Why Interior Landscaping Isn't the Same as Landscape Architecture

Introduction to the standards

Here’s a short introduction to each standard looking at how the standards were created, where they’re mostly used, and any other key features. 

Plant Behaviour

To understand the distinction let's begin with plant behaviour. Outdoor plants, which landscape architects typically manage, are subject to natural seasonal cycles. They bloom in the spring, may enter dormancy in the winter, and are constantly influenced by environmental factors such as rain, wind, and varying soil conditions.

In contrast, indoor plants are cultivated in a controlled environment. They are shielded from harsh winters and strong winds, thriving in stable, consistent conditions designed specifically for their needs. While a landscape architect may excel at designing outdoor spaces with these natural cycles in mind, the indoor environment demands a specialist who understands how plants will behave indoors.

Seasonality

Seasonality is another crucial aspect of the two disciplines. Outdoor landscapes are inherently designed with changing seasons in mind. Designers consider how a space will appear in the spring, with blooming flowers and perennials, in autumn with colourful leaves, or even in the bare beauty of winter.

Indoors, however, plants exist in a continuous state. There is no autumn or winter to contend with, meaning the design and care for these plants must reflect that consistency, maintaining a balance throughout the year.

Build-Up and Substrate

The underlying elements of interior landscaping also differ significantly from elements of outdoor landscaping. The substrates and build-ups used indoors are generally simpler compared to the complex soil preparations required outdoors. Outdoor landscapes demand intricate drainage systems to cope with the varying weather conditions, while indoor plants rely on substrates designed to retain moisture and provide stability. The focus shifts from managing external environmental factors to creating the ideal internal conditions.

It's also important to consider the impact of build-ups and substrates on factors such as loading. For example, a recent scheme we reviewed included large boulders, large statement trees, and large volumes of soil. When these elements are designed above the ground floor, there is a high chance of exceeding the floorplate loading.

Irrigation

Watering is another area where the two disciplines diverge. Outdoor irrigation systems must account for evaporation, rainfall, and large-scale watering needs. Indoors, however, is where you’ll find that precision is key. Indoor plants require exact amounts of water, with skilled horticulturalists who know exactly how much each species needs. Here is where capillary actions play a significant role, allowing plants to absorb moisture from the substrate as needed.

Lighting

Outdoor plants receive their light from the sun, leaving little room to alter light quality. Landscape architects often measure lux to ensure that the environment is not too shady for certain specimens. Indoors, however, is entirely different. Interior landscapers collaborate with horticultural lighting engineers to perfect the lighting conditions, often measuring it in micromoles rather than lux. It’s a science that requires precision to ensure plants get the specific spectrum of light they need to thrive indoors.

Measuring light in micromoles allows interior landscapers to assess the quality and quantity of light in a manner that is directly linked to their growth and health. While lux measures or indicates brightness by human eyes, it may not be sufficient or appropriate for plants.

By using micromoles, indoor planting specialists can design lighting setups tailored to the specific needs of different plant species, ensuring they receive the optimal amount of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) for healthy growth.

Boundaries of Expertise

This brings us to the question of expertise. Just as interior landscapers would not venture into outdoor spaces without the guidance of a landscape architect, it is crucial to involve an indoor planting specialist for any internal elements of the scheme.

There are grey areas, for example, a couple of external planters or a small roof terrace is unlikely to need specialist input from a landscape architect. Similarly, living wall specialists, e.g. the team at Viritopia, often have extensive experience in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Conclusion

In summary, while interior landscaping and landscape architecture share a focus on plant and design, they are distinct disciplines that require different expertise, tools, and approaches. Each plays a vital role in creating beautiful but also functional and sustainable environments.

For more insights into the world of plants and design, stay connected with us on LinkedIn and explore our commitment to sharing the latest trends and knowledge in the field through our posts.

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