situation:
A major health care provider was exploring design options that would unify their architecture to their corporate brand. Having already incorporated symbols of trees and other greenery into their communications, it was only natural to look into options of sprucing up their waiting areas with silk Oak leaves and artificial Oak branches using large artificial Red Oak trees. Construction criteria called for the Red Oak trees to be indicative of a typical Minnesota tree and to have a substantial twelve-inch trunk diameter.
initiatives:
Due to many layers of approval required to move the process along, photo imaging became important in providing convincing visuals of the concept of using silk Oak leaves and artificial Oak branches. Because a live Red Oak tree would not survive in an interior environment, and since most artificial trees utilize smaller multiple trunks, the solution was to use the leaves and branches with a hand sculpted trunk. In addition, the tree was built to appear as if it continued behind the wall it was placed against, a half tree wall solution that would define the waiting room space while making it feel bigger. Last, all of the artificial foliage, branch, and trunk materials had to meet stringent fire code specifications.
results:
The half trees were constructed with a structural steel internal framework bolted to the concrete floor of each waiting room, allowing for permanent structures that would allay concerns of vandalism (intentional or unintentional) inherent in public spaces. Planters with artificial grasses were added to provide a textural contrast to the silk Oak leaves and artificial Oak branches, resulting in a design that has been a source of interest to both staff and patients while providing continuity with company branding.
location:
Multi Location, US