Company Spotlight: Garden on the Wall®

Neuroarchitecture, Biophilia, and the Largest Preserved Gardens in the World

"Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive, and even spiritual satisfaction."

-E.O. Wilson, Biologist and Pioneer of Biophilic Philosophy

Airports are in need of a serious makeover. Their drab interiors, harsh fluorescent lighting, and lack of aesthetic appeal, exacerbate the stress of travel. Our physical environment plays a profound role in our emotional and physical well-being. Garden on the Wall®, bespoke design & build firm of maintenance free vertical (and horizontal) garden (and planter) installations, has transformed one such place, the BNA Nashville International airport into a calming gateway to adventure and a beautiful example of neuroarchitecture.

Photo courtesy of Garden on the Wall®

Neuroarchitecture is the study of how the built environment affects brain chemistry. The goal is to create spaces that support physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. It all began in the mid 1950s when virologist Dr. Jonas Salk, traveled to the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, a remarkable building which led to Salk’s breakthrough development of the polio vaccine. “The spirituality of the architecture there was so inspiring,” Salk said, “that I was able to do intuitive thinking far beyond any I had done in the past.” Salk attributed his vaccine in part to the Basilica, and shortly thereafter teamed up with architect Louis Khan to design “a home for breakthroughs”, which we now know as the Salk Institute.

One of the primary pillars of neuroarchitecture is biophilic design. Coined by E.O Wilson biophilia refers to human’s innate need to connect with nature. Biophilic design is the practice of incorporating nature and natural systems into the built environment and has been shown to have significant health benefits including reduced stress, lowered blood pressure and heart rate, as well as increased mental clarity and sense of well-being.

Photo courtesy of Garden on the Wall®

Garden on the Wall®’s awe inspiring preserved plant installations at the BNA airport, the two largest vertical preserved gardens in the world, are exquisite demonstrations of biophilic design in action. Flowing above the check-in lobby and departure area, two 105 ft wide gardens frame the security screening lanes. A sea of undulating greens, yellows, and purples, provide a rich sensorial experience that both revitalizes and sooths anxious travelers. 

The design, which is the result of the collaboration between Corgan, BNA Art Curator, and GOTW teams, is grounded by a sense of place. The composition recreates Nashville’s two bridges which, similar to the airport, connects people to areas beyond the city’s borders. Likewise, the curvilinear lines stream melodiously throughout the natural canvas, paying tribute to the music, winding rivers, and surrounding landscape of the city. Echoing Terrapin Bright Green’s seminal report the “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design”, Garden on the Wall®’s installation not only gives inhabitants a “visual connection with nature” but its very composition incorporates biophilic design principles including “non-rhythmic sensory stimuli”, “biomorphic forms and patterns”, as well as “complexity and order.”  

Photo courtesy of Garden on the Wall®

With all this said, we cannot solely rely on biophilic design to create healthy spaces. The materials themselves need to be non-toxic and ecologically responsible. Garden on the Wall® understands that the true test of beauty comes from within and is the only preserved garden provider that complies with California Department of Public Health’s VOC Standards, has a Health Product Declaration (HPD) v.2.3 for their whole garden system, a Declare Label with Red List Free denomination, and test results that comply with ASTM 6866 100% biobased standard. It is no surprise then that Garden on the Wall contributes to LEED, WELL, and Fitwel rating system credits and that their preserved gardens hold the record for longevity, thus offering the lowest cost of ownership in their field.

These preserved gardens are a wonderful example of our symbiotic relationship with nature. Together with their stunning designs and healthy ingredients, Garden on the Wall®’s preserved gardens bring vitality to the body, mind, and soul. 

To learn more about Garden on the Wall®, visit their Mortarr page, where you will find some of their most beautiful projects to date.