Project Name: Health & Human Services, County of San Diego 
Supplied by: NewPro Containers
Website: newprocontainers.com

Description: The client wanted a way to bring greenery and color to a large free-standing stairwell in the lobby which has a security/reception desk on one side and a walkway to the parking garage on the back side. Another goal was to provide a barrier to the area under the stairwell.

The original concept was create a large built-in planter under the whole staircase, creating a raised garden look, but the square footage made it cost prohibitive. Due to ADA requirements, it needed to be enough of a barrier that someone with poor vision could not accidentally walk into the underside of the stairs and bump their head, so the barrier wall needed to be nearly solid.

The solution was to use a combination of square and long rectangle planters in white gloss finish, placed a few inches apart and lined up in a row on either side of the stairs. Live plants and florals were used on the reception side, and realistic artificial plants were used at the back where light is too low for live plants. The clean, modern look was finished with white pebbles. The overall effect is a calming and tranquil “garden” of elegant planters and colorful, inviting plants. And, this solution was well within the budget.