Page 46 - I-Plants Magazine special 2021 Biophilic Design Awards issue - regular res

Silver Award 46

Holiday Decor, Short Term Rentals & Special Events
$75,001-$100,000

Project:
Saint Louis University

Hospital

Congratulations to:

Growing Green Inc

Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.A

The story behind this design and installation:
We can see the construction cranes from our office. That is how close Saint Louis
University (SLU) Hospital is to us. We watched the project progress over several
years, always keeping in communication with our contact person on the status.
SLU has been a holiday client of ours for many years. Their previous hospital was
old and historic looking, while the new building took on a sleek, all-glass look.
We knew their old décor would not suffice in the new space. In the past, they
have chosen traditional holiday looks.

However, after we first stepped into the still under construction space of their
new building, we knew that the traditional red & gold look was not what was go-
ing to compliment the space. The new look included wood, lots of natural light,
artwork depicting nature scenes, earthy colors, and a natural toned terrazzo
floor.

We had just the right look! Tannenbaum! Tannenbaum was a design we created
several years back to give potential clients a very natural look for their holiday
What makes this design biophilic? theme, that echoed the feel of the outdoors. Frosted branches, natural colored
This design was specifically created to mimic the look of vine balls, iced berries, twigs and some muted silver and apple green balls
nature with theuse of many natural materials and those complimented with burlap ribbon are the elements that make up this design.
that mimic natural patterns. We chose flocked branches, Tannenbaum has become popular in part because of its elegant style, but also
frosted berries, natural vine balls, twigs and muted silver because it depicts a natural winter look, less associated with the traditional look
and apple green balls complimented by natural and moss of “Christmas”. Wanting to harbor a feeling of inclusion, SLU asked us to set-up
green colored burlap. Our hope when creating this design their manger scene, but to also install a Menorah and create a Kwanzaa display
was to create a connection with nature even though the as well. We received many positive comments on these scenes over the next few
custom designed pieces were in a hospital. We know that weeks of installations.
biophilic design can reduce stress, improve our well-being,
and expedite healing, which is so important in a health This holiday installation was like no other. Of course, the construction of the new
care facility. I many cases in the hospital we chose not to hospital and the move of all staff, patients, and supplies over to the new hospital
use the traditional PVC greenery, but to choose base items was quite a feat in itself and Covid-19 further complicated the project!
that were more natural, such as twig wreaths and gar-
lands. The natural analogues of this design paired with the
natural base elements creates a wonderful representation
of biophilic design.