The Background

We collaborated with HLW, a worldwide full-service planning, architecture, and design leader, to bring greenery to Subway’s London office. The aim was not only to create a space that reflected its brand values but one that also invested in employee well-being and productivity.

The Challenge

Subway's office space needed to balance focus and teamwork. The space features an open plan workspace, a multi-functional café, a variety of meeting rooms, showcase area, and a thoughtfully designed wellness area. To create a more inviting and inspiring environment, Subway sought to incorporate biophilic design elements to that promote well-being and spark creativity.

Our goal was to introduce greenery in a way that seamlessly complemented the contemporary office design while also serving practical functions – enhancing privacy, defining zones, and boosting the overall ambiance.

The Solution

To bring this vision to life, we planted and installed a total of 500 plants to add greenery into Subway’s office space, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

Key Design Elements:

  • Cabinet Top Planters: Situated on cabinets throughout the open-plan work floor, these provided a natural divider, adding privacy without the enclosed atmosphere.

  • Floor-Standing Plants: Placed strategically throughout the office to add greenery without blocking pathways and causing obstructions.

  • Bespoke Planters: Custom-designed planters tailored to fit specific office areas.

  • Trough Planting in the Multi-Functional Café & Breakout Areas: Created a more relaxed, friendly space where employees could unwind, collaborate, and recharge.

  • Trough Planting in the Showcase Area: Increased the aesthetic value of this space, making it a more engaging and memorable experience for visitors and clients.