Inspiring creativity
Combining two buildings into one was an opportunity for the Manchester office to have a creative ‘reboot’ and provide an inspiring environment to attract people into the office. Throughout the two floors there are spaces to gather, collaborate and create, and biophilia is a central element to these spaces. Hanging foliage on our EnviroGrid softens exposed ductwork in the ceiling, and potted plants sit on tabletops and nestle into shelves.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63579ff1cbd2a5f691ce155d/66718dac5a1da360ab99f287_IMG_0721-2.jpg)
Statement planting
Every office has a spot with less light, but this needn’t be a barren space. In a breakout area with low light, a statement replica tree with a real trunk is integrated into the tea point furniture – the perfect solution and a focal point in the room.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63579ff1cbd2a5f691ce155d/66718dc76e6246deeb74d1b5_IMG_0703-2.jpg)
In another room, a simple A-frame table is elevated with an overhanging preserved foliage display, bringing red and green foliage into the space and complementing the light pink accents throughout the office space.
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Sustainability at the forefront
Arup’s home in Leeds, 12 Wellington Place, is one of the UK’s most sustainable office buildings – a fitting place to use our recycled planters, made out of ocean waste, old planters and cork. These beautiful planters come in different tones and textures and look especially effective staged in clusters with a variety of lush tropical plants.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63579ff1cbd2a5f691ce155d/66718d18100aee38d98e45d0_IMG_1564.jpg)
Planting solutions
Where space was tight, we provided hanging biophilia in the form of planted hanging bowls. This is a great reception planting solution because it requires little space in an area that must remain uncluttered, but provides a softening touch to what can otherwise be an austere space.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63579ff1cbd2a5f691ce155d/66718ed50ac1b4b30d755500_IMG_1470%20copy.jpg)
Creating zones
Biophilia can be used to denote different work areas. We have used EnviroGrid with hanging planting above breakout areas to create zones for more spirited collaboration, and end of desk planters to create quieter zones for more focused working.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63579ff1cbd2a5f691ce155d/66718f015e8d4006f71d9b6b_IMG_1595.jpg)
Our products used on this project
Potted plants and recycled planters
Bespoke hand-made tree with real timber trunk and synthetic foliage
Preserved foliage display
Planted hanging bowls
EnviroGrid with hanging planting
Planting route
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63579ff1cbd2a5f691ce155d/66718f4327f37dddd6cd8ed9_IMG_0579-2.jpg)
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By providing a choice of beautiful spaces for employees to create and collaborate, Arup’s aim is to inspire even greater productivity, even more innovation and, ultimately, even better projects for its clients. By investing in planting which is maintained by our #TeamGreen on a regular basis, the office will continue to look fresh, bright and inviting.