Big strides in hybrid workplaces are being made in The Big Apple as this global technology company successfully attracts top talent back to the office. With its ancient appeal to our human hardwiring, nature is a key attractor inside this New York City office building. Employees have embraced the rejuvenating office space designed just for them, enabling an easy escape from digital work stress. These highly-valued team members have a soothing biophilic (design term for intentionally inserting natural elements into the built environment) space filled with live plants, natural decor, and water elements where they can unplug to refresh their mind, body, and spirit—the way humans have done for ages.
Challenges
This office building opened in 2024 and was an instant hit with those who understand the positive psychological and physiological benefits of biophilic design. Still, an interior space filled with natural greenery presents maintenance challenges. The main obstacle is scheduling maintenance for the over one hundred plants around employee use of this “human recharging station.”
Unlike many indoor facilities that incorporate at least some faux plants, all these interiorscape elements are live plants. With limited natural light, extra care is required regarding plant choice and the unique artificial lighting designed to follow natural circadian rhythms. Plant choices must also fit this client’s sustainability goals, complement their custom decor made of natural materials, and achieve world-class aesthetics.
Humidity and building temperatures are also factors needing constant management in interior green spaces (even more so in biophilic designs). Soil monitoring and nutrient check-ups can be difficult in small spaces like this, but are crucial for preventing plant decline. Irrigating greenery indoors comes with risks you don’t have with outdoor watering. Finally, our crew contends with the complex aspects of interior pest control.
Results
Yellowstone Landscape, through our partners at GreeneryNYC, has managed numerous interior landscapes in the city for several years. That experience creating healthy, sustainable green spaces indoors has helped us overcome the above challenges by using a proven approach.
- We communicate with management to schedule maintenance around employees using their tranquil space so they aren’t disturbed.
- Our designers and horticulturists work together on the micro-details of biophilic principles to maximize the employees’ connection to nature.
- Only plants that complement the peaceful vibe, furniture, earth tones, and water features are considered.
- Environmental goals, low-maintenance traits, and any employee allergy issues also guide plant options.
- Indoor lighting checks are part of our systematic plant health checklist.
- Plant materials and containers are hand-chosen by our certified interiorscape designers to complement the relaxing decor.
- Automatic alerts are in place to help avoid plant harm due to heating or cooling system disruptions.
- Varying texture, color, and elevation adds visual interest and tangible depth.
- Soil checks are performed on a regular basis alongside check-ups of the irrigation system designed to reduce water waste.
- Watering best practices are micromanaged to prevent fungal disease.
- Replacement plants are immediately available in case of unavoidable pest infestation that would be untreatable by conventional methods.
Why Biophilic Design & Interiorscapes Matter
41% of workers put green spaces in their top three expectations for a wellbeing-oriented office.
Many properties with biophilic designs sell for more than conventional buildings.
Unique office environments help attract and retain top talent.
A Space Brought to Life for Employees
We are proud to be a key part of our client’s effort to make their workplace feel right at home for their staff. “Right at home” means providing a pleasant work environment that brings nature indoors.
Innovative spaces like this are a must for attracting and retaining highly-skilled workers who could easily choose fully remote work at a different technology company. Fortunately, measurable well-being is achievable even inside large office buildings once known for drab carpeting, cold cubicles, and lifeless atmospheres.
Today, with creative interiorscape designers and diligent maintenance personnel, companies are finding they can provide an improved workplace experience for their valuable employees. It only makes sense to enhance workplace properties through natural elements. After all, views and access to nature are what drive the highest value over and over for employees when surveyed about returning to work in an office.
There are bonuses to creating a workplace where well-being is the focus. Companies are rewarded with more creative employees who collaborate more readily with one another, as proven in many biophilic design studies. Other employer benefits include fewer sick days taken, increased employee retention, and diminished burnout rates, thanks in part to having a green space right down the hall.
There are endless budget-friendly opportunities to incorporate biophilic design into your commercial facility and our team is here to help you take the first step. Get in touch with us today.
