With rapid urbanization and increased economic activities resulting in towering concrete buildings invading space everywhere, finding greenery in cities today has become a rare sight. The LAUGFS Head Office building on Maya Avenue bares a stark contrast to this, providing a pleasant surprise to the city dweller. With plenty of greenery to greet you as you walk through the building, the thirteen-floor LAUGFS Head Office offers a refreshing twist to the typical modern work space.
This is a concept that stemmed from the LAUGFS Group Chairman – Mr. Wegapitiya’s deep affection towards nature. Being a strong advocate of strengthening human connection with our natural environment, instilling a green concept was made a priority by him from the early interior designing stage of the Head Office building in 2016.
Studies have shown indoor plants and greenery at workplaces to have a significant impact on enhancing moods, reducing stress, increasing productivity and restoring balance and wellbeing of employees. Introducing plants to the workplace has been found to reduce anxiety and tension by 37% and fatigue by 38% according to one study conducted by the University of Technology in Sydney1. The 2015 Human Spaces Report notes a 15% higher wellbeing score and a 6% higher productivity score by introducing plants to the workspace2. Another study by Exeter University shows that employees working in office spaces with natural plants are around 15% more productive compared to others3.
The mounting evidence on the positive impact of greener work spaces is certainly compelling. In addition to making the indoor air clean to breath and reducing work space noise with the absorption of sound, well designed spaces with natural plants has been shown to increase creativity, focus and memory retention as well as to create a relaxed, calming effect on employees. This is why, the green office environment at the LAUGFS Head Office building has become even more significant.
In addition to the green patches of potted plants that surround the walkways and workstations, the building has its own Rooftop Garden and Greenhouse. The Rooftop Garden is an open area just outside the cafeteria. It provides a serene space for employees to take a quick break from their busy work schedules to breathe in some fresh air and relax under the shades of the many trees that flank its periphery. From dan (දං) and ma-dan (මාදං) to cherry and cinnamon, the Rooftop Garden provides a secluded haven in the middle of the busy city. The beautiful ponds roaming with carps and cat fish and adorned with olu flowers provide a calming, almost meditative, sight.
The small Greenhouse on the ground floor is where all the pruning and cultivation of plants take place. A dedicated person is assigned to take care of the hundreds of potted plants that pervade the building, from ensuring that they are properly watered and nourished to changing them every weekend to ensure that they receive the right balance of fresh air, sun light and shade. Plants inside the building are brought to the Greenhouse every weekend and new plants are also grown there with much care and attention.
The purposefully inbuilt greenery within the LAUGFS office spaces has clearly been designed with a lot of thought. It not only provides a refreshing sight, but also serves as part of our efforts to create a healthy and happy work environment that supports the physical and mental wellbeing of our colleagues.
1https://www.provincialplanters.com/how-will-plants-affect-your-employees
2https://www.ciphr.com/advice/plants-in-the-office/
3https://www.provincialplanters.com/how-will-plants-affect-your-employees
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