Preserved Moss: Connecting the Workplace with Nature to Enhance Brain Health and Productivity
DECEMBER 9, 2024| SpeedPro East BayIn a post pandemic world, with many employers pushing for a return to the conventional workplace setting rather than remote models, a greater emphasis has been placed on creating attractive environments for workers to make the transition more appealing, as well as entice the best and brightest workers. Neuroarchitecture, the study of how the environment influences the brain, offers a fascinating lens through which to examine workplace design. By understanding the intricate relationship between our brains and our surroundings, we can create spaces that not only look good but also feel good.
One key concept that aligns with neuroarchitecture is biophilia, the innate human tendency to connect with nature. By incorporating biophilic design principles into workplaces, we can harness the power of nature to enhance employee satisfaction, creativity, and overall performance.
(Photos 1 and 2) An interpretation of the hanging gardens of babylon vs. a more modern vertical garden using living plants
Preserved moss builds on the concept, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Babylon’s Hanging Gardens, of using plants to adorn walls. The modern concept of living walls leverages botanists to design hydroponic systems to sustain vertical gardens. Unfortunately, while lovely to look at, these hydroponic systems require a significant amount of maintenance to not only keep the system running, but refresh the living plants periodically. As technology has advanced the idea of designing hyper realistic, yet completely maintenance free vertical gardens for indoor spaces has culminated with completely custom made, preserved moss gardens that come in easy to hang panels to fit any space.
(Photos 3 and 4) Examples of preserved moss vertical garden installations
These gardens are truly custom with each designed specifically for each client. This allows client brand stories, colors, philosophies, inclusivity messages, goals, design styles, and more to be incorporated into the designs in countless ways. Almost any dimension, shape, surface, or orientation can be accommodated.
Preserved Moss Vs. Synthetic/Artificial Vertical Gardens
While synthetic vertical gardens offer a cost-effective solution per square foot, preserved moss gardens provide a far more captivating visual experience. The natural beauty and texture of preserved moss can create a striking focal point, even in smaller installations. By strategically placing preserved moss, designers can achieve a similar visual impact as a larger artificial garden, with a fraction of the square footage.
(Photos 5 and 6) Visual comparison for how preserved moss can be used sparingly to achieve a similar effect to a large artificial vertical garden installation.
In setting up a workplace, one of the key factors which is usually looked at and also highly regulated, is the safety of the building materials and design elements. Several things should be considered including: Do these products introduce any dangerous chemicals? Are there VOC’s released during the product’s lifetime? Does this material require ongoing maintenance involving chemicals that can affect the indoor environmental quality? Preserved moss is made using sustainable and healthy materials, and is compliant with the most stringent flame spread and smoke index standards as well as the CA Department of Public Health’s strictest VOC standards. It also requires no maintenance, other than the occasional dusting.
