Sustainability and green developments are now taking centerstage in the office real estate market. It is no longer uncommon for corporate occupiers to look for green and sustainable features as amenities to complement their own office spaces; even landlords and developers are starting to embrace that green is no longer just for aesthetics, but a vital component of office buildings that not only attract occupiers but also retain them.
One of the measures introduced by property developers is biophilic design.
Biophilia refers to humans’ affinity with nature and their natural surroundings. Its derivative, biophilic design, takes this bond and applies it to spaces where we live, work, and relax.
Although many may equate biophilic design to mere introducing plants and greeneries inside the office or around a building, it is more than just that. Some initiatives to introduce biophilic design into any space include improving access to natural light and views; utilization of available outside areas for relaxation, transition, and collaboration; and incorporating natural features that mimic the outdoors.
Introducing plants into any enclosed area has many benefits. Not only do they provide relief from an otherwise dull and ordinary office space, plants do actually help purify indoor air. In fact, research conducted by the Washington State University’s Department of Horticulture found that indoor plants can lower particulate matter deposition by up to 20 percent. Even older buildings can benefit from simple introductions of plants and greeneries. However, plants must be carefully selected as not all are appropriate in indoor settings.
Colliers’ office at Frabelle Business Center is a great example of simple biophilic design. The space features a variety of plants, such as snake plants, Philodendron cordatum, Areca palms and bromeliads. These popular and easy-to-care plants demonstrate that introducing biophilic elements to any office space need not be complicated and expensive.
Some properties take urban gardening a notch higher through vertical gardens. The cultivation of plants on thin, vertical panels that utilize drip irrigation is a trend known as vertical gardening. There are many plants that may be used to cover these panels, which can be placed either indoors or outdoors. Ferns, Pothos, Dracaenas, and Philodendrons are just some of the popular ones. Others also include Tradescantia zebrina or Rhoeo spathacea to give their vertical gardens pops of color.
There are a number of office buildings in Metro Manila that feature vertical gardens, which provide not just fun and refreshing focal points in buildings’ key areas, they can even be styled to create logos, patterns, and images. Some of these buildings include:
0 the newly completed and LEED Platinum V4.0-certified Makati Commerce Tower which features a stunning vertical garden in its faí§ade and roof deck.
With its developer, Empresas Diesel Development Inc., consciously incorporating green features to this building’s design, the Makati Commerce Tower is a breath of fresh air amidst the heavily built-up concrete jungle that is Makati.
0 the Podium West Tower in Ortigas Center, a LEED Gold Mark (Core & Shell) certified building that boasts perhaps the largest vertical garden faí§ade (about 2,000 square meters) of any building in the Philippines.
The Podium West Tower’s impressive vertical garden faí§ade features up to 6,500 meticulously maintained individual plants. This building also has an outdoor garden on its sixth level, which can be accessed via the mall podium.
0 NEX Tower, a LEED Platinum skyscraper on Ayala avenue that boasts numerous green features, one of which is an impressive vertical garden in its lobby area. This feature adds a lush and vibrant element to an otherwise modern space.
Another notable feature of NEX Tower is its outdoor garden, which provides a relaxing retreat for its occupiers — not to mention an effective transition area that cools air before it enters the building’s interior areas.
Aside from gardens and greeneries, adding a water feature to any property elevates its curb appeal, not to mention that the sound of running water has a soothing effect on people. It is no wonder that people are naturally drawn to water features like fountains, waterfalls, and cascading pools.
One such example is the Rockwell Business Center-Ortigas, a three-tower office complex located on Ortigas avenue in Pasig, which features a cascading pond in its courtyard. Surrounded by lush greeneries and retail options, this area provides a calming space for the office buildings’ workers and visitors.
