At Engine, we believe that providing dedicated areas of greenery within buildings for residents has wide-reaching benefits. They have a positive impact on health and wellbeing, help reduce a building's carbon footprint, and help foster community within a building.
We highlight three factors positively impacted by dedicated greenery spaces within multi-tenanted buildings. Alongside this, we have provided recommendations on how they can be implemented successfully.
Psychological
A significant amount of research has been conducted evaluating the advantages greenspaces provide occupants; in both mental health and overall wellbeing. Research by Landscape Australia conducted over a period of nine years found that increased time spent in natural settings helped reduce levels of psychological distress.
The research's findings complement similar studies conducted by other organisations. The University of Technology Sydney found that the inclusion of plants within small spaces such as offices or apartments will lead to a noticeable reduction in issues such as anger and fatigue.
We have observed the meditative quality that dedicated greenspace has ourselves and actively encourage inclusion within all of the buildings we manage. Greenspaces are calming, provide an area for residents to relax outside of their apartments, and it is well documented that the colour green has been known to relieve stress and aid in the healing process.
Environment
Ecologically speaking, green spaces play a huge role in climate control for buildings. Sebastian Golotta, Engine's Operations & Sustainability Manager, explains that green spaces actively reduce carbon output and provide natural cooling within the immediate vicinity. "Trees release moisture, this then creates a more pleasant atmosphere in the air – a bit like an ecological air conditioner,"
Sebastian adds, "increased or dedicated greenspaces will also supply improved air quality for residents."
Vertical gardens have their benefits as well. We have found that internal vertical gardens provide a greater overall, long-term positive impact when compared to external vertical gardens. Provided they are properly maintained by a dedicated team of horticultural experts.
Cultural (Community)
The social benefits that shared greenspaces offer residents are bountiful as well. They help foster a sense of belonging and togetherness – a cohesion; all of which are fundamental to community creation. One way that exemplifies this is the collective management of communal gardens.
Research conducted by the Environmental Evidence Journal concluded that communal gardens could help improve wellbeing through increased social interaction. The advantages of communal gardens also include improved physical environments and allowing participants to share in the fruits (and veggies) of their labour.
An example of a garden such as this thriving within a building we manage is the Tip Top building in Brunswick East. Occupants – with the assistance of a full-time gardener –maintain olive, lemon, and lime trees and fresh herbs. This allows residents to actively participate in the gardening process, establish a connection with one another, and reduce the necessity for purchasing some produce from the supermarket.
With minimal investment, designation of growing areas and providing cultivation tips, buildings are able to provide this for residents. If you would like to learn more about dedicated greenspaces, get in touch with us here.
