Client 400 California LLC
Design David Brenner
Installation Habitat Horticulture
Architect Gensler
General Contractor Plant Construction Company
Dimensions 53' 3-1/8" wide x 30' 4" high
Completion Date February 2019
Location San Francisco, CA
Photographer Garry Belinsky

Project Description

The living wall in the lobby of 430 California Street provides a multi-sensory moment of therapeutic respite from the bustling, urban surroundings of one of San Francisco’s busiest thoroughfares. Completed in June 2019, the living corner wall consists of five plant species with approximately 10,000 plants rooted in a geo-textile manufactured from recycled plastic water bottles.  

Upon entry, viewers are pulled in by the artful presence of live foliage intended to simulate the sights, sounds and sensations of a rich, natural environment. Similar to the ancient Japanese practice of Forest Bathing (shinrin-yoku), the intent is to capture the transcendental essence of slowly walking through a forest. The twisting and swirling plant swathes provide a sense of guided movement to invite visitors within; lush and wild textures take delight in what curiosities may lie around the corner.