Page 52 - I-Plants Magazine special 2021 Biophilic Design Awards issue - regular res

Platinum Award 52

Green Walls & Vertical Gardens, Interior & Exterior
$30,001-$40,,000
Project:
USG Biomedical Sciences and Engineering facility
at Universities of Shady Grove

Congratulations to:

GSky Plant Systems, Inc.
Delray Beach, Florida, U.S.A

The story behind this design and installation: Below:
We were able to design the system to allow the sculptural pieces thathad
USG Biomedical, Sciences and Engineering facility at Universities of been installed in the gardens outside to exist in the natural foliage inside
Shady Grove This project was designed as part of a LEED Platinum promoting a continuity of exterior to interior.
project at the university. The wall is along the staircase leading to the
second floor. Some have equated it to hiking while walking on the
staircase with the lush foliage adjacent. It was designed to appear as
an extension of the east courtyard exterior environment flowing into the
building. The plants are designed with a natural soft curving flow which
may denote movement and nature. They had requested the plants be
the same plants used outdoors but that would drastically affect the
sustainability of the plants. Tropical plants were used with primarily
shades of green that flow with the exterior plants through to sitting
areas complementing the colors in the furniture and other textiles.
Michael Singer Studios designed and installed sculptural pieces that
exist on the exterior of the building as well as incorporating them into
the wall, again, providing flow from the outside to the interior. The living
wall is 280 sq. ft with an average height standing with a height between
2’ – 13’ in increments along the staircase and is 35’3” wide. It contains
1701 4” tropical potted plants and is irrigated via a patented drip system
with a built-in nutrient injector. A ladder was used for the install and
maintenance. Oasis Plantscaping was involved in the installation and
provides maintenance for the wall. Even though there is a bank of
windows along the top of the wall, supplemental LED lighting was
installed to enhance and make-up for the dreary short days during the
winter. The wall enlivens the space, promotes gathering, helps clean
the air, and provides acoustical benefits while adding interest bringing
nature to the space.