, so let’s endeavour to change for the better together.

 

This Year’s Theme – Body Image

Mental Health Awareness Week has been running since 2001 and every year brings a different aspect of mental health issues to the centre of the public’s attention. Most people go through a phase of struggling with body image at some point in their lives, especially teenagers, but body image problems aren’t felt by teenagers alone.

In both the UK and Australia, in 2016, only 20 per cent of women between the ages of 10 and 60 admitted to having high self-esteem about how they looked. If you think that body image isn’t important to the workforce, then we’re asking you to think again; some of those in the 80% with low self-esteem even confessed to skipping job interviews because they felt they had a poor body image.

 

Managing Stress in the Workplace

While Mental Health Awareness Week this year was focused on improving conceptions about body image, the underlying thread of every campaign is that stress can be deadly and often leads to other mental health issues, including body image problems which in turn can lead to eating disorders and poor physical health.

It is important to create a working environment where your staff can thrive and you can do this by targeting those stresses which are distracting them from both feeling well and performing at their best. If you agree that working whilst suffering from physical pain leads to an impaired performance, then you should agree that forcing body image standards that are mentally unhealthy need to be overturned. This may include catering for disabled staff and clients in your establishment by reconsidering the facilities that you have available to encourage the notion that all bodies are welcomed.

Along with World Wellbeing Day on June 22nd, World WellBeing Week calls for businesses and individuals to take a more critical stance regarding their social, physical, emotional, financial and environmental wellbeing. You can show that you value your employees by pursuing these goals, and – if you succeed – you may even find yourself taking part in the annual WellBeing Festival in the future as an award holder of the  ‘Leaders in Wellbeing’ ceremony.

 

Other Ideas for Managing Mental Health

If you are questioning what you can do to help those struggling with mental health issues, then you should first know that even those who are diagnosed with the same problem could have very different experiences and symptoms. This means that it is most important to stay open to new ideas when trying to provide support; what works for one may not work for another.

person tired at work desk

Our focus on improving office environments and reducing stress in the workplace means that we have a fair few general ideas that could help to create at least the best physical environment to nurture workers and improve wellbeing. Bear in mind that not all the following ideas will suit everyone, but perhaps everyone will find one idea that appeals to them:

Biophilic Design

It is a well-known fact that staying in contact with the natural world can help to improve emotional stability. Modern humans suffer from a lack of connection with nature, but you can put that right by bringing nature into your place of work.

The concept of biophilic design is about mindfully connecting humans to nature in the build environment, by including natural daylighting, by adding plants to your place of work, and including biomorphic design and furnishings which mimic nature. Many studies have proved that this design practice has the added benefits of improving creativity and productivity.

If you’re interested in reading more about Biophilia, you can read our blog, Biophilia – What is it and why is it important?

Shinrin Yoku

We recently wrote a blog about how Forest Bathing can really help individuals to escape from their daily stresses. You could encourage your employees to engage in this technique to decrease building stress, increase balance and improve focus at work.

If your office is located near a green space, like a park, you could encourage staff to go for a walk there during breaks to cool off and take in the beautiful nature surrounding them.

Healthy Benefits

Many modern businesses offer their staff perks for staying with the company, and you can show that you care about your staff by providing them with useful perks that encourage good health. Mental and physical health are more closely linked than people think; for example, those struggling with depression often find it difficult to get out and exercise, which can eventually lead to poor self-care routines, which can further feed feelings of depression and isolation.

By supplying your staff with healthy perks like gym memberships and healthy office snacks, you are encouraging your staff to take care of themselves, and this could improve their confidence in both their general health as well as their body image.

 

How We Can Improve Your Office Space with Plants and Flowers

Planteria aim to make it as easy as possible to include plants and flowers into workspace. We can help you with design ideas, carry out the installation and then take care of your plants, to create an office that is formal yet comfortable, stylish as well as productive. Office flowers make a beautiful first impression for your reception area and set the tone that this is an organisation that cares about its people and their wellbeing. We can consider the layout of your office to help you to find the perfect plants for your office environment, whether that’s spacious or small, lacking in natural light or bright and sunny. We have also written about other ways to Reduce Work-Related Stress which you can read about on our blog.

mount media case study image of office plants

Planteria’s Success with Mount Media

Impress both your employees and your clients by working with us to create somewhere stunning, healthier and more productive, and keep coming back to our blog to read the latest news and tips about how to craft the best office environments – physically, mentally and socially. Working with us is a stress-free journey towards improving your business.

Biophilia – What is it and why is it important?

Biophilia – What is it and why is it important?

How high up on your agenda are the Plants for your Office? Learning more about this design ‘buzzword’ and the philosophy behind it is bound to change your perspective. If you follow Planteria on social media or have spoken to us before, you’ll likely have heard us mention the word ‘biophilia’. But what does it actually mean and why is it important?

The word biophilia originates from the Greek, ‘philia’ meaning ‘love of’. It literally means a love of life or living things. Humans have a deeply engrained love of nature which is an intuitive and natural drive imprinted into our DNA.

Researchers believe this to be a reason that we have thrived as a species, helping us to locate the most fertile land, cultivate food and nurture new life. We have a physiological need to be in contact with nature and the natural world.

biophilia definition 1

Psychological and Physiological Impact

Researchers have found that more than 90% of people would imagine themselves in a natural setting when asked to think of a place where they felt relaxed and calm. Being in or around nature makes us feel good, our physical and mental wellbeing depends on us spending time in a natural environment and this effects our productivity and general wellbeing too.

Psychologist, Erich Fromm, first used the word biophilia in 1964, when he described it as “the passionate love of life and all that is alive”. Biophilia as a concept became more well known in 1984 following the publishing of the book ‘Biophilia’ by Edward O Wilson, an American biologist, Wilson defined it as “the urge to affiliate with other forms of life”.

Since then, biophilia has become increasingly recognised by the scientific community and also by designers and architects. Studies have shown evidence of positive benefits of human interaction with nature, such as improved productivity, lower levels of stress, enhanced learning and even improved recovery rates following illness.

Biodiversity area created by Workman.
Biodiversity area created by Workman. Credits: Workman

Development of the Concept

These studies have led to many architects and designers appreciating the connection between some of our modern-day ailments and the design of many modern buildings and office environments. And so biophilic design came about. 

Biophilic design incorporates, natural elements, maximising daylight, views of nature, natural materials and natural features such as indoor planting and water features, into architecture and interior designs. 

If you’ve ever been stuck in an office with no windows, artificial light, and air-conditioning and wondered why you felt un-motivated and lethargic, you’ll understand just how important biophilia and biophilic design is.

Scientific Evidence and Studies

Dr Craig Knight from Exeter University, studied the effects of soulless drab working environments for more than 10 years. The results show that employees were 15% more productive when “lean” workplaces are filled with just a few houseplants.

Knight says he had wondered for years why the business world had persisted with the trend for sparse offices. “If you put an ant into a ‘lean’ jam jar, or a gorilla in a zoo into a ‘lean’ cage – they’re miserable beasties,” he said. People in “lean” offices are no different, he added. 

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Wildlife garden and museum building created by Workman. Credits: Workman

He found that when plants were brought into the offices he studied – just one plant per square metre – employee performance on memory retention and other basic tests improved substantially. Knight said: “What was important was that everybody could see a plant from their desk.

If you are working in an environment where there’s something to get you psychologically engaged you are happier and you work better” Here at Planteria we are huge advocates of biophilia and, as you’d imagine, our offices are jam packed with beautiful plants and flowers. Plants can also be used to create natural work-space dividers, absorbing sound and creating more private spaces to work or have informal meetings.

They help to keep the air clean. There are so many reasons to include plants, not forgetting that they also look great. If you want some more inspiration check out our case studies. Or contact us for some advice on how to add plants to your work space today.

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Discover ways to enhance your office environment with our expert insights on biophilic design, wellbeing, sustainability and the world of plants.