Finalising Maximum Materials, Measurements & Costs...

Through extensive research, contemplation and experimentation, I have finalised materials the most appropriate for the type of installation I would construct, considering its placement within a hospital room. The type of netting I have concluded and constructed through a prototype, for me was the most appropriate mainly for the amount of light the structure allowed through. Where I would be working with real plants, they would need as much sunlight possible - netting the background of my installation this way will allow for any light to be able to shine through the back of the installation, if and where necessary. As the material for the netting, I decided on a biodegradable, 100% natural twine made from Jute plants - where constructing an installation focusing on the benefits of biophilia as a relationship and biophilic design, I did not want to contradict myself in anyway by using non-environmental materials such as plastic. I want to enhance the power of nature as much as possible, so felt using a completely natural material that proved durable was appropriate for this. Selecting glass for the material of the containers to which the plants will sit within, was an apprehensive choice initially. Where plastic balls could be used easily, I did not want one of the main aspects of the installation to be solely plastic, however plastic would be a better choice where considering the potential hazards of glass smashing. As a result, I researched and found a source of strong, durable, high quality glass balls that note in the description that they do not smash - which is highly appropriate if any were to fall. But where I have practiced and found a method best for attaching the balls to the netted back of the installation, I feel confident enough using glass. Evidently, glass is also a much more environmentally friendly material which can be melted, reused and if necessary, disposed of. Glass is a material used vastly within biophilic design where its best for allowing and reflecting light through, so I knew i wanted to incorporate it somehow throughout my outcome. Finding an appropriate source for plants to use didn't prove too much of a challenge, but evidently plants are expensive, so i aimed to find a source that proved to be the most efficient, both practically and costly. Finding collections of multiple and various mini, low-maintenance 'air purifying plants, including succulents, snake plants and air plants was an ideal choice and outcome.

Below can be found the measurements and materials I would use where seriously constructing a biophilic installation for a hospital room. It is important to note that where I will be offering installations to be made to order, different variations in size and amount of materials used will vary the cost. Below is the concluded cost and measurements for the largest possible installation with the maximum number of plants available.

The concluded material cost: approx. £785