plantcentered

Plantcentered is a term describing an approach that places plants at the core of design, architecture, urban planning, and daily living. It encompasses both personal lifestyle choices and professional practices in interiors, landscapes, and public spaces.

The concept aligns with biophilic design and urban greening movements, emphasizing vegetation as infrastructure for health and resilience. Proponents contend that plants improve air quality, thermal comfort, biodiversity, and psychological well-being, while helping mitigate noise and regional heat effects.

Principles commonly include selecting climate-appropriate or native species, creating diverse plant palettes, and integrating vegetation with daylight, water management, and soil stewardship. Practices often feature green roofs, living walls, permeable surfaces, edible landscapes, and irrigation designed for efficiency.

Applications span residential interiors rich with potted plants and planters, as well as offices, schools, hospitals, and civic spaces. In urban contexts, plantcentered planning prioritizes street trees, parklets, community gardens, and habitat corridors to support pollinators and urban ecosystems.

Benefits cited include cleaner air, reduced urban heat, enhanced mental health, and potential increases in property value, alongside energy savings from shading. Challenges include ongoing maintenance, water use in drought-prone areas, pest management, allergen concerns, and the need for inclusive, budget-conscious design.