Live planting is an integral feature of the recently refreshed reception at Two Atlantic Square. Added for aesthetics, privacy, sound absorption and wellbeing value, interior greenery in the reception space has encouraged occupiers to utilise the light, spacious area for work, relaxation and social activities.
Chris Caroll, building manager, CBRE, said: “We wanted occupiers to take advantage of the area as an extension of their office space and to create a bridge between work and social interactions.
“Today, people host meetings in the Business Lounge, use the pods for quiet working and regularly share lunch together.”
Privacy
Natural light pours into the foyer through floor to ceiling windows, but to attract occupiers to dwell in the airy atmosphere, it was important to create some privacy. Plants proved the perfect solution, with strategically situated displays framing seating areas, separating lingering occupiers from passersby.
A custom-made curved planter hugs the outline of the carpet, shielding relaxed seating from the main entrance. An array of tropicals including Strelitzia nicolai, Kentia Palms and Ficus lyrata add height to the display, while varieties of Calathea and Aglaonema bring depth to the lower level. And to bring further seclusion to the area, a striking ‘Harp’ unit hosts a vibrant display featuring Aglaonema along with trailing Philodendron scandens and Scindapsus.
Noise reduction
Among their amazing qualities, plants can assist with improving a building’s acoustics. By absorbing and refracting sound, the stems, leaves and branches help to reduce the noise created by footsteps on hard floors, phones ringing and general hustle and bustle. The echo reduction enhances the atmosphere and overall experience, encouraging occupiers to take advantage of the lounge area.
Wellbeing
Plants have been widely found to make people feel better. The concept of biophilia recognises humans’ innate need to connect with nature and advocates the presence of greenery to improve wellbeing. Subconsciously, occupiers are more likely to loiter longer where natural elements, like plants, are in abundance…and they feel better for it too.
Socialising
With over 700 people working from the building located in Glasgow’s bustling Broomielaw, one aim of the project was to provide a flexible space to accommodate casual dining and socialising. Meanwhile, the gateway space was designed to connect occupiers with retailers in the local community. With an array of cafes, restaurants and leisure facilities on the doorstep, the bright, vibrant reception provides a relaxed environment to savour locally purchased produce and mingle.
Aesthetics
Plants bring many benefits to the interior environment and the aesthetic value of greenery is not to be overlooked. Natural foliage adds beauty through colour and texture, accentuating the design features of the furnishings. Pot plants soften a feature shelving unit, while character plants in floor standing units bring life to the sleek staircase, balancing the décor in the interior space.
Business Lounge
In the final part of the planting project, a mezzanine area was transformed into a flexible meeting space, bookable by occupiers to facilitate team events. The functional space is flooded with greenery, creating a cosy yet professional environment, while artificial planting on the balcony façade is the perfect alternative to live plants where maintenance is trickier.
The result
Today, buildings have had to accommodate and surpass the demands of occupiers whose employees straddle hybrid working models and seek the highest standards from their office environment. Completed earlier this year, the refresh at Two Atlantic Square has brought a new vibrancy to the building and live planting has been a key attribute in the success of the project.
