The rapidly growing trend of biophilic design, i.e. restoring nature to human surroundings, accompanies us both in commercial and private spaces. We notice the introduction of natural materials, lighting and, of course, plants into interiors. As observed by Tétris, the market leader in fit-out of commercial spaces, the fashion for sustainability started before the pandemic, but recently it has become even more popular. This is compounded by the changes that have taken place in the way property managers and employers see office function, putting employee comfort at the heart of the equation.
Undoubtedly, the pandemic has reinforced the need to be closer to nature, to return to the roots. So it was quite natural for biophilic design to enter private and commercial interior design in 2020, and so far it has stayed with us, probably for good. It’s all about designing with focus on creating spaces inspired by nature that surrounds us. In the fit-out of offices, we are increasingly using materials such as wood, felt, natural fabrics or stone. There are more patterns, pleasant to the touch textures and lighting resembling natural. And of course plants – whether in pots or as whole green walls.
Anna Rębecka, Senior Creative Architect, Tétris
Planting the good vibes
An important role of plants is to purify the air and increase its humidity. That is why they significantly affect the comfort of a room. They can positively impact people’s efficiency, well-being and also warm up the interior. This is even more important in recent trying times. After months of remote or hybrid work employers want to encourage employees to return to the office, creating conditions that are associated with home, but also by ensuring an ergonomic and health-friendly working environment. Greenery is very helpful in this endeavour.
Anna Rębecka, Senior Creative Architect, Tétris
Green lobby in Marynarska Point office building
The idea for the new lobby arrangement was born from the concept of creating a green oasis in a concrete desert. The modernization of the common areas was aimed at transforming this hitherto little-used space into a meeting place, vibrant with life, encouraging relaxation or work in pleasant surroundings. At the entrance, guests are greeted by a green wall behind the reception desk, which draws the eye to the overflowing with plants openwork structure in the heart of the atrium. We proposed the simplest shape of the house with a gable roof, which strengthens the impression of intimacy and coziness. Inside we placed a sofa with a high backrest absorbing sounds and additional tables, armchairs and chairs. The plants improved the lobby's acoustics and air humidity.
Anna Rębecka, Senior Creative Architect, Tétris
The design and arrangement are based on climbing and air-filtering plants. There are also some kinds which can easily adapt to the more difficult living conditions in office buildings, including Philodendron Scandens and Brasil, Epipremum aureum, Zielistka, Aglaonema. The pots also featured exotic varieties such as Philodendron Xanadu and Monstera Delicious.
Iwona Kastunowicz, Head of Commercial Development, 4Nature System – Wertykalni
In the project, we used more than 11 sqm of plants, in two systems – single-point vegetation in the common area and a vertical system based on proprietary 4NS module technology and IoT technology in the lobby. This last one allows remote control of irrigation cycles, water levels in tanks and measuring moisture of dirt. The microcontroller is connected to a Wi-Fi module that detects data via sensors and transmits it through a mobile app. This allows you to remotely monitor the status of the green wall and reduces the frequency of maintenance services. This is especially important during the pandemic while reducing the costs associated with plant care by an average of 30%-50%. In addition, nutrient-rich water is recirculated, which ensures high efficiency in its use – saving up to 20% of water. Moreover, the vertical design allows for the introduction of more greenery in a small area.
Iwona Kastunowicz, Head of Commercial Development, 4Nature System – Wertykalni
Foreign trends
Innovative projects, also implemented by Tétris in various countries, include the installation of greenhouses on rooftops and vertical gardens in corporate spaces, with lasting social benefits. An inspiring example is the InteriorWorks office in Amsterdam. The interior is WELL certified and includes an indoor garden with herbs used to prepare meals for staff and a roof garden.
Anna Rębecka, Senior Creative Architect, Tétris
A subsidiary of JLL, a Fortune 500 company, Tétris is a leading design and build firm. Its mission is to design and build vibrant spaces that inspire people to think better, work better and live better. With a global team of engineers, architects and designers, Tétris is able to provide a full range of services to meet clients' needs from design to construction and furniture selection (FF&E). Globally, since its inception in 2003, the company has grown in 18 countries on three continents, with a team of more than 820 people located in 35 offices. For more information, visit tetris-db.com.
