Introduction to Vertical Gardening in Lobbies
Are you struggling to bring some greenery into your waiting room, lobby, or reception area? Do you want to create a calming and welcoming environment for your visitors but don't have enough floor space for plants? Vertical gardening might be the perfect solution for your indoor landscaping needs! In this article, we will introduce you to the concept of vertical gardening and how to apply it in your lobby or waiting room.
Vertical gardening is a practice of growing plants vertically, using walls, trellises, or other structures, instead of horizontally in traditional garden beds or pots. It's an innovative and eco-friendly way to enhance your indoor space, as well as reap the benefits of plants, such as cleaner air and improved mental health.
In this article, we will cover the basics of vertical gardening, including its benefits and considerations, as well as offer some tips on how to set up your own vertical garden in your lobby or waiting room. By the end of this article, you'll have all the information you need to create a beautiful and functional green wall that will impress your visitors.
Benefits of Vertical Gardening for Lobbies
Vertical gardening is not only ideal for waiting rooms but also for lobbies. A well-designed vertical garden can create an impressive, welcoming atmosphere for guests and visitors. Here are some of the benefits of incorporating vertical gardening into the design of a lobby:
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Enhanced Aesthetics:
Vertical gardens can add color, texture, and depth to an otherwise bland lobby. They can also serve as a statement piece and make an unforgettable first impression to visitors.
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Better Air Quality:
Vertical gardens can help to purify the air in a lobby, removing pollutants and promoting a healthier environment. This can be especially important in areas with high traffic and limited ventilation.
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Improved Acoustics:
Plants in vertical gardens can help to absorb sound waves, reducing the amount of echo in lobby areas. This can enhance the overall acoustic ambiance, making it more pleasant for visitors.
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Increased Privacy:
Tall plants that are often used in vertical gardening can also provide some privacy to visitors during their stay in the lobby.
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Sustainable Solution:
Vertical gardening is an eco-friendly solution that can help to reduce energy consumption as it helps regulate the temperature and humidity in the lobby while reducing the carbon footprint of the building.
With vertical gardening, lobby designers can improve the aesthetics and create a more inviting, sustainable atmosphere, making visitors feel at home while enhancing their wellbeing. At the same time, vertical gardening for lobbies provides numerous benefits, as mentioned above, and it truly does create a unique environment.
Choosing the Right Plants for Vertical Gardens in Lobbies
Vertical gardens are a great way to add life and color to lobby areas, and choosing the right plants is crucial for their success. Here are some tips for selecting plants for your lobby vertical garden.
- Consider light: Choose plants that thrive in the amount of light available in your lobby. If your lobby gets a lot of natural light, consider plants such as succulents, ferns, and orchids. If your lobby is low on light, choose plants such as snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants, which can survive in low light conditions.
- Size and shape: Consider the size and shape of your plant when selecting plants for your vertical garden. Choose plants that are not too big or too small for your garden, and choose plants with a variety of shapes to add visual interest to your garden.
- Maintenance: Choose plants that are easy to maintain and require minimal care. This is especially important for vertical gardens in lobbies, as they may not be easily accessible for regular maintenance.
- Color: Choose plants with a variety of colors to add visual interest to your garden. Consider plants with colorful blooms or foliage, or plants with variegated leaves.
- Climate: Consider the climate in your lobby when selecting plants for your vertical garden. If your lobby is air-conditioned or heated, choose plants that can tolerate these conditions.
Some plants that are known to thrive in vertical gardens include ferns, succulents, herbs, and small flowers. Remember, it's important to choose plants that are well-suited for your specific lobby environment to ensure the longevity of your vertical garden.
Designing and Installing Vertical Gardens in Lobbies
A vertical garden is a great way to liven up any space, especially lobbies. Lobbies are the first impression of any building, and a well-designed vertical garden can make a big impact on visitors and employees alike. Here are some tips on designing and installing vertical gardens in lobbies.
Determine the Design
The first step in designing a vertical garden for a lobby is to determine the design. This can involve a lot of factors, including the size of the lobby, the amount of sunlight that comes in, and the overall aesthetic of the building. It is important to work with a professional designer to ensure that the design fits the space and meets the needs of the building.
Choose the Right Plants
Choosing the right plants is key to the success of a vertical garden. The plants should be chosen based on the amount of sunlight that comes into the lobby and the temperature of the space. It is also important to choose plants that are low-maintenance and easy to care for. Some popular choices include ferns, succulents, and ivy.
Consider the Watering System
Installing a proper watering system is crucial to the success of a vertical garden. The system should be designed to provide the right amount of water to the plants without over-saturating them. It is also important to consider how the water will be drained, as excess water can damage the lobby's flooring and furniture.
Work with Professionals
Designing and installing a vertical garden is not an easy task, especially in a lobby where there are many variables to consider. It is important to work with professionals who have experience in designing and installing vertical gardens. They can provide valuable insights and ensure that the garden is designed and installed correctly.
In conclusion, designing and installing a vertical garden in a lobby is a great way to liven up the space and make a great first impression on visitors and employees. By following these tips and working with professionals, any building can have a beautiful and thriving vertical garden.
Maintenance and Care for Vertical Gardens in Lobbies
Vertical gardening in lobbies is an excellent way to add a touch of nature to a commercial space and improve its aesthetic appeal. It is essential to maintain and care for the vertical gardens to ensure their longevity and visual appeal. Here are a few tips to help maintain and care for vertical gardens in lobbies:
Water the plants regularly
Vertical gardens require watering regularly to maintain the plants' health. Make sure the irrigation system is functioning correctly and provides sufficient water to each plant. Over or under watering is harmful to the plants and can cause wilting or root rot.
Prune the plants periodically
Pruning is vital to keep the plants looking their best. Trim the plants regularly to remove dead or yellowing foliage, remove any diseased or infested leaves, and encourage healthy growth. Make sure to use proper tools and techniques while pruning to prevent damaging the plants.
Fertilize the soil
Vertical gardens require a steady supply of nutrients to thrive. Fertilize the soil regularly to provide the plants with the necessary nutrients. Choose a suitable fertilizer that is appropriate for the plants in your vertical garden and use it at the recommended intervals.
Check the lighting conditions
Ensure that the vertical garden receives adequate light as per the plants' requirements. The type of plants you choose will determine the amount of light they need. Make sure the plants are not exposed to direct sunlight, which can be harmful.
Inspect the plants for pests and diseases
Check the plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases. Look for visible signs such as webs, spots, or deformities on the plants. Inspect the soil for any signs of infestation. Take appropriate steps to eliminate pests or disease such as using insecticides or fungicides.
Clean the walls and surfaces
Vertical gardens tend to accumulate dust and other debris over time, which can affect the plants' health. Clean the walls and surfaces regularly with a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt or dust. You can also use a mild solution of soap and water to clean stubborn stains if necessary.
Implementing these maintenance and care tips will ensure that your vertical garden remains healthy and vibrant for a long time, beautifying your lobby and improving indoor air quality. Maintaining a vertical garden does require effort, but the results are well worth it.
Success Stories of Vertical Gardens in Lobbies
Vertical gardening has been widely popular in modern business spaces and has also found its way into lobby design. Here are some success stories of vertical gardens in lobbies that will inspire you to invest in one for your business:
The Living Wall at The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences
The Athenaeum is a luxurious hotel in the heart of Mayfair, London. The hotel’s impressive living wall is what sets it apart from others in the area. It is composed of over 250 different plant species and spans across two floors of the hotel’s lobby. The installation of the living wall has not only improved the air quality inside the hotel but has also boosted its visual appeal.
The Vertical Garden at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
The Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong has a stunning 7-meter-tall vertical garden in its lobby. The hotel's management wanted the space to reflect the culture and heritage of Singapore and what better way than through a lush, green garden wall. The plants selected were a representation of the city-state's flora and fauna, which have significantly improved the air quality in the lobby, making it a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
The Green Wall at AbbVie Pharmaceuticals
AbbVie Pharmaceuticals’ office in Mettawa, Illinois has also become home to one of the largest living walls in the world. The green wall sits right in the lobby, measuring over 4,000 square feet and is a stunning sight to behold. The wall’s plant selection includes over 10,000 plants and consists of 21 different species. The installation has had a significant impact on the building’s energy consumption and has helped purify the air within the building.
The Moss Wall at DoubleTree by Hilton, Amsterdam Centraal Station
The DoubleTree by Hilton, Amsterdam Centraal Station, houses an impressive 230 square meter moss wall as its centrepiece. The wall is located in the lobby and comprises a mix of preserved mosses, ferns, and foliage that creates a vibrant green backdrop. The moss wall is an excellent example of how biophilic design can be incorporated into a lobby to create a relaxing and inviting space for guests.
These success stories demonstrate how vertical gardens can transform a business space and create a healthy, stunningly visual environment. Investing in a vertical garden for your lobby is not only visually appealing but also has numerous health benefits, such as improving air quality, reducing stress levels, and enhancing wellbeing in building occupants.