Architectural Cases

Global Trends in Green Interior Design

This article explores the growing global phenomenon of integrating plants into indoor environments, known as plantscaping. It highlights how different regions adapt this practice based on climate, building styles, and cultural traditions. The piece delves into various trends, from simple potted plants in European homes to elaborate vertical gardens in South Asian residences and lush green spaces in North Asian hospitality venues, demonstrating the diverse benefits of indoor greenery for aesthetics, well-being, and environmental control.

Embracing Nature: A Worldwide Perspective on Indoor Greenery

The Subtle Beauty of Minimalist Greenery

Across Europe, North America, and some South American urban centers, a refined approach to incorporating plants is gaining traction. This style emphasizes the strategic placement of potted plants to accentuate architectural details and structural elements within interior spaces. Often found in living rooms and kitchens, these subtle touches of green introduce vitality and visual interest, contrasting harmoniously with backgrounds of raw materials like concrete, wood, and steel. Such minimalist plant arrangements provide a sense of calm and visual engagement without overwhelming the space.

Elevated Greenery: Vertical Plantscapes

In South Asia and certain South American regions, where year-round warmth and consistent humidity prevail, vertical greenery is a prominent interior design trend. The deliberate integration of passive ventilation and natural light sources, such as skylights, creates ideal conditions for abundant plant growth within enclosed homes. These vertical gardens are crucial for regulating indoor temperatures and purifying the air, which can be dusty. Beyond their practical benefits, they transform spaces into vibrant, green recreational areas for residents, often featuring native trees and shrubs that thrive in these elevated settings.

Ground-Level Gardens: Integrated Planted Areas

Sunken interior gardens are a distinctive feature in many South American and South Asian residences. These designs are highly effective in promoting natural temperature regulation and offer unique visual stimulation at a lower eye level. They can cleverly delineate interior zones, serving as natural pathways or subtle visual boundaries between different functional areas of a home. While these gardens require attentive care due to limited direct sunlight and specific irrigation needs, they also present opportunities for cultivating edible plants, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the living space.

Lush Botanicals in Hospitality Settings

In North Asian countries, particularly, the use of extensive potted or cultivated greenery is a common sight in cafes, restaurants, and hotel common areas. This elaborate interior landscaping aims to craft a memorable sensory experience for guests, simultaneously providing a degree of privacy in bustling public spaces. The selection of plants for these environments is carefully considered, as they often receive limited natural light and require regular watering to maintain their vibrant appearance. This trend underscores a commitment to creating inviting and refreshing atmospheres in commercial and leisure venues.

Courtyard Oases: The Interior Green Courtyard

European and South American homes frequently feature interior green courtyards, acting as semi-enclosed natural buffers that connect various sections of a house. This design ensures that surrounding rooms benefit from green views and offers versatile recreational spaces. These courtyards necessitate diligent care, especially concerning sunlight exposure and irrigation, but they also hold potential for growing culinary herbs or vegetables, blending beauty with utility in a cohesive architectural statement.

Raiffeisen Bank in Savosa: A Model of Sustainable Architecture and Innovation

The Raiffeisen Bank facility in Savosa stands as a beacon of advanced environmental design, having achieved the most stringent ecological and sustainability credentials. It proudly holds the distinction of being the inaugural administrative building in Ticino to secure both SNBS Gold and Minergie P-Eco certifications, showcasing a profound dedication to environmentally responsible construction practices.

This innovative 6000 m\u00b2 structure, which reached completion in 2024, reimagines the lifecycle of building materials by utilizing recycled concrete. This approach effectively converts what was once considered waste into a valuable resource, underscoring a forward-thinking vision for the future of architecture. The project's commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge design has garnered significant recognition, including the prestigious "Best Architects 26" award and its selection as a finalist among eight projects for the Insubrica Region's "Atlas of Sustainable Architecture 2024."

The Raiffeisen Bank in Savosa exemplifies how architectural innovation can merge seamlessly with environmental stewardship, paving the way for future developments that prioritize both functional excellence and ecological integrity. This project serves as an inspiring example of transforming conventional construction paradigms into models of resourcefulness and ecological harmony. Its success highlights the growing importance of sustainable practices in shaping our built environment, demonstrating that beauty and efficiency can coexist with a deep respect for the planet.

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Transforming Dun'ao Village: Innovative Inflatable Architecture

In the tranquil setting of Dun'ao Village, nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant rice paddies, a visionary architectural project has breathed new life into forgotten spaces. This initiative, spearheaded by the collaborative efforts of Practice on Earth and Increments Studio, reimagines three derelict utility structures into captivating installations. The design eschews conventional rigid frameworks, instead embracing a philosophy of lightness, openness, and playful interaction, drawing inspiration from the serene local environment.

The project, completed in 2024, is characterized by its innovative use of prefabricated systems, specifically a combination of robust steel containers and ethereal inflatable forms. This strategic choice enabled rapid construction and installation, minimizing disruption to the delicate landscape while maximizing creative potential. The result is a series of dynamic and flexible spatial experiences, each uniquely tailored to its specific site within the village.

The transformation of these structures into functional and engaging public spaces addresses the pressing need for rural regeneration. By repurposing existing infrastructure with a forward-thinking design approach, the project not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of Dun'ao Village but also provides valuable community amenities. The installations serve as vibrant hubs, fostering interaction and creating new focal points within the previously overlooked areas.

The collaboration between Practice on Earth and Increments Studio highlights a thoughtful blend of practical construction methods and artistic expression. The architects' initial approach, rooted in sketches and poetic concepts, allowed for an organic evolution of the design, ensuring that the final structures resonated deeply with the spirit of the location. This project stands as a testament to how innovative architectural interventions can respectfully integrate with natural settings while offering contemporary and adaptable solutions for rural development.

This pioneering project in Ningbo, China, showcases the potential of creative design to invigorate rural areas. The blend of steel and inflatable elements offers a sustainable and efficient model for future developments, emphasizing adaptability and minimal environmental impact. The renewed structures now offer unique spaces for public enjoyment, reflecting a harmonious dialogue between modern architecture and the traditional village context.

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