The decision to incorporate living walls into school environments is one that is certain to spark debate. In some cases, it might appear to be an entirely appearance motivated decision; an aesthetics led folly that adds nothing to the educational environment. Except, that’s not entirely true. In fact, it’s not true in the slightest.
Numerous studies have reported that having plants in school environments leads not only to the improvement of mental and physical health, but improved test scores and more comfortable friendships. At Walls of Plants, as experts in the environmental and health benefits of living structures, we can’t help but take these findings seriously, and pass them on to you.
1. Improved Air Quality and Health
It is no secret that young people’s bodies can be far more resilient than their parents, but this only comes from prioritising their health, and putting the quality of their care at the forefront of education and design. And, living walls can do just that.
By doing what plants do best, absorbing carbon dioxide and toxins and exhaling oxygen, they help purify the air in their surrounding environment. For students who spend the majority of their school day confined to classrooms and buildings, this can have a huge impact on their health. Some controlled studies have even proven that when students have plants in their classroom, they are less likely to take sick days, and appear noticeably more revived and engaged throughout the duration of the lesson.
This can be applied to external environments too. For schools, particularly ones in cities or more built up areas, having external plant walls can create a healthier playground atmosphere and absorb pollutants in the air that might be lingering from vehicles and industrial buildings.
2. Improved Mental Performance
The presence of nature in learning spaces has been linked to improved concentration, memory retention, and overall cognitive function. Studies suggest that students in environments enriched with greenery perform better academically and exhibit increased creativity and problem solving skills.
This sets them up for a better academic experience, but also more opportunities for their future.
3. Hands On Botany
Although plant walls are largely self sufficient when fitted with auto-feed water tanks, they can act as a semi-educational tool to teach young people about plants.
It is vital that children have access to greenery from a young age to build up immunity, and utilising every opportunity to teach them about the natural world will lead to more conscious, thoughtful and nurturing minds. Combining the more interesting plants found in plant walls with the hands-on practice of gardening can be a great way to get children of all ages, from primary school through to their teens, engaged in botany.
Our top tip: Create an engaging poster designed to illustrate the different plants on your living wall and display it beside the structure. It could outline the history, benefits, sustainability and origin of the plant. Passive learning in this way is not to be underestimated.
4. Noise Reduction
Classrooms and schools are often distracting, and living walls can provide a mild reprieve by absorbing some of the sound that typically bounces around when you have a number of excitable children or teenagers in a classroom.
This can be particularly helpful for neurodivergent students who struggle to focus or think clearly in areas with layered noise.
In short, plants can make classrooms, exam halls and hallways more peaceful.
5. Efficient Thermal Regulation
Alongside absorbing sound, plants act as natural insulators. In large institutions like schools and university buildings where significant energy is required to both heat and cool down the spaces, having a plant wall can make a huge difference.
This will not only save on utility bills, but create more sustainable buildings.
6. Promotes Biodiversity
External plant walls can create habitats for various species of pollinators and insects. These can be used to support local ecosystems, contribute to biodiversity conservation and, alongside this, provide a good teaching opportunity.
For primary school students who are naturally more inclined to be curious about the small creatures around them, you could create spotting guides beside your plant wall to teach them about the wildlife that is drawn there. It is also an excellent and practical way to educate about sustainability and the importance of biodiversity and pollination.
Living walls could draw the following little friends to your school:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Ladybirds
7. A Unique Aesthetic
The aesthetic impact of plant walls might not be as full of folly as you may initially think. The absolute last thing you want in a school is a sterile working environment that feels uninspiring and uncomfortable, and plant walls bring an element of creativity, vibrancy and calm that really can transform young minds and mould the next generation.
Bring beauty and tranquility to your classrooms and improve the day to day lives of everyone who passes through; students, staff, cleaners, inspectors, and visitors.
8. Improved Environments for Teachers
Finally, you can’t have happy students without happy teachers. And, access to greenery has been proven to boost the happiness and health of the teaching body.
In their peer reviewed School’s For Nature report, the WWF stated that: ‘The largest outdoor-based learning project commissioned in the UK, National Connections Demonstration Project, found that 72% of project schools reported positive impacts on teachers’ own health and wellbeing.’
Make a beautiful difference to your school today.
At Walls of Plants, our passion lies in transforming uninspiring environments into beacons of natural joy that transcend traditional design through the installation of innovative living walls for schools.
As manufacturers and installers, our dedicated design team works to the requirements of your space and budget to ensure the finished wall fits seamlessly into your office space, whilst creating a healthy workplace in which your employees thrive.
Contact us today for your free, no obligation quote.
