Plants are a top priority for the indoor environment at 401 Richmond.
Many grand and tropical plants adorn the hallways and common spaces at 401 where some mark their tenth anniversary in the building this year. One matriarchal Oleandar that was rescued from the garbage bin by Property Manager Mike Moody, has provided us with yearly portraits of lush green foliage and splendorous white and pink floral sprays– as well as many pots of off-spring from seasonal cuttings.
Indoor plants provide colour and add a healthy appeal throughout the common spaces in the building. The plants also foster a more livable, personalized work space for tenants and visitors, positioned so that they can be touched and appreciated “up close.” The plants bask in abundant supplies of natural light on mulit-level landings throughout windowed staircases in the building. These same indoor plants become outdoor design elements, transferred carefully to the cedar garden deck as soon as the risk of frost is averted and the long days of spring and summer are upon us. These sturdy indoor tropicals make beautiful contrasts to the many colourful hanging baskets and garden planters that spring forth each year. Mike Moody also maintains several indoor planter units where other tropicals like red shamrocks and African violets are treated with florescent light that can support plant growth across a variety of life stages. Other indoor plants at 401 Richmond include: weeping fig, peace lilies, oleandar, spider plants, ferns, umbrella trees, dracaena, and many more.
Research by NASA in the 1980s showed that indoor plants (in abundant supply) can improve air quality by reducing levels of air pollutants like formaldehyde, toluene and volatile organic compounds from the work environment. Many of these gaseous pollutants come from everyday sources in a process called “off gassing” from synthetic carpets, window fabrics, caulking compounds, office furnishings, paints, glues and computer terminals. Proximity to more noxious air pollution arises from proximity to urban cars and trucks, which inevitably moves inside urban buildings. All of these chemicals contribute to what’s been coined “sick building syndrome” where human exposure to toxic chemicals can result in a range of illnesses including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and respiratory irritation to name but a few.
We hope you have a chance to come and admire the plant life here at 401 Richmond.
