In the heart of Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall, the Grand Brasserie has emerged as a dynamic culinary hotspot, blending New York grandeur with Parisian bistro charm. The 400-seat dining room, expansive and elegant, is a sophisticated setting where commuters and diners can pause amid the rush. Yet despite its breathtaking scale and impeccable design by the Rockwell Group. PlantShed also played a key role in this, bringing expertly curated greenery to the Grand Brasserie and amplifying its presence through shared social content. By incorporating botanically accurate greenery, the Grand Brasserie could achieve a balanced ambiance, fostering a more intimate, relaxing experience while still honoring the architectural splendor. Thoughtfully integrated biophilic design not only transforms the visual aesthetic but also elevates the guest experience through improved privacy, noise reduction, and a softer, more inviting atmosphere.
Green Walls: Privacy Without Compromise
One of the most notable aspects of Grand Brasserie is its open and airy layout, which encourages social interaction and people-watching. However, some guests can express a desire for more defined spaces to enhance privacy and intimacy. While the current partitions divide the space, there may be opportunities to explore greenery alternatives that better balance openness with a sense of coziness in specific areas. In response, installing lush green walls with high-quality, botanically accurate foliage could create natural screens without compromising the open feel. These plant dividers would not only offer a greater sense of seclusion but also bring a touch of nature to the modern elegance of the space.Why Green Walls Make Sense
Green walls act as visual barriers, subtly segmenting large spaces while preserving openness. They soften harsh architectural lines and introduce organic elements that break the monotony of expansive layouts. In a transit hub like Grand Central, where people constantly flow through, these partitions also help to direct traffic and maintain a more organized, harmonious environment.
Softening the Space with Vertical Gardens
Vertical gardens are a practical way to introduce large amounts of greenery without taking up valuable floor space. In a venue as grand as Grand Brasserie, they could be positioned along the perimeter walls or as feature installations behind the bar, creating focal points that draw the eye upward and balance the height of the space. By integrating vertical gardens, the Grand Brasserie would achieve a dynamic aesthetic that aligns with its Parisian-inspired charm. The use of cascading greenery or dense foliage panels enhances acoustic comfort, absorbing ambient noise and contributing to a more intimate dining experience.Transforming Columns with Botanical Wraps
Grand Brasserie’s vast interior features towering columns that, while architecturally significant, can feel imposing or out of place. Transforming these structural elements into architectural trees or botanical column wraps would not only soften the visual impact but also integrate nature into the structure itself. This approach offers a visually appealing way to blend old and new, maintaining the historic grandeur of Vanderbilt Hall while introducing natural accents. Wrapped in dense foliage, columns become lush, living sculptures that complement the Art Deco and Beaux Arts influences while adding a touch of organic warmth.Hanging Gardens: A Canopy of Green
Ceiling installations featuring hanging foliage or chandelier-like green displays could create an immersive canopy that brings the outdoors in. In a space where ceilings soar and echo, hanging plants can make the environment feel cozier while providing a natural acoustic buffer. This design strategy mirrors Parisian sidewalk cafés, where greenery often spills from balconies and arches. Incorporating hanging gardens at Grand Brasserie would accentuate the French aesthetic while making the cavernous space feel more intimate and inviting.
The vast size of Grand Brasserie means that certain areas can feel underutilized or visually vacant. Filling these voids with tall potted trees or plant clusters would enhance the atmosphere without disrupting the flow.
For example, placing large potted palms near the entrance creates a welcoming gateway, reminiscent of a Parisian courtyard. Meanwhile, compact planters with lush greenery at the corners can eliminate visual dead zones and reinforce a more cohesive aesthetic. To achieve this seamless integration of nature and design, we carefully curated a selection of premium artificial plants:
- Ficus Benjamina
- Palm Fishtail
- Fern Highland
- Philodendron Split Leaf
- Dogwood
- Palm Kentia Giant
- Palm Kentia
- Heliconia
- Ivy Lace
A Tranquil Oasis Amid Transit Chaos
Busy transit hubs like Grand Central Terminal are inherently noisy and chaotic, but the right combination of acoustic greenery can mitigate that. Strategically placing plants to absorb sound and reduce reverberation ensures a calmer, more enjoyable dining experience. In addition to noise reduction, the presence of greenery inherently lowers stress levels, providing a mental escape even in the heart of the city. The juxtaposition of lush foliage against the hard architectural surfaces creates a balance between natural tranquility and urban sophistication.The Role of Plants in Hospitality Design
Integrating greenery in hospitality settings like Grand Brasserie goes beyond just visual appeal—it contributes to brand identity and customer comfort. Plants make a space feel more alive and vibrant, counteracting the impersonal feel often associated with transit dining. As seen in previous projects, biophilic elements are essential for creating memorable experiences that make guests linger longer and feel more connected to the environment. Whether it’s a green wall that frames the entrance or small botanical accents throughout the space, these touches leave a lasting impression.
Custom Greenery Solutions for Grand Brasserie
At Plantscape Commercial Silk, we specialize in designing custom artificial greenery that balances aesthetic appeal and functionality. Our ThermaLeaf® technology ensures that every plant we manufacture is inherently fire-retardant, meeting the strictest safety standards without compromising on visual authenticity. Our team of design-forward horticulturists and architects works closely with clients to create bespoke solutions tailored to their unique spaces. From column wraps to hanging gardens, our installations are built to seamlessly integrate into existing architecture while enhancing comfort and ambiance.Why Choose Plantscape Commercial Silk
- Fire Safety First: ThermaLeaf® plants are permanently fire-retardant, eliminating the need for reapplication and meeting rigorous fire code standards.
- Botanical Accuracy: Our replica greenery mimics real foliage with stunning detail, from leaf texture to color and density.
- Durability and Maintenance: Crafted for commercial environments, our plants withstand wear and tear while maintaining their lush, lifelike appearance.
- Expert Customization: We use advanced design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp to create detailed renderings, ensuring clients can visualize the final result before installation. Additionally, our thoughtfully designed greenery can enhance your space in a way that catches the attention of publications, helping your brand stand out and gain recognition.
