| Most plants are put in buildings because they look attractive, help to soften the harsh architectural lines of modern buildings and bring a little of nature indoors. For the majority of people these are reasons enough, but there is a growing body of scientific evidence that the value of interior plants goes beyond the purely aesthetic. |
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| Air Quality |
Most work environments and public buildings are 'sealed' from the real world and are usually designed to prevent fresh air from outside coming in. Air-conditioning is commonplace and expected.
There is a wide body of research from the United States and here in Australia which clearly shows the contribution that indoor plants make to improving air quality. At the University of Technology Sydney , researchers have produced very positive results showing different varieties of indoor plants really improving air quality.
The body of research is growing on the other positive effects such as the cooling effect they have and increasing and stabilising humidity in air-conditioned spaces.
So what do they do? In essence the plant system - leaves, roots and potting media - take Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the air such as benzene and formaldehyde released by furnishings, carpets, photocopiers, printers and many modern building materials. They contribute oxygen back into the environment. |
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| Download more information on this topic: |
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"Improving the indoor environment for health, well-being and productivity", Ron Wood's paper, presented at "Greening Cities: a new urban ecology" 2003 (pdf)
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"Pot-plants really do clean indoor air" Nursery Paper, NGIA, 2001 (pdf)
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"Using pot plants to clean indoor air" Nursery Papers, NGIA October 2004 (pdf)
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"Plant/Soil Capacities To Remove Harmful Substances From Polluted Indoor Air" Wood, Burchett, Orwell, Tarren, Torpy (pdf)
- Property Australia magazine, Vol 19, No 5, Feb 2005 (jpg)
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| Noise Absorption |
Plants can make a significant contribution to reducing noise and echo in open plan spaces.
Broad leaf plants have been shown to make a big impact in reducing noise and can be used by defining areas within open plan offices, and reducing the noise throughout. Some varieties, such as Ficus, can also distribute frequencies well, helping in certain interior environments. |
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| Well Being and Morale |
| Indoor plants are credited with a whole range of psychological benefits that may improve the health and well-being of a building's occupants. |
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| Research has shown that plants: |
- appear to instill a feeling of well being
- help to reduce stress
- help to improve people's perception of a building
- may affect the way people behave in a building
- help people recover from mental fatigue
- may improve productivity
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For more information on this visit the following links:
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