Foyer "Terrarium" at Rush University

Rush University Medical Center Brennan Pavilion Lobby Photo by Steve Hall / Hedrich Blessing

At first glance, this foyer-light-well-installation-thing didn't seem too special.  However the landscape designers at Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects put some time and thought into the ecosystem planted within this enclosed space.  The designers described the process further at their blog The Shouting Hare:

"As we worked with Perkins + Will, the architects of the medical center, we conducted studies to evaluate the conditions that would affect plants in the glass enclosure. We not only wanted plants that would thrive, but a landscape design that would provide interest and color in all four seasons."

   

I am interested to see if the plants enclosed within the well of glass truly exhibit seasonal changes.  The moss doesn't look too lively in the following photo.  But I love the idea!