Intd405 modern practices in interior design Interiorscaping Prepared by: joshima v.m., university of Nizwa

what is interior landscaping? Also called “interiorscaping” It is the art and science of selecting, placing, and maintaining landscape elements to improve and enhance the appearance of the indoor environment.

Why interiorscaping? Reduce stress. Contribute to “Green Building” design considerations. Improve aesthetic value inherent in indoors. Stay Healthy with Cleaner Air. Research shows that properly maintained plant-filled rooms contain 50-60% fewer airborne molds and bacteria than rooms without plants. Reduce Noise. Plants help to reduce distraction. Can reduce light coming to the interiors.

plants Plants are the major elements of interiorscaping. Plants are used for: Aesthetics – provide beauty and unique textures, adding interest and variety to an indoor space. Function – direct traffic flow, alter or hide views, provide enclosures, soften architecture and clean the air.

Classification of Plants Plants can be classified two ways: By light requirement By height English Ivy Medium Light Short Chinese Evergreen Low Light Short

All plants have different light requirements So, in order for the plants to be successful, determine the light intensity in the locations you intend to place the plants. Test Obtain a leaf and a white sheet of paper Place the white paper 1-2 inches below the leaf If it has a definite outline, high light levels If the shadow is fuzzy, medium light levels If there is no shadow, low light levels

Design Concepts for interiorscaping Proportion Balance Rhythm Dominance

Proportion Plants should fit the space available What is appropriate for a 3-story foyer? What is appropriate for a small corner? The key is to use a variety of textures and colors, but keep it proportional to the space!

Balance Formal = Symmetrical Informal = Asymmetrical

Rhythm Implies movement Eyes follow green foliage, thus use foliage to lead the eyes through the area Use it to direct traffic Place plants on varying levels to create interest

Plants used to direct traffic:

Dominance Creates a focal point To create dominance, avoid scattering. single plants are not an effective visual force (exception: bold, colorful plants) Grouping also aids to increase dominance.

Maintenance of plants Proper watering Fertilizing Cleaning Removing leaves/flowers Insect and disease control

Green roofs Green roofs are living extensions of roof construction. It is a natural and very effective way of insulation.

Green walls

Green walls A green wall is a wall partially or completely covered with vegetation that includes a growing medium, such as soil. Most green walls also feature an integrated water delivery system. Green walls are often constructed of modular panels that hold a growing medium. categorized according to the type of growth media used: loose media, mat media, and structural media.

Loose media Loose medium walls are "soil-on-a-shelf" or "soil-in-a-bag" type systems. Loose medium systems have their soil packed into a shelf or bag and then are installed onto the wall. These systems require their media to be replaced at every two years on interiors. Loose soil systems are suited only for small areas where replanting can be done.

Mat media Mat type systems are either coir fiber or felt mats. Mat media are thin, even in multiple layers, and as such cannot support vibrant root systems of mature plants. This requires water re-circulation system. Mat media are better suited for small installations no more than eight feet in height where repairs are easily completed.

Structural media Structural media are growth medium blocks that can be manufactured into various sizes, shapes and thicknesses. These media have the advantage that they do not break down for 10 to 15 years. can be made to have a higher or lower water holding capacity depending on the plant selection for the wall.