Sustainability and the City - Center for Urban Green Spaces

Workplace GreensProductivity with HealthThe existing vegetation around theboundary wall was retained and twoadditional rows of trees were plantedall along the boundary to providea dense cover of tress to enhanceaesthetic appeal of the building fromoutside and green view from officewindows.Responsibility for lookingafter each new tree planted has beenassigned to a member of the workforceto create a sense of belonging. Twolarge lawns, dotted with tree speciescapable of developing into very largetrees, were also developed at thefront of the building to provide asoothing view to the workforce andthe visitors. These lawns are alsoused by the office personals to haveGreenway leading to office buildingsmall walks or to just relax for a fewminutes. Efforts have been made thatone should be able to have periodicvisual exposure of one or the otherelement of green space from most ofthe office rooms.As noted earlier, an important featureof the green space is plantation oflocal key-stone species of tress suchas peepal (Ficus religiosa), neem(Azadirachta indica), and bargad(Ficus benghalensis) which are likelyto develop large canopies once fullydeveloped. It is a well establishedfact that humans feel awe-inspiredduring rest or walk beneath suchlarge-canopied tress. These trees aregrowing very well and it is hopedthat in coming years, they will furtherenhance the beauty of the buildingand provide comfort to its occupants.Ficus trees are among the cultural andecological keystone as well as usefulin urban air pollution mitigation.Several species of frugivorous birdsand bats are likely to visit large Ficustrees contributing to biodiversityconservation in human-dominatedlandscapes. Likewise, multiple-useneem trees are a regular element ofurban systems across dry regionsof the world. To enhance thehabitat heterogeneity of the greenspace, tree-like structures made ofreinforced cement concrete have alsobeen erected along both sides of theshort drive-way leading from mainentrance to the lobby, and in thefront parking area. These structuresare now covered with thick foliage ofvarious species of climbers providingliving canopy to drive-way and theparking place.In coherence with evidence-basedinsights on developing small urbangreen spaces for health, happinessand stress reduction, the RSPCBworkplace green space has 5 keyelements that make it useful for all.These are:• Heterogeneity and richness of naturalelements: grass, flowering herbs, shrubsand climbers, variety of tree species, greenislands, and rows of mixed vegetationalong with climber-canopies. In literature,these natural elements are suggestedto contribute the most to high ratingson restoration, health and relaxationoutcome. Preservation of existing treesand vegetation further add to habitatheterogeneity for birds and butterflies andenhanced visual appeal as a moderatelydense vegetation.• Design with a sense of security andplace-identity: enclosed boundaries,good seating pockets on natural grass,openness, potential to enjoy sun & shadeat will, socialising corners, and sittingpockets that face natural elements. Themost liked elements that help in stressreduction are structural components suchas combination of grass, shrubs, trees, andJuly 201319