the plant man – united kingdom
Category: Large Indoor Greenery
30 North Colonnade, is a 20 storey building comprising approximately 330,000 sq ft net of air conditioned office space designed by world renowned architects Kohn Pederson Fox. Fitch Ratings , IBM and KPMG occupy the building. 30 North Colonnade ground floor reception is an ambitious and immersive interior landscaping project that transforms a high-footfall commercial environment into a restorative, plant-rich space. Set within a large-scale office reception and connected retail zone, the design integrates lush greenery directly into the built environment—bringing nature into daily urban life while enhancing wellbeing, biophilia, and brand identity.
Design Intent: The brief was to soften the imposing scale of the interior, improve acoustic and air quality conditions, and create a contemporary, hospitality-led atmosphere for both visitors and staff. Our approach treated planting not as an afterthought but as a fundamental architectural element—woven into the spatial structure and experience.
We explored the concept of a “living system within a structural frame”, aligning natural forms with the rhythm and geometry of the architecture. Every zone—arrival, circulation, breakout and pause points—was designed to feel anchored by green presence.
Key Features: large-scale planters Tropical statement species – Bucida, Ficus Lyrata, Dracenea, Radermachera Planting palette chosen to reflect movement, light variation and texture Sub irrigation system, plants planted in Vulcaponic, allowing for minimal maintenance impact and continued plant health in a high-use environment.
Impact & Results: Occupant wellbeing: The planting has been repeatedly cited in post-occupancy surveys as contributing to improved mood, focus and visitor experience.
Environmental benefit: Passive air purification and thermal softening effects, with plant selection focused on high resilience and low intervention.
Engagement: The space is now regularly used for informal meetings, social interaction, and quiet reflection—adding value far beyond aesthetics.
Conclusion: This project redefines what interior landscaping can be in a public or commercial context—not just decorative, but spatially transformative. It demonstrates how thoughtful, creatively integrated greenery can enrich architecture, support sustainability goals, and create human-centric environments that foster connection to nature every day.
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