Outside In co-founder and creative director Ryan McQuerry’s company creates inspiring nature-filled spaces that enhance the wellbeing of the people using them. He co-founded the business after seeing that no one was applying design standards to indoor greenscaping.
One of Ryans’s latest projects is the Healing Garden at Tōtara Haumaru, North Shore Hospital in Auckland, which uses biophilic design to enhance patient recovery.
What is biophilic design and what role does it play in designing public workspaces?
Biophilic design brings nature and natural elements into buildings as much as possible. Some examples include having lots of natural light, using colours and textures inspired by the natural world, and ensuring living plants are abundant in the space.
It’s important because we all have an instinctive positive response when we’re surrounded by nature. We feel less anxious, more relaxed and happier. Using biophilic design in public workspaces helps our emotional and physical wellbeing – and we work more effectively too.
Tell us about the healing garden at the hospital.
Architectural firm Jasmax came up with the concept of the new building. They wanted to create a large-scale garden in the centre of Tōtara Haumaru that would draw its inspiration from the native bush of Aotearoa.
We created planters that are natural in form and shape, which take visitors on a biophilic journey through the gardens. The space has been filled with more than 500 plants. Patient rooms have views across the beautiful forest canopy. Seated areas give you a private pocket of nature to relax in. There’s even a special area for medical staff to take a moment to relax.
What has the feedback been like?
The feedback has been incredibly positive. Through the amazing work of the Well Foundation, the Healing Garden was brought to life by donations from the local community. It’s a project which we feel privileged to be part of.
Which plants did you use on the project and how can we incorporate them in our own home?
You’ll find more than 15 different plant species in the Healing Garden including native ferns and plants like Ficus ‘Amstel King’, and Philodendron ‘Brasil’.
When it comes to your own home, look for plants that deliver lush, leafy texture. The ZZ plant and Peace lily are great low-maintenance options. Strelitzia nicolai and Monstera deliciosa add a statement to any room. Underplanting your pots adds impact. The first plant should have height and the other should be trailing. Your home will look like it’s been styled by a plant pro.
What are some simple biophilia hacks we could all use in our work lives?
Think about how you can get the most amount of natural light and a view outdoors while you work. Studies show that you’ll work more effectively if you take quick and frequent micro-breaks to look out a nearby window.
At lunchtime, try and get outside into the sunlight for a few minutes. Give a walking meeting a go with a colleague instead of sitting in a meeting room. And bring plants into your office – lots of them.
Read this next:
- Green thumb Millie Blackwell shares her gardening favourites
- Landscape designer Michael Mansvelt used New Zealand natives to transform this garden
- One gardener’s guide to making the most of your planter boxes
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
