Figure 2 window garden (source-google images

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 reasons to purchasing indoor plants……………………………………..3 Table 2 purpose of indoor plants (source- www.crupb.com)................................3 Table 3 Air Pollutant Removal by Plants (source- www.crupb.com)...................5 Table 4 sound Absorption (source- www.crupb.com)..........................................7 Table 5 requirement and placement details of the plants in building……………55 Table-6 requirement and placement for the plants………………………………67 Table-7 load calculation of the planters………………………………………….95 Table-8 cost estimation for introducing planters…………………………………96 Table 9 selected individual data………………………………………………...103

Table10 selected individuals’ responses to questions…………………………...136 Table 11 all responses for the survey……………………………………………155

1 INTRODUCTION

“Interior landscaping is also called plantscaping.” Plantscaping is the selection and

placement of flora within a closed environment to highlight and enhance the working and spatial design of the environment.

In these times, the man spends most of its time indoors, yet man has an inbred inclination to be close to nature. “Sick building syndrome” is one phenomenon, man is experiencing in a strictly closed environment. Now a day’s offices, banks and commercial buildings are closed spaces, which need to be humanised to increase productivity and create a work environment. Hence, the introduction of plants in such premises has proven to be aiding. The idea of plantscaping in office buildings was introduced during the 1970s as a part of back to senses movement.

1.1 AIM, OBJECTIVE & SCOPE

Aim

To understand how to create a harmonious interior with indoor plants which will perform satisfactorily concerning the working environment of a corporate office.

Objective

The objectives of the study are:1. To study the steps of designing the landscape in Hermetic area. 2. To study the architectural and service constraints involved in the process of introducing plantscaping. 3. To understand the changes created in the working environment by the introduction of plants. 4. To understand the suitable plants and maintenance requirements

Scope

The scope of the study is restricted to understanding the significance, maintenance, identification, organising and structural changes required for the species of plants suitable for Bengaluru’s climate.

During the study requirements for plant scaping will be identified and the necessary change in services’ design will be concluded.

The case studies will be summarized to identify the practicality of plantscaping in office buildings.

The report will be concluded by introducing Plantscape in the existing office building

1.2NEED AND PURPOSE

Need

Landscape design is to fold in huge structures into the natural surrounding In August 1989, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) enlisted more than 900 VOCs (volatile organic chemicals) recognised in newly constructed buildings. It was evaluated that indoor air pollution costs billions of dollars/year in medical costs and lost worker productivity. “In my opinion, the space utilization drive created a lot of dissatisfied employees, so now they are trying to reclaim an environment that is more conducive to good employee health and productivity.” - David Liu (Executive Vice President/General Manager of Foliage Design Systems) In-office buildings, there was an increase in health concerns, such as headaches and respiratory problems, which is now called sick building syndrome. The main problem for such health issues was identified to be a lack of ventilation. Thus, natural ventilation was later introduced to clear out the dry indoor air and introduce fresh air. However, two problems were identified by an increase in ventilation rates.  Energy efficiency was compromised.  In urban areas, outside air is polluted. NASA and ALCA (Associated Landscape Contractors of America) 2-year study on indoor plants indicated that plants absorb harmful gasses and clean the inside of modern buildings. Carpeting is the main sources of indoor air pollution. Placing a plant within 6 to 8 cubic ft. surrounding a person can have a positive impact on health. Relative humidity levels exceed 75 % in buildings with no indoor plants. The increase in humidity can cause health problems and mould growth. But more health problems are identified from low humidity levels. Dry air cause irritation in the nose, drying it out and weakens the body’s immune system. Low relative humidity in office air can cause cracks and damage in wooden furniture. Whereas high relative humidity causes the condensation of windows and exterior walls which result in expensive structural damage.

PURPOSE