For commercial landscaping and urban design, large commercial planter boxes transcend mere decoration; they become powerful tools for shaping environments, defining spaces, and injecting life into  hardscaped areas. From welcoming entrances and vibrant outdoor dining spaces to serene rooftop gardens and clearly demarcated walkways, the strategic use of oversized planters offers a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.

This article delves into innovative design ideas for large commercial planters, exploring how to effectively leverage their scale, material, and planting schemes to create impactful and enduring landscapes that enhance the commercial experience. Whether you’re an architect, landscape designer, property developer, or business owner, discover how thoughtful planter design can transform your commercial space into a thriving and visually compelling environment.

Greening a Hardstand

The image of topiary in large round planters showcases several design principles relevant to the use of large commercial planters, particularly in an outdoor, possibly urban or commercial setting.

Repetition and Rhythm

The most striking principle is the repetition of the round, low-profile planter shape and the topiary plants within them. This creates a sense of rhythm and visual flow along the walkway or space. The consistent spacing between the planters also contributes to this rhythmic feel. In commercial spaces, repetition of consistent planter styles and arrangements can create a unified and professional aesthetic, reinforcing brand identity or architectural style.

Form and Shape

The planters themselves have a simple, rounded form, which offers a soft contrast to the more structured and potentially angular architecture in the background. The shape is clean and contemporary, making it versatile for various commercial designs. The plants have distinct, sculpted shapes (ovoid and conical), adding vertical interest and a touch of formality within the rounded containers. Choosing planter forms that complement the surrounding architecture is crucial. Simple, geometric shapes often work well in commercial settings due to their versatility and modern appeal. The shape of the plants within can add visual interest and personality.

Scale and Proportion

The planters appear to be appropriately scaled for the size of the plants they hold and the context of the surrounding space. They are large enough to make a visual impact without overwhelming the area. Selecting planters of the right scale is essential for visual impact and functionality in large commercial spaces. Oversized planters can define zones, create focal points, and accommodate larger plantings.

Softening a Warehouse Office With Planters

The planters in this corporate warehouse/office setting showcase these design principles, with added benefits for staff:

Linearity and Integration

The long, rectangular planters are integrated along the building’s facade, creating a strong linear element that complements the architectural lines and provides a sense of order. Strategic placement of planters can direct foot traffic, define outdoor seating areas, or create visual barriers in commercial landscapes.

Rhythm and Repetition

The consistent shape, size, and placement of the planters establish a visual rhythm along the building, creating a more engaging and less monotonous environment for staff.

Softening Hardscape

The greenery within the planters softens the hard, industrial materials of the building and the surrounding pavement, creating a more welcoming and less sterile atmosphere for employees. They improve the overall visual appeal of what could otherwise be a stark and functional space, adding a touch of nature and sophistication that can boost staff morale and create a more pleasant work environment.

Defining Boundaries

The planters subtly define the edge of the building and the transition to the walkway or parking area, creating a sense of separation and potentially encouraging staff to take breaks outdoors. The clean lines and neutral color of the planters contribute to a modern and professional aesthetic, reflecting a positive image for the company and potentially instilling a sense of pride in the workplace for employees.

Enhanced Company Image

Well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing planters can contribute to a positive company image, both for staff and visitors.

Delineate the Parking Area from the Pedestrian Zone

The planters outside this restaurant clearly delineate the parking area from the pedestrian zone and the outdoor seating of the establishment, creating distinct and safer areas for different uses.

Visual Barrier and Safety Enhancement

Their size and strategic placement act as a substantial visual and physical barrier, effectively preventing vehicles from encroaching on pedestrian spaces and enhancing overall safety within the carpark environment. The inclusion of greenery, specifically the tall bamboo, introduces a natural element into the otherwise hardscaped carpark, significantly improving its visual appeal and softening the urban environment.

Vertical Interest and Visual Separation

The upward growth of the bamboo provides a strong vertical element that contrasts with the horizontal expanse of the carpark surface, adding visual interest and dynamism to the scene. The neutral color of the planter material provides a subtle yet effective contrast with the vibrant green of the bamboo and the darker tones of the adjacent building, allowing each element to be visually distinct.

Repetition and Visual Cohesion

The consistent use of similar rectangular planters establishes a sense of order, uniformity, and visual rhythm throughout the space, contributing to a more cohesive design. The incorporation of greenery can contribute to a more pleasant and less sterile environment for both those using the carpark and patrons of the adjacent establishment.

Dual Functionality

The planters serve a dual purpose, acting as both landscaping features that enhance aesthetics and as functional elements that aid in spatial organisation and safety within the carpark. The placement of the planters could subtly guide pedestrian flow towards entrances or designated pathways within the carpark area.

Enhancing Outdoor area of Shopping Centre

The planters are used to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the shopping centre’s outdoor area.

Definition of Zones

The long, linear planters in the image effectively carve out a distinct pathway alongside the building’s glass facade. They create a clear separation between the pedestrian walkway and the building’s interior space, suggesting a defined zone for foot traffic. In other shopping centre outdoor areas, larger or differently shaped planters could be used to delineate outdoor seating areas for cafes or restaurants, creating more intimate and contained spaces for shoppers to relax and dine. This zoning improves the flow of traffic and enhances the functionality of different areas within the outdoor space.

Visual Interest

The introduction of diverse plants within the rectangular planters injects significant visual interest into what might otherwise be a stark architectural setting. The varying leaf shapes, sizes, and colours of the plants provide texture and break up the uniformity of the building’s structure and the hard flooring. This greenery adds a natural and organic element, making the outdoor area more inviting and visually appealing to shoppers. Different types of plants, including flowering varieties or those with interesting foliage, can be rotated seasonally to maintain a dynamic and engaging visual experience throughout the year.

Creating Ambiance

The presence of well-maintained planters with thriving plants contributes significantly to a more welcoming and relaxing ambiance for shoppers. The natural element helps to soften the often-hard and artificial environment of a commercial space. This can encourage shoppers to spend more time in the outdoor areas, potentially benefiting the businesses within the shopping centre. The strategic placement of planters can also create a sense of enclosure and tranquility, offering a respite from the bustling activity of the shopping environment.

Use of Negative Space

The space around and between the planters (the paved area) acts as negative space, allowing the planters and plants to stand out and preventing the scene from feeling cluttered. Thoughtful spacing and the consideration of the surrounding environment (negative space) are crucial for ensuring that commercial planters are impactful and functional without obstructing movement or sight-lines.

Conclusion

In summary, large commercial planters offer a versatile and impactful way to enhance commercial projects. From creating visual contrast and making bold statements with oversized designs to adding elegance to entrances and playing with varied heights and earthy tones, the design possibilities are vast. Whether opting for geometric shapes or romantic round planters, and combining them with carefully chosen plants, large planters provide an outstanding way to elevate any commercial space by creating a natural and inviting environment.