Nature Nook

NATURE NOOK

New York, New York

An Indoor Park

In 2022, Greenery NYC was commissioned to create an immersive wellness space within a major tech office, repurposing an abandoned conference room into a biophilic retreat designed to promote employee well-being. Branded as an "unplug" space, the installation integrates a dynamic mix of greenery, soft natural elements, and ambient water features to foster relaxation and rejuvenation in a high-performance workplace


Image

Design and Engineering Innovation

The space was designed parametrically by Biotic Instruments & Greenery NYC, ensuring a seamless blend of organic forms and efficient functionality. A custom-designed parametric planter system was fabricated to achieve fluid curves and elevation changes, maximizing plant diversity and visual impact. This bespoke planter system also incorporates a hidden tank-based irrigation system powered by Biotic Instruments, significantly reducing ongoing maintenance costs.

ImageImage

Key Features

Integrated Water System: The installation is fully self-sustaining, operating on large hidden water tanks that support irrigation. This design minimizes the need for external plumbing connections and allows for more controlled plant hydration.

Diverse Plant Selection: Over 30 different species of plants were introduced to create a lush, varied landscape, mimicking natural biodiversity and enhancing the overall ecological stability of the space.

Sustainable Low-Maintenance Operation: The combination of automated irrigation, custom planters, and precision lighting has enabled thousands of plants to thrive with minimal hands-on maintenance.

Image

Impact and Employee Reception

Since its installation in late 2022, the wellness space has operated successfully for over two years. The results have been remarkable:

Employee Engagement & Satisfaction:

The space has been rated as the highest-rated amenity in company history, surpassing traditional office perks such as gyms and cafeterias.

Increased Plant Growth & Longevity

Despite the inherent challenges of sustaining plant life in an indoor environment with no natural light, the plants have not only survived but thrived, with significant growth observed across all species.

Wellness & Productivity Benefits

Employees have reported reduced stress, increased focus, and higher overall workplace satisfaction due to the calming effect of the space.

This project was an unprecedented effort to create a space where employees could find respite from screen time in a high-performance workplace. Despite significant challenges, we successfully transformed an underutilized area into a thriving, immersive environment that balances nature and technology. The outcome exceeded expectations, proving that even in the most demanding settings, biophilic design can enhance both well-being and efficiency. The success of this installation suggests that similar solutions could be valuable in other office environments, supporting both employee well-being and operational efficiency.

Image

Year One

Year Three

Image
Case Studies