Plants are not just nice to look at. They can also boost wellbeing and productivity. To find out more about the benefits of bringing nature indoors, we spoke to Ruscha Fields, founder of The Good Plant Company and one of our innovative collaborators.
As employers attempt to coax workers back into the workplace, supporting employee well-being and comfort has never been more important.
One way to promote this is to strategically introduce greenery into business environments. Known as ‘biophilic design’, this discipline aims to boost workers’ moods and enhance productivity by strengthening connection to nature.
A passionate advocate of biophilic design is Ruscha Fields, the founder of The Good Plant Company and one of our collaborators. We sat down to talk with her to find out more.
What exactly is meant by biophilic design?
Biophilic design is all about enhancing and embracing our innate connection with nature. It focuses on bringing natural elements into typically unnatural environments, such as offices. It incorporates different aspects of nature into the workplace to make you feel relaxed and grounded.
Why has this type of design become more important?
In the past there was a trend for very minimal, stark and clinical workplaces. But we’ve all found that these spaces are not good for our creativity or mental health. This has become especially important in the post-pandemic period as many of us have grown used to the comfort of working from our own homes. Employers are therefore now working to replicate this feeling in the workplace.
What are the best plants to use in a commercial space?
Tropical plants survive really well indoors. You can’t really use English plants and trees because they depend on British weather conditions to thrive.
In areas with good natural light, you can opt for plants from the Ficus (fig) family, for instance the Ficus Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig) and Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant). Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise) are also beautiful additions. If there is less natural light, you can try Dracaena (Dragon Plant), Kentia Palms or Zamioculcus Zamifolia (ZZ Plant).
Places such as meeting rooms can be more complicated as they may not be in use much and the lack of light can be difficult for plants. In these cases we use high-quality silk replica plants or introduce natural substances, such as wood, or moss pictures to the room.
Can you give an example of a project The Good Plant Company has worked on recently?
We recently worked with Layrd Design to add biophilic elements into an office space. We chose some succulents and Aglaonema (Chinese evergreens), which were placed in either concrete pots or teal-coloured ones on side units and windowsills. We also used some big-leafed Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) and Philodendron (Sweetheart Plant) in pots on metal stands to add some lush greenery at eye level.
Do you think biophilic design will be a long-lasting trend?
Yes, I do. The new comprehension of the importance of well-being is not going to go away. Employers now understand that this is one way that they can positively invest in their employees’ well-being and people are now more understanding about wanting to incorporate things into your life that make you feel good. Biophilic design is therefore here to stay.
Let Layrd Design and The Good Plant Company transform your space
To turn your corporate space into an urban jungle and incorporate biophilic design into your workplace, get in touch today. You can call the Layrd team on 01223 952992 or speak to The Good Plant Company on 01223 750200.