Bringing Nature Indoors: Tetris Landscaping

Abstract

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. Almost 70% of which is at home. By being indoors there is a greater chance of being exposed to higher concentrations of airborne pollutants, commonly found in indoor atmospheres. With an increase in people working from home, homeschooling their kids and spending limited time outdoors throughout the year it has caused a negative impact on their mental and physical well-being. NASA conducted a study on indoor plants and how they eliminate indoor air pollutants called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. Based off this study calculations were made on the number of plants necessary to filter out and eliminate air pollutants. Utilizing the plants in the study to design an interior landscape modular system that can be a dynamic addition to a residential house. With tetris like modules that can be arranged to create an educational interior landscape for homeschoolers, a work interior landscape for those working from home or a therapeutic interior landscape all year round. Whatever the resident desires. This thesis is a proposal to design a residential interior landscape that will promote physical and mental well-being to those who experience it.