A prevalent architectural trend is a return to nature through the choice of materials, colours and veining able to conjure up scenes and land- scapes sculpted by time. Onyx with its translucencies is the star, along with granite that brings to mind volcanic landscapes. Add to all this a vegetable touch by expert landscape designers. We talk to Paola Guerra, floral & event designer of FenixLive, expert of floral installations for events and spaces, both private and corporate.

"I have always been convinced that an environment, whether private or public, must offer and transmit posi- tive and evocative vibrations in their

simplicity and naturalness. My clients ask me specifically to install something aesthetically innovative but, at the same time, conveys peace and elegance."

What installations are most in demand today? "I m often asked to plan the styling of public environments such as restau- rants, bars, bistros and stores in gener- al. I m a romantic soul really; after all, I work with colours and flowers almost every day. And that s why I have re- cently started proposing natural floral installations that give any environment a certain uniqueness and character."

Paola Guerra floral & event designer di FenixLive Let's talk about the green trend:

what do you use to make an environ- ment more relaxing and welcoming? "The most successful installations, generally in corporate or retail spac- es, are natural preserved green ones. Many restaurants and companies are incorporating green walls in their spaces to offer their guests a feeling of well-being and reduce stress and anxiety by 37%, as declared by the University of Sydney. Also for this rea- son, biophilic green furniture has been a game-changer in workplace design. Besides mental and physical well-be- ing, spaces with natural preserved green panels or cladding that absorb noise pollution in a natural way have better acoustics."

Are they difficult to maintain? "No, not at all! Many companies choose a preserved vertical garden be- cause they do not require care or wa- tering. There is very little maintenance and they are quick to install, with customised panels of lichen or forest mix vegetation to hang on the wall or from the ceiling; however, even simple natural paintings, logos, planters and partition panels can be installed."

What scenographic creation would you recommend if you wanted to create an eye-catching wall? "Green walls without a doubt, for short events (from 1 to 3 days) used purely for aesthetic purposes or to screen something. They are made with natu- ral foliage, cut directly from plants in

need of pruning and installed directly on plywood or chipboard panels. We are often asked for these as a partition wall or wine wall and for private events such as weddings as a champagne wall or tableau de mariage, all with fittings to hold glass- es. Neon signs or logos of any material can be installed on natural preserved green panels and green walls."

INTERVIEW

A green installation by the floral designer

Paola Guerra

INTERVIEW

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Two examples of green decoration; one installed in a café and one in a meeting room.