As with the courtyards of old, trees provide additional shade.
Each over 40 years old, the ficus trees here are nourished by 20th century hydroponics.
Because the huge suspended glass wall allows so much light into
the atrium, the trees' phototronic sensors would cause them to grow directly toward that
light source. However, this too has been taken into consideration. Regular rotation of the
ficus trees ensures that they do not bend at unsightly angles. The stone pebbles, in which
their roots are placed, provide support only. Since they do not bind with the roots and
can be easily removed and replaced the trees can even be lowered and repositioned if
necessary. The tree have grown over 2 meters since being placed in the building, a good
indication of their favorable environment.
The full grown trees were flown in from Holland in special
containers and lifted into place with cranes. Click here to see more on the trees of the Central Atrium. |
