Indoor Environmental Planning for Sustainable Plant Growth Aiming at a Biophilic Workplace Design
摘要
This study investigated the effects of daylight introduction and supplementary lighting on the growth of indoor plants, focusing on woody species commonly used in outdoor landscaping within a high-rise office building in Tokyo. Plants were cultivated for over one year in an office environment where employees worked, and their growth responses and acclimation to environmental conditions were assessed. Epipremnum aureum, a shade-tolerant species, maintained growth under all conditions, including lighting levels commonly observed in office environments (600–700 lx). Under daylight conditions, it exhibited acclimation responses, such as reduced SPAD values, to mitigate photoinhibition caused by excessive sunlight. In contrast, woody species such as Quercus myrsinifolia and Cinnamomum camphora demonstrated acclimation responses, including decreased chlorophyll a/b ratios and increased leaf weight ratios under general lighting and supplementary lighting conditions (approximately 1600 lx), aimed at enhancing photosynthetic efficiency. However, their growth was hindered by office-specific factors such as insufficient light intensity, limited CO₂ availability in stagnant air, and watering interruptions during extended holidays. Neither daylight introduction nor supplementary lighting significantly enhanced the growth of woody plants, highlighting the compounded effects of these limitations. To address these challenges, tailored management strategies are essential, including optimized lighting levels, improved airflow, soil with high water retention, and advanced moisture monitoring technologies. This study provides insights into supporting the growth of indoor plants, including woody species, in workplace environments, laying the groundwork for improved design practices and future technological advancements.