In a Nutshell
- Client: Commercial
- Products used: Luxury Garden of Eden
- Results:
- Provided greenery in a utilitarian area
- Included biophilia to the entryway
- Offered low-maintenance decor
Before Our Collaboration
According to a recent ISCS survey, about 83% of Americans visit a shopping mall at least once per week. This is unequivocal proof that shopping malls are still vital to the average American’s life.
This isn’t surprising, as the average American shopping mall satisfies the daily needs of all consumers: it houses grocery stores, clothing stores, food courts, and virtually anything you can think of.
This adoration implies that shopping malls must keep up with consumer demand to stay competitive. And a big aspect of competitiveness is the decor.
This particular mall in Connecticut was overdue for a revamp, so the staff sought ideas to beautify an area right by one of the mall's entrances.
The Problem
This client didn’t have a problem with the area, but they wanted a decor element that could complement the sophisticated timber paneling on the feature wall. One side of the walkway was bare and did little to contribute to the luxurious aesthetic the building aimed to achieve.
The people responsible for the redecoration had an idea to cover the bare parts of the wall on one side with greenery. But after discussing that most employees won’t be able to care for the plants, especially when they’re in a hard-to-reach place, the staff pivoted.
Then, they began researching artificial green walls as an alternative. And it proved to be the right choice for their project.
During the Process
The Solution
The project was straightforward: the mall would add faux vertical gardens, particularly the Luxury Garden of Eden, to four distinct areas on the wall.
Since the space is open and airy, with high ceilings and multiple floors, the addition of greenery would contribute to an even more expansive environment and improve property value.
The sections adorned with greenery were located on different walls within the atrium, so the greenery had to follow those same lines. The crew did this to provide a cohesive appearance as visitors moved through the space.
The panels the mall chose had to fit the specific dimensions of each section, so the installers measured everything to align the greenery with the existing architectural elements.
The builders mounted the panels to the walls using a hidden framework that supported the weight. The panel itself has a metal, vandalism-proof backing that secures the project. The panels’ placement also ensures visibility from various vantage points within the mall. The open walkways also allow visitors to experience the green walls from different angles.
The high ceilings and expansive windows allow natural light to illuminate the greenery throughout the day.
After It’s Done
After the completion of this project, the mall staff were satisfied with the results. Luckily for us, they agreed that they had made the right choice for the atrium.
The once bare and unsurprising space is now more dynamic and with more life. The mall’s decision to take advantage of biophilia and emphasize our connection to nature will undoubtedly calm visitors’ eyes and improve the aesthetic of the walkway.
The hanging lights integrated into the bottom panels up the charm even more and offer an inviting glow that enlivens the overall ambiance, especially in the evenings.
This project is part of a growing trend in commercial spaces to incorporate artificial greenery into their design. Fortunately, more and more businesses are recognizing the benefits of biophilia. In just our portfolio, you’ll see a BMW showroom, hotels, stores, bars, and now this shopping mall as leading examples of how significant the change can be.
This exemplifies that even in the busiest commercial environments, there’s room for a green element.
Next Steps
With the success of this and similar green wall installations, we’re looking forward to even bigger challenges.
Our next steps focus on expanding our reach to more commercial buildings and large-scale projects. We’ve noticed a growing demand for biophilic design in spaces where people spend significant amounts of time.
Larger-scale projects also allow us to showcase our expertise on a grander scale. Such environments need significant design interventions and give us the opportunity to create impactful installations that define the features of the property.
If you have a commercial space itching for a change, talk to us and let’s get planning!