Green workplaces: BSBI across two cities
We're excited to share our next Green Workplaces feature, showcasing companies that have revamped their offices with greenery in both Berlin and Hamburg. This time around, we've partnered with BSBI to gather insights into how employees are receiving and reacting to the transformation of their office spaces.
Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) is a leading educational hub for future business leaders and entrepreneurs. With five locations in major cities across Europe, including Berlin and Hamburg, BSBI operates on three concepts: Enterprise, leadership, and success. Its mission revolves around equipping students with the necessary skills to excel in an evolving business landscape. With a focus on enterprise and success, BSBI provides accredited programs in partnership with esteemed academic institutions such as UNINETTUNO, UCA, CUC, and the University of Roehampton London. These programs emphasize the cultivation of practical business skills crucial for professional advancement.
Since joining Plantclub in Berlin in May 2023, BSBI has been on a journey of workplace transformation after witnessing the significant positive effects of green workspace initiatives, firsthand. After their positive experience in Berlin, the institute was eager to engage its Hamburg campus. The green space installation for their Hamburg campus was accomplished in November 2023, marking a significant milestone in BSBI's mission to cultivate a sustainable and motivating environment for their students and employees.
The BSBI office in Hamburg is adorned with floor and shelf plants, creating an atmosphere of warmth and lightness.
Plant design concept
Office plants are integral to any effective business strategy, offering a multitude of benefits. In the case of a school focused on nurturing tomorrow's innovators, incorporating plants is paramount to reflecting its mission. Plantclub designer, Ceren Tezgieder, collaborated closely with the BSBI team to make their vision a reality, leveraging the many benefits that plants bring to the business environment.
We spoke to BSBI Berlin’s Interim Campus Manager, Arda Gecer, about the experience of working with Plantclub and why BSBI decided to add plants to their offices.
"Besides enhancing aesthetics, plants positively impact employee well-being by reducing stress, improving air quality, and boosting mood and creativity. They also contribute to humidity, noise reduction, and a connection with nature, fostering increased productivity."
Together, Ceren and the BSBI team developed a curated design approach aimed at enhancing the company mission, with a focus on health, nature, and light.
Part of the BSBI Berlin campus with a Kentia palm tree in a neutral pot to complement the color scheme.
Ceren explains our design concept: “We incorporate plants featuring natural leaf patterns, sturdy structural stems, and rich green hues to achieve visual harmony with the textural elements and color palette of the office. Trailing vines and textured foliage are strategically placed to enhance and soften underutilized areas, while also contributing to sound absorption and creating a sense of botanical privacy.”
The lush foliage of this plant creates an atmosphere of freshness that is good for mental health and well-being.
Installations across two cities
BSBI Berlin’s installation was executed by Plantclub Installation Lead, Virginia Jakim, who reflected on the “eclectic space” and positive experience.
“The plants bring more life to the spaces, which are already full of movement and people coming and going. The hanging plants in the communal areas are my favorite touch – light, fresh, and dynamic. The space exhibits eclecticism in terms of room types and lighting, offering the possibility of considering site-specific solutions or plant arrangements, which always adds enjoyment to my job,” says Virginia.
Hanging plants in communal spaces add dynamism and eclecticism.
When it came to installing our plants at BSBI Hamburg, our Hamburg Design and Operations Coordinator Henrietta Cant took the lead, echoing positive remarks.
“The collaboration with BSBI Hamburg, from site visit to final installation was such a positive experience. The rooms have an industrial feel with concrete flooring and simple furniture, making plants a highly positive addition. We worked with a number of low-light plants which were best suited to the space. The already existing relationship between BSBI and Plantclub definitely played a huge role in the smooth process of installing the Hamburg campus.”
The Hamburg campus of BSBI is designed with open spaces to encourage networking.
Liz Fernando, Head of Campus Operations BSBI Hamburg, shared her team’s vision of adding plants from Plantclub to the space.
“We wanted to enhance the sustainable work environment, including the wellbeing of stakeholders, the campus community, the staff members, and of course, foremost, the students.”
BSBI team reactions
Plants in any work setting have been proven to provide numerous health benefits to those using the environment, as they introduce elements of nature that contribute to a calming environment and enhance productivity. We gathered feedback at both campuses in Berlin and Hamburg to find out how the plants are positively impacting the teams.
Potted plants give BSBI's Berlin workplace a cosy feel.
“You can see that the design has been decided ad hoc. We don't feel that a plant is too invasive in the space or that there are too many or too few. I see colleagues and students who prefer to sit near plants when looking for a relaxing place. It is nice to have created these cozy spaces and to be able to offer this delightful environment,” says Arda.
On the differences and similarities between the two campuses, Liz points out: “The main and obvious difference is a matter of square meters. Concerning the homogeneity among the branches of BSBI, we aim to embrace the identities of the different branches as well as the identities of the campus and communities. In this regard, Plantclub’s design concept was thoughtful in considering the smaller space of Hamburg, turning it into a charming oasis that fosters a cozy ambiance."
Interested in bringing greenery to your offices in Berlin or beyond? Book a consultation with us here for English or in German!
Plantclub.io provides you and your colleagues with the benefits of plants, wherever you work. Rent office plants and transform your space into a green oasis, with flexible monthly membership options to suit your size. Diversify your employee perks with a dedicated company store, where you can give green gifts and your team can buy plants for their home office. Book a time to chat with us today.