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INTERIOR LANDSCAPING

BRIEF

• AIM- To understand the effect of interior landscape and its techniques.

• LIMITATIONS- The study is limited to landscaping with natural plants.

• OUTCOMES- Basic elements, typology in different buildings, different modes of landscaping.

• SCOPE- New element in interior landscape, installation and types of species.

INTRODUCTION• Interior landscaping is the

practice of designing, arranging, and caring for living plants in enclosed environments.

• With live foliage and greenery or landscape dark building corners, bring color to empty corporate walls and provide one with new sights, soothing sounds and fresh smells. It helps to create an ideal green environment within the building.

•  The popularity of interior landscaping has increased by leaps and bounds. It has successfully expanded beyond office decoration and to the realms of health, marketing and productivity

•Interiorscaping involves many different modes of planting such as hanging baskets, vertical gardening, container planting, bottle gardens, terrariums etc. and each has different techniques of installation.

Architects designing new building very often add interior plants due to the impact that have on indoor environments we work every day in offices, hospitals, shopping malls, airports etc. being in same place make us bore and tired as plant grows we realize some change in human conditions and environment. On the other hand the look which interior landscapes create is better than the normal indoor environment without having plants and even occupants feel refreshing within themselves. It provides a value that is hard to match with certain other design element. There is a sense of serenity when we enter a room that has been landscaped.

SICK BUILDING SYNDROME- It is a situation in which occupants feel acute health effects and comfort effects that appears to be linked time spent in the building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Building occupant complain of symptoms affected with acute discomfort. These symptoms include; headache, eye, nose and throat irritation, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, dizziness, nausea, difficulty in concentration, sensitivity to orders etc.

WHY WE DO IT?

There are some biological processes going on inside the plants such as:- Removing volatile organic compounds from the air- The interaction

between soil bacteria and plant roots helps to remove VOCs from the air. Reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide- The normal outcome of

photosynthesis where carbon dioxide and water are reacted in the presence of light to produce carbohydrates and release oxygen as a waste product.

Reduce background noise- foliage can absorb, reflect and refract sound, cutting down the noise levels and irritating echoes.

Cooling building- transpiration and shading by foliage can reduce the indoor air temperatures and reduce the loads of air conditioning system.

Hotels-   Hotels and restaurants

owners understand just how important first impressions are. Interior landscaping schemes help to create a highly individual look. Interiorscaping help them create environments that are contemporary, welcoming and inspiring for their guests.

The following sections of a hotel can be decorated with plants –

Hotel Rooms Entrance and lobby of hotel Courtyard and Atrium Dining Room 

DIFFERENT BUILDILNGS ASPECT

Hospitals: - • The visible landscape is believed to affect human beings in many ways,

including aesthetic appreciation and health and well-being• . Investigation pertains to the effects of natural elements in health care

environments. It appears that exposure to nature can have beneficial effects on the health and well-being of people. Adding indoor plants to the health care environment may consequently serve as a noninvasive and effective complementary therapy for patients. It has, for instance, been shown that individuals recover sooner from stress when exposed to a natural environment compared to an urban environment. Humans have a natural tendency to prefer the natural landscape rather than the built-up environment, particularly when the latter presents an absolute lack of vegetation and water.

Offices:-

• There is hardly a waiting room, foyer or reception without the presence of lush greenery or at least a potted plant. Plants not only voice healthy atmosphere but also deliver one: plants produce oxygen and so improve air quality in the workplace which reduces tiredness and boosts concentration.

• Plants in the work place offer more to the environment than just aesthetic value. Studies have been conducted that highlight quite clearly how plants help to reduce overall stress. Enhance employee attitudes and productivity but most of all improve the air quality. Though plants create hundreds and thousands of benefits for human health, it also can improve the work efficiency of staffs and they can improve the office aesthetic and give life to other elements in the office environment.

Shopping malls:- • From plants and flowers to

fountains and fountains and fragrances, sensory elements are hugely important in any retail setting. Shopping malls are almost always completely enclosed in temperature controlled environment. Glass ceilings provide natural to make malls feel bright and spacious and customer can take shelter from bad weather and noisy traffic

• . The other hugely important aspect of this complete experience is the use of plants for natural features to enhance the appearance of the malls. The process is known as interior landscaping, and there are some successful demonstrations of these malls across the world.

Airports: - Airports are filled with harried travelers.

Chances are, at least one person is feeling frustrated or impatient at every moment. Many travelers find themselves stuck inside airports for long periods of time with no ability to get fresh air between flights.

Interior landscaping can provide a calming force in a busy airport. Lush greenery can help an antsy traveler to relax. While a few well placed plants will help, some airports have undertaken massive green wall and interiorscape projects to improve air quality and traveler morale.

FUNCTIONS• Cooling building by shading

effectinterior plants displays can be

designed to cast as much or as little shadow as you need. The shading benefits of plants can be exploited in all types of building and location. Small plants near windows can obviate the need for blinds and still provide the benefits of a view. In atriums and other highly glazed spaces, large plants and trees can be used to replace manufactured products and provide indoor climate benefits such as cooling through evapotranspiration and improving air quality.

Reduce dust with interior plants

Research in the U.S.A has shown that buildings with interior plants have less airborne dust than those without. The research (carried Out by Virginia Lohr and Caroline Pearson Mims) suggests that accumulation of particulate matter on horizontal surfaces In interiors can be reduced as much as 20% by adding foliage plants. Reduce the risk of allergies and help to protect sensitive electronic equipment.

• Acoustic benefitsInterior Plants have an

impressive ability to multi talk.

The plant displays are effective at absorbing, diffracting and reflecting sound is generated at the room’s physical properties.

They are a demonstrably valuable and cost-effective way of enhancing the indoor environment by improving indoor air quality, cooling the building and reducing noise

Providing a view of nature

Interior plants have a unique ability – not just a replacement for manufactured of engineered solutions, but a direct replacement for nature itself.

One solution would be the provision of good quality interior landing. Which can be employed to provide substitute views by giving people access to an indoor garden

1) Light2) Temperature, Humidity and Air Quality3) Water4) Planting Medium5) Space/ Volume6) Weight of Plants7) Acclimatization8) MaintenanceLight- Growing plants convert radiant energy (From daylight or electric light sources)

into food. Plants use radiant energy of wave lengths in the 400 to 850 nanometer (nm) ranges. White light the visible part of the radiant energy spectrum consists of wave length in the 430 to 700 nm range. Light for plant growth is typically described in terms of intensity, duration and quality.

Temperature, Humidity, And Air Quality-Temperature: Most plants prefer a stable range of temperatures, with a drop of no

more than 5 C from daytime to night time temperature.Relative Humidity: Plants prefer a relative humidity of 35 to 50 percent but for

tropical plants 60 to 90 percent relative humidity should be provided. If the humidity is below or higher than 30 then plants require greater amount of water.

Air Quality: Plants require carbon dioxide to complete photosynthesis.

ELEMENTS

Water- The amount of water needed by indoor plants depends on a variety of factors:

Seasonal fluctuations governing the duration of daylight and angle of sun.

The size, shape, and orientation of windows.

The size and amount of a plant’s foliage.

The volume, composition, and porosity of the planting medium.

The temperature and humidity of interior space.

And the general health of the plant.

Planting Medium- A Planting Medium Should Be:

Porous Easy to drain Capable of retaining water Sterile Low in soluble salts Light Good quality material Eye catching and sometime

shiny Having suitable size for the

plants root Long time durability for water Proper shape for the aesthetic

purpose

Space/Volume- • With large species of plants, this need

for adequate room becomes critical. It is preferable to specify plant materials whose natural shape can be maintained

• Upper story plants specified for two story or tall one story spaces should now exceed 2/3 the height of the space when they are planted. Tall specimens leave too little room for growth and may block too much incoming light to their own inner foliage or to understory plants beneath them.

Maintenance The main purpose of the plant

maintenance is to meet all the physical requirements of the plants on a continual basis. Specific maintenance task include the supplying of water and fertilizer, the control of insects on an as needed basis, and pruning. The quality of maintenance will often be the primary factor in determining the actual versus potential life of the plants.

Weight of Plants- The weight of the plant will depend

upon its age, height,, foliage type and density and planting medium and density. The weight of the planting medium varies according to both the materials used and the amount of water it contains. A lightweight soil mix is given to the site. Roof and deck landscapes and other qualities of the planting medium covered.

Acclimatization-T• The length of time required to

acclimatize a plant depends on the species, disagree of change in light intensity, and the size of the plant. Large trees (3000mm or larger) should be allowed at least 3 to 6 months during the growing season to acclimate, and small material (600mm or less) at least 6 to 10 weeks. During this time, the amount of light gradually to half of the original amount or less if needed.

a) Air FiltersIndoor contaminants from seemingly benign

sources such as furniture, drapes, insulation, and carpets can cause a variety of complaints such as respiratory irritation, dizziness, headaches, skin rashes, nausea and vomiting. The good news is that an attractive low cost solution does exist. Research conducted by the NASA shows we can remedy the situation by placing living green plants throughout the building to filter the air.

b) Toxic absorptionVarious plants have been found to be effective in

reducing the level of harmful chemicals such as trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene and formaldehyde. TCE is used in metal degreasing and dry cleaning industries and is an ingredient in painting inks, prints, lacquers, varnishes and adhesives. TCE is a potent carcinogenic.

c) PsychologicalBecause of their simplicity plants reduce physical

and mental stress, cause us to relax and improve our health. Green is a color of peace and serenity. In planted offices, employees are more content and comfortable, morale is higher and there is reduced absenteeism. Creativity is enhanced and productivity increased.

d) Enhancing the environmentPeople are becoming more and more

aware of their surroundings and the important of preserving and improving our environment. Interior landscaping improves the personal environment by making our work areas and buildings more aesthetically pleasing and perceptually stimulating. Plants provide warmth and color and offer living art thus offering an inexpensive interior and decorating alternative.

e) ImagesNow a day’s organizations are highly

aware of their company image which includes their building interior and exterior both. After all this is often the first impression that customers and visitors have of your place. Plants not only provide natural health enhancing benefits but play an important role in projecting a quality company image

IMPACTS

DESIGNINGDesign principles-Unity Balance VarietyEmphasis Rhythm Proportion

Design elements-Line Curve line- Natural and organicStraight line- Manmade and mechanicalDelicate line- SoftBold line- Strong FormHorizontal forms signifies lateral extent and breathe of space, it is corresponds with the natural direction with eye movement.  Rounded forms are very common in plants. They create a pleasant undulation and easy eye movement. Vase shaped denotes comfortable people space.Weeping forms lead the eye back to the ground.Pyramidal forms soften the upward influence

Colour

texture

The following considerations and procedures are offered as guidance on projects involving the design and construction of interior landscapes. The steps in this procedure focus on the use of plants inside buildings.

Review the expected role of the interior landscape with the client and the design team working on the project. Determine whether it is to be a major statement or a background complement to the building.

Based upon its role, determine the environmental needs of the interior landscape as early in the design process as possible.

Determine the size of the largest plants so that sufficient space can be provided without interference from columns, stairs and similar major elements of the building. The structural engineer needs to know where the major plants will be placed and whether they will be put into tubs sitting on the floor stab or put into pits set into the floor.

Plants should be located to minimize unnecessary physical contact with people, but access to all plants for maintenance purposes should be provided.

Plants should be selected that will survive under the expected levels of light but will not outgrow their space in a short time. (note that in most cases, plants in interior spaces grow very slowly if at all after they are installed).

DESIGN PROCESS

All constructed elements, such as built- in planters and watering and drainage systems should be coordinated with the overall design of the building.

If possible, select contractors who have prior experience with interior plantings.

Select and tag all large specimen plant materials far enough ahead of time to allow the plants to acclimatize in some reliable way before they are installed.

All of the interior landscape’s environmental systems (lighting, water, air handling, etc) should be tested and working before any plants are installed. Responsibility for alternative solutions should be established in advance in case any system fails.

Maintenance should begin at the time of installation. Access from the outside of a building to interior locations where the

planting is being done should be provided. For example, a 750-L (200 gal) plant will require an opening at least 2.400 mm (8 ft) square in order to enter a building. There is also the need for a long term access route if major plants have to be replaced.

Choice of plantsIt is very important of right choice of plants for our indoor environment as well as our life style. There are some main

categories to choose plants- Category 1- Very hardy (could not kill them with a brick) Category 2- Hard (touch as old boots) Category 3- Soft (need some care) Category 4- Collectible (for plant lovers) Category 5- Disposable (representative)Evaluate the space- Firstly for choosing right plants for indoor environment; one should choose a space that receive

best amount of natural light. Windows facing southwest, southeast, east, west, provide lot of light as compared to north direction.

Consider the climate- Place right plant in right climate. Not only flowering plants require higher light levels, but some like the orchid better in areas with high humidity.

Size of plant- It is more important to differentiate the grow pot in which every plant comes in from the decorative pot or container you will set your plants. Small flowering plants are great for putting on a coffee table.

Color consideration- Interior plants are far more than just green. Some blooming indoor plants such as orchids and violets add purples and pink. The Peperomia plant has a variety that has come in reds and whites. Non blooming green plant often look good with every paint and color. Indoor plants can add exciting coloring scheme to any space.

Shape of room- We have to consider how a vertical tree for example Ficus looks in one corner or a hanging grape ivy wood look good in window. We have to consider how wide and tall it will grow. The creative placing of indoor plants can add freshness and life to a room and if chosen right shape of plant it will please us with better results.

Consider accent- Plants are the perfect way to bring small artistic touch in an enclosed environment. A fern, ivy can bring added warmth and life into a dark corner. Plant like amaryllis can add a color in the dead of winter. The right plant in the right place make environment more attractive and inviting.

INSTALLATION

AirPlanting over unheated spaces

such as parking garages because root balls need protection from low temperatures unless the planting medium is insulated sufficiently to keep root mass temperatures above 15 degree C .

Planting near outside door because drafts are difficult to control.

Planting immediately adjacent to heating and air-conditioning supply vents because air temperature and movement normally exceeds the tolerance of most interior plants.

TECHNIQUESLight DaylightWindows and

ClerestoriesSkylight

WaterHand wateringAutomatic

system

MODES OF PLANTING Container- Pots and planters comes in

wide range of sizes, shapes, materials, and styles. The first thing to look at is the grow pot size. The most standard sizes are 6", 8", 10" 14" and 17" for very large plants. To make it easier we have selected the 3 most common ones: 6" for small plants set on furniture like a table or countertop, 10" for small to mid-size floor plants and 14" for mid-size to larger floor plants. When choosing a container, keep in mind that it's easier to grow plants in large containers than small ones. That's because large containers hold more soil, which stays moist longer and is less subject to rapid temperature fluctuations. Small hanging baskets are especially prone to drying out, and during hot summer weather, you may have to water them twice a day to keep plants alive.

Window garden- It is a hydroponic urban gardening system that was originally developed by Britta Riley using open source designs. An indoor garden is that allows for year-round growing in almost any window. It lets plants use natural light, the climate control of your living space, and organic “liquid soil.

Hanging basket- Hanging baskets allow you to decorate your walls and patios with colorful flowers and foliage. A hanging basket is a suspended container used for growing decorative plants. Typically they are hung from buildings, where garden space is at a premium, and from street furniture  for environmental enhancement. Hanging baskets are normally made from wire with an impervious, usually plastic, lining to retain the contents. They are filled withpeat-compost usually with a water-retaining gel and controlled release fertilizer granules.

Terrariums- A terrariums is collection of small plants growing in a transparent, sealed container.  Terrariums are usually sealable glass containers that can be opened for maintenance and to access the plants inside. However, this is not essential; terrariums can also be made using other transparent materials, and some are open to the atmosphere rather than being sealed. Terrariums are often kept as decorative or ornamental items in the same way as aquariums. Because of the different conditions within, terrariums can be classified into two types: closed and open.

Vertical garden- It is unique, patented and modular hydroponic system is designed to be used indoors or outdoors, and will sustain a diverse array of plants. A green wall is a wall partially or completely covered with vegetation that includes a growing medium, such as soil. Most green walls also feature an integrated water delivery system. Green walls are also known as living walls, biowalls, ecowalls, or vertical gardens

MAINTENANCE Horticultural technicians The image of the building which projects is as important issue .and it can assured with

some of the most qualified people in the business .regular live plant service should be performed for the bank interior landscaping by professional technicians that are attentive to your needs as well as the plants .they won’t interior with your daily business needs and will always leave you a written service slip stating what they accomplished during their visit

From design to installation For interior of building we need landscape architects to design a theme and the design

should be in such a way that the plants could fill voids ,terminate frame views, create visual screen ,create space ,while designing architect should consider plant’s scale, texture and color .when design gets over it is the time for professional branches and stem to keep your plants looking sculpted and trimmed.

Plants insects and disease control Foliage plants are fair game to a wide variety of insect and disease problems. Some

like spider mites are microscopic and airborne, making detection difficult. The solution for control is horticultural technicians who are trained to recognize the early signs of these problems during their weekly visits, and when insects or disease appears, they will promptly take safe corrective actions.

Landscape cleaning Plants gather dust and containers often collect as sorted debris .periodically the

plants leaves are cleaned so they will always look their best .absorb the available light resist insect problems and stay healthy too before getting any cause

Timely live plant replacementsAs part of the comprehensive care for the plants, a serious prompt replacement

old unacceptable plants should be provided for the old plants with the newer one. Though the goal is esthetic continuity, so landscaping plantings will maintain a uniform .attractive appearance.

EmergenciesIn case if interior landscaping is designed by some interior landscaping

companies then for any difficulties may be in the installation life of a plant. we get problem we can call the related company for fixing and other work which depends on them .and sometimes they provide a timetable for the proper curing and controlling which and every week or every month they visit to site and if there is any problem then they are going to fix it and sometimes even before any problems come into action they recognize that and they prevent it from being happening and damaging the plant or may be landscaped site.They do the proper cure for the plants and they take care of everything.

USES Architectural usesScreeningPrivacy controlEmphasisEnframent• Aesthetic usesImprove Unattractive VisualsAdd Texture, Color, and DimensionControl ViewsAttract Attention• Ecological usesAtmospheric PurificationReflection ReductionWind Control• Psychological usesStress reliefImprove healthIncrease efficiency

BENEFITS!!! Soften hard concrete and asphalt areas. Identify and beautify a building image. Provide a warm welcome to customers

in case of landscape at entrance. Create a right first impression. Clean the air from harmful toxin and

create fresh air. Reduce stresses from human mind at

workplace. Increases work efficiency. Reduce tiredness. Provides a colorful environment. Provides easy feeling between man and

nature. Promotes healthier working

environment. Help in noise reduction. Create a design statement. Helps to hide less attractive

features.

Used as breakup large open areas.

Makes breathing easier. Purify air. The aesthetic value of

landscaping guarantees a positive enhancement.

Good for maintaining the air temperature inside the building.

They reduce carbon dioxide level.

Use for decoration. Helps to improving health. As per sources it increases

productivity by 12 percent and performance.

Improve corporate image. Boost staff comfort levels. Reduce sick leaves. One can more effectively and

more creatively. Understanding the nature of

work and its easiness through interior landscapes.

CASE STUDYTerminal 3 Changi Airport, SingaporeLocation: Changi, East regionAirport type: Public/ Military Project Statement- Large-scale vertical planting a South East Asian equatorial rainforest was introduced into the interior of Singapore's Changi Terminal 3 to structure and soften an otherwise cavernous industrial building. A tapestry of living plants not only divides the mega-building in plan into landside/airside sections but also connect the vertical space of the check-in/arrival areas, which are separated by a glass security screen.

Goals To use landscape elements to enhance and to become a dominant feature of the architecture.To develop a unique landscape design palette appropriate to the scale and use of the building.To establish an interior environment where planting is part of the architecture, not just as accents and decoration.To devise a low-cost, light-weight system for growing massed climbing plants.To confirm the viability of planting in an in-door air-conditioned environment by testing suitable plant species for long-term sustainability.

Program To treat the most prominent feature of the terminal building - the massive wall which separates the landside check-in arrival hall from the airside departure and shopping lounges.To provide spatial definition and linkage for the vast arrival hall with its eight baggage carousels and Omni-directional traffic.To establish a green environment for the interior space, befitting the nation's vision of the arrival to the 'City in a Garden'.

Planting Concept The granite-clad dividing wall was transformed into a large green wall, a vertical tapestry of climbing and aerial plants. This vertical garden is the building's most distinctive feature, spanning 1000 feet of the 1300 feet length building and at 50 feet high, helped to scale down the high interior space. The structure for the green tapestry is a system of cantilevered I-beams and stainless steel cable structure with planting troughs at every ten feet, covered with vines, creepers and epiphytes. This installation is achieved without sacrificing valuable floor area or compromise to functional requirements.The green tapestry exhibits the richness, diversity and character of the Southeast Asian Equatorial Rain Forest. Its bold, dominant form creates a powerful identity for the terminal's vast space.A unique characteristic of the tropical rainforest inspired the selection of the more than 10,000 plants for the vertical garden. In the rainforest, vines and epiphytes successfully compete for growing space by lifting themselves off the ground with the help of tall neighbors. In this manner they are able to escape the low light level of the forest floor to reach up to the forest canopy.The green tapestry is designed to be maintained easily from catwalks behind the suspended structure. The plants are pre-grown in containers on stainless steel cables which are secured to the structural frame without need of fasteners.Perpendicular to the tapestry on the arrival level floor are wide planters with a variety of massed ground covers and majestic Lewiston chinensis (Chinese fan-palms).

ExecutionThe design team of landscape architects/horticulturists/architect, over a period of four years, attended to the project on a regular basis, reviewing hardscape and softscape design, details and performance of the system. Portions of the tapestry were completed while construction was still in progress. The results for plant establishment were initially poor due to constant dust and poor air movement. Plants were imported from neighboring Malaysia and Thailand. Pest control was monitored by ensuring that all plant specimens brought into the interior was free from infestation. Since natural light is available, the skylights were adjusted to allow maximum light to reach all portions of the green panels. A drip irrigation system is designed to water and fertilize the plant specimens; hand misting is also carried out performing a twofold function: minimizing collection of dust on leaves and foliage feeding.

OBSERVATIONS In every building the ratio between

interior landscape and environment is constant. Thus to have a sufficient clean environment for employees we need to design a proper interior landscape with sufficient number to plants

Open air conferences can be brought into landscape area of the building to have a pleasant conference area

Views from rooms towards interior landscape should not be blocked by large trees which itself creates problem in light and cross ventilation.

Watering should be everyday and sufficient not to create humidity due to more absorption of water by soil.

Maintenance should be carried out for better care and control.

Sometimes staircases can be leaded from landscaped area in ground floor to reach to first floor.

Need for interior landscape is must for every public building to produce a better productivity.

Carrying plants from outdoor to indoor needs proper care, control and treatments.

Time taking process for installation

Cost effective Proper maintenance from day

one to last day.

Conclusion By the growth of commercial buildings in the

world the number of workplaces have increased, thus need for more employees came into consideration for better efficiency in the work. Interior plants can no longer be considered a luxury. They are demonstrably valuable and cost effective way of enhancing the indoor environment by improving indoor air quality, cooling the buildings and reducing noise. Building operators can make existing buildings more environmentally friendly simply by replacing, or reducing the need for manufactures products and engineered system with plants. Architects can make an even bigger impact by designing buildings with plants in mind, making building green in more ways.

Now days if we have fresh air and environment outside of our work place why we don’t have it inside. By bringing the outdoor landscape inside the building we are creating relationship between man, nature and work.

Future scope Very new element in

interior landscape industry is green walls that built both indoor and outdoor. As we can see over so many years a lot has happened in thus industry. The interior landscape industry has come a very long way from the ferns and cast iron plates of the Victorian era. It is hard to say where it will be in twenty years from today, but this industry will continue to expand into all things new, exciting and good for people and environment.