Page 26 - I-Plants Magazine special 2021 Biophilic Design Awards issue - regular res

Bronze Award 26

Free-Standing Container Plantings, Interior & Exterior
$20,001-$30,000

Project:
ATB Place (Exterior)

Congratulations to:
Greenjean Interiorscape LTD.

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

The story behind this design and
installation:
The site is a well-situated high-rise in our
downtown core that has many tenants, vis-
itors, and passersby on a daily basis. As we
are in a location with a very short growing
season, we need to offer seasonal changes
to utilize the planters and space to it’s full-
est potential. With multiple yearly instal-
lations, it is imperative to be proactive in
finding cost savings measures. Designing
so we can carry some elements from the
spring/summer planting through to the fall
installation helps to control the budget (eg.
Cedar as a focal point and the Vinca and ivy
as trailers). The spring/summer installation
is in place for approximately 4 months, so
it needs to have lots of colour and instant
impact, and must be fast growing. The
fall planting must be frost tolerant as it is
in place for 6 weeks and is often installed
just as the nights begin to be very cold.
The planters are prepared for the festive What makes this design biophilic?
greens installation when the fall planting is The site is located next to a small park in the
removed. This is done before the soil solidly downtown core. The use of planters at the build-
freezes and ensures we are able to install ing adds natural elements to the transition area
the greens during the festive season. To between the park and the building grounds.
provide best value to the client, we leave The building’s hardscaping acts as a natural
the greens in place for as long as possible, extension of the park area, providing the tenants
only removing them once they have start- and public with outdoor space to enjoy and take
ed to fade. The site has a total of 27 planters refuge from the corporate hustle and speed of
which are placed strategically around city life. The addition of planters to the foodcourt
the building - at most entrances, in the courtyard is relatively new for the site. The court-
foodcourt courtyard, and along the main yard has perennial plants and shrubs but was
boulevard. The many planters all have dif- lacking in flowering elements.
ferent exposure in terms of light and wind.
Most of the annual plants are sourced lo- The addition of 5 planters filled with various
cally, ensuring they are appropriate for our flowers throughout the summer added needed
extreme weather conditions and eliminat- colour, variety and interest. The planters can be
ing shipping costs. enjoyed from inside, outside and above, as they
are in a sunken courtyard surrounded by large
windows on two sides, and exterior plaza decks
on the other sides. The large windows allow
people to enjoy their lunch at a table indoors,
while experiencing natural light and a view of a
beautiful courtyard. Or they can go out into the
sunken courtyard for a direct biophilic experi-
ence. The spring/summer and fall displays use
live plants with the inclusion of curly willow in
the fall. The festive display uses a variety of fresh
cut greens, fresh cut branches, birch poles, pre-
served pinecones and artificial berries to provide
a natural feeling display that reflects the festive
season. The seasonal display changes connects
the observer to the natural cycles of change
throughout the year.