ROLE OF LANDSCAPE IN OFFICE BUILDINGS

Abstract

Plants exist on earth over 300 million years whereas human's existence is only 4.5 million years old. Plants have been home to the mankind. Humanity is dependent on vegetation not only for their survival but also link them close to nature for mental well being. This portrays the deep-rooted relationship between the plants and humans. Urbanization of the world started in 18th and 19th century with the industrial revolution. Job opportunities attracted people towards them due to which people started living in the cities away from the suburbs, home and nature. Office has been an important part of the people's life, not only because as source of income but also for social communication and status it offers. At present, in work places, especially in corporate offices people have long working hours which disconnect them from nature and fresh air which leads to mental and physical stress. A substantial amount of research has been done relating to role of nature in the context of work place. Indoor plants in workplace and viewing landscape form office windows surely has psychological and health benefits. This paper focuses on the importance of landscape in office buildings. The study concentrates on landscape as an important part of the physical environment and explains how its experience affects the user. The case studies presented in the research demonstrate that landscape no matter how different in scales and contexts affect's the employee's health and well being. This research aims to understand the role of landscape in office buildings and encourage identify the landscape as an integral and equally important aspect of their physical environment