Green Office Design: The Atrium

A 2018 Harvard study confirmed what many already knew – “bringing the outdoors in” provides significant benefits in the workplace. According to the research, offices that incorporate plants into a place of business experience an increase in cognition, fewer sick days and reported improvement in sleep quality. Green office features offer far-reaching benefits, which is why architects often integrate an atrium into their design plans. One of the most famous modern examples of interior atriums is “Spheres,” a massive glass and steel dome at Amazon’s Seattle-based offices.  The Spheres installation is full of tropical plants and foliage, which is similar to atriums around Florida.

History and Design of the Atrium

The atrium has been an architectural design element for thousands of years. In ancient Rome, the atrium was an open, central area of a residential home. While some contemporary houses still feature an atrium, the term is now most often associated with commercial buildings such as offices, hotels, hospitals, courthouses, and airports. An atrium generally includes multi-storied, glazed courtyard spaces that serve as key architectural features. The design of the atrium often integrates skylights and massive windows or glass walls that allow for substantial natural light.

Like green plants, the introduction of natural light into an office space has a significant positive impact on well-being. Utilized together, property owners and managers can maximize the advantages of nature in their buildings.

Considerations When Incorporating a Workplace Atrium

There are many design details inherent in atrium design, such as stairways or elevators, pedestrian traffic lanes, and seating areas. In particular, the designer must also choose glazing system materials that permit ample natural light but prevent glare and light reflection.

The plant species to be installed also need proper lighting, temperature, and airflow to thrive. In most cases, the plants are chosen after the atrium is designed – putting the onus on property managers to select plants and trees that are appropriate not only for the indoor climate and amount of natural light but also for the height and footprint of the structure. Depending on their choices, they may need to revisit HVAC requirements, electrical wiring, and plumbing to accommodate the overall design of the installation.

Popular Plant Options for a Corporate Atrium

Indoor atriums in our region are typically tropical or sub-tropical in nature, meaning that they utilize native plants to set the tone and welcome guests and employees. Therefore, palm trees are an obvious choice for large indoor areas. The vast variety of palms provide the iconic ambiance of the Gulf Coast and are available in sizes ranging from a few feet to towering several stories high.

Other popular plants that deliver the tropical feeling while benefitting air quality include varieties of Monstera, Dieffenbachia, and Banana plants. Each of these features lush, large leaves that are characteristic of their species. Fiddle leaf fig trees, colorful crotons, and elegant peace lilies will all add the natural beauty you desire in your atrium.

Plant Leasing is a Smart Choice

There are several reasons to consider hiring a trusted local plant leasing company to design and maintain your atrium plants.

• Plant leasing companies are experts at selecting the right plants for any space, environment or aesthetic. You will be guaranteed a professional interior plantscape.
• The plants and trees in a corporate atrium require routine maintenance in order to look their best, as even slight changes in temperature, humidity, and lighting can affect their condition.
• Should a plant or tree fail to thrive, it will be removed and replaced with a healthy plant. Because a professional team is caring for the display on a regular basis, they can identify a problem quickly – preserving the overall quality of the plant installation.
• The atrium is a central space for your building, and many people will pass through the area every day. It is, therefore, a key location for seasonal or holiday plant variations. A professional plant partner can work with you to ensure that your atrium reflects the aesthetic you desire all year long, even (and especially) if it changes throughout the year.

Tropex offers area businesses much more than just plant leasing. We are dedicated to designing and bringing to life an oasis of nature at your home or place of business. From the initial consultation about your vision to ongoing maintenance, you can trust Tropex for all your plant needs.