Greening the workplace

Huge amounts of time, money and effort have been poured into perfecting green office design, off the back of growing recognition of the positive impact such environments have on workers’ wellbeing.

Trends come and go, but this one is underpinned by science. One recent study found that occupants of green-certified buildings have 26 percent higher cognitive function scores, sleep better, and report fewer health problems compared to those in uncertified buildings. As green roofs increase in popularity, it’s no surprise that architects are getting interested in green walls and their workplace potential.

“Vertical gardens are being used increasingly more in office design, and it’s easy to see why,” says Richard Woods, commercial director at Evergreen Walls.

“Gone are the days of the cramped and crowded office. Designers now are integrating flexible seating and group working zones, and greenery is being used to aid the efficiency and wellbeing of the working inhabitants.

“These offices have wall spaces [that are] often barren and overlooked. Vertical gardens can make great use of these empty [walls] and are loved by the employees,” he says.