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LIVING MESH Project year: 2015
Architectural Competition Entry Designer: Naya Stergiou |
The quality of air in all kinds of enclosed spaces, and especially in the workplaces, is often worse than that of the surrounding atmospheric air due to human presence, electronic devices, synthetic materials, etc, which produce high concentration of harmful pollutants. Given the fact that people in the cities spend 90% of their time indoors, the improvement of indoor air quality is critical for the upgrade of the urban living conditions. In this direction, the introduction of greenery can contribute decisively: Indoor plants significantly reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide and dioxide while maintaining the VOC concentration below the health hazard limits. In addition, they have a positive impact on a range of psychological factors; they increase significantly the efficiency of workers, and reduce stress, depression, aggression and even fatigue. It only takes 3 plant pots per 12 m2 of indoor space! (According to a study from University of Technology Sydney (UTS) about the role of the plants in indoor spaces).
“Living mesh” is a living space divider which combines the advantages of indoor plants with the flexibility and adaptability needs of the contemporary, dynamically changing workplace. It is a metallic grid structure which allows plants - growing in a removable pot of recycled polyethylene on the lower part - to climb. Each individual 'unit' measuring 0.15x0.75x1.60m, is connected to the next one by a metal cock, creating a 'green wall' mounted on wheels and roller bearings on rails. When the need to unify the individual spaces emerges, the space divider is flushed as 'bellows' as the units are pulled onto the rail. The construction can alternatively be used for storing / hanging objects (documents, magazines, clothes, etc.). The design was based on a simple geometrical approach, where generic shapes aim for flexibility and highlight the role of greenery as a structural 'component' of the indoor space.
“Living mesh” is a living space divider which combines the advantages of indoor plants with the flexibility and adaptability needs of the contemporary, dynamically changing workplace. It is a metallic grid structure which allows plants - growing in a removable pot of recycled polyethylene on the lower part - to climb. Each individual 'unit' measuring 0.15x0.75x1.60m, is connected to the next one by a metal cock, creating a 'green wall' mounted on wheels and roller bearings on rails. When the need to unify the individual spaces emerges, the space divider is flushed as 'bellows' as the units are pulled onto the rail. The construction can alternatively be used for storing / hanging objects (documents, magazines, clothes, etc.). The design was based on a simple geometrical approach, where generic shapes aim for flexibility and highlight the role of greenery as a structural 'component' of the indoor space.
