Challenge

A self assigned project, well outside of my marketing role, I challenged myself to create a branded sign for the entrance of Blueair’s new Chicago office location.

Inspired the brand’s sustainability mission and an impressive living (see thriving) plant wall at the Blueair headquarters in Stockholm, I attempted to emulate a similar look without the required upkeep and price-tag.

Solution

It took just a quick bit of research to conclude there was no simple, low-maintenance solution for a ‘living’ plant wall that would work for Blueair’s Chicago office. In looking for alternatives, I discovered the trendy ‘moss wall’. Using preserved moss to give the look of living, eternally-thriving greenery, the once-living moss is preserved in a process that removes the water content and replaces it with glycerol. The results are a bright, green appearance that requires no soil, water, or natural light to maintain.

Additionally, with less depth than a live plant wall, the moss version could accommodate a mounted logo to work as a piece of signage.

Outcome

Added benefits of greenery

Beyond complementing the brand mission for a more sustainable future, the resulting green-signage added a natural element lacking in the urban office environment.

Numerous studies show nature and greenery having a positive effects on mood, self-esteem, and health. If one could have a favorite of these studies, mine would be a 2015 Canadian study of neighborhood greenspace. The study found that on average, adding 10 more trees on a city block improves health perception - comparable to making $10,000 more a year or being 7 years younger.