Due to the growing challenges posed by climate change and increasing pollution levels, creating environments that are friendly to both nature and human health is no longer an option. Whether at a citywide or individual scale, sustainable urban living is now a defining factor for future development.

One Bangkok has incorporated the concept of “air purifying plants” into its landscape design. This is not merely for aesthetic appeal but to reflect a forward-thinking vision of urban development that prioritises air quality for those who spend a large portion of their life in One Bangkok.

What Are Air Purifying Plants?

Air purifying plants are natural purifiers that absorb and filter pollutants from the air, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon dioxide which is a major contributor to global warming. These plants also help increase humidity levels and lower surrounding temperatures.

Moreover, certain species such as Dracaena, Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), Philodendron, English Ivy, and Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) have been proven by NASA to effectively absorb airborne toxins. These air purifying plants are therefore widely used both indoors and as outdoor air purifying plants in open-air environments.

The Importance of Air Purifying Plants in Urban Areas

In densely populated urban environments plagued by pollution and the heat island effect, outdoor air purifying plants serve a far more vital role than simply offering shade or enhancing visual appeal. They form part of a broader “green infrastructure” that is essential for sustainable city development:

Improve Air Quality Naturally

Air purifying plants absorb toxic gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and carbon dioxide, while releasing oxygen, offering those nearby a cleaner and fresher breath of air.

Reduce Heat and Thermal Pollution

Installing outdoor air purifying plants along streets, pavements, and public spaces helps combat the urban heat island effect, where city temperatures are significantly higher than surrounding rural areas.

Promote Relaxation Through Natural Greenery

The colour green has been proven to reduce stress, improve focus, and induce calm which is why air purifying plants are commonly seen in offices, shopping malls, hotels, and residential developments of all sizes.

Versatile for Indoor and Outdoor Use

Air purifying plants can be adapted to suit different settings. Indoor favourites include Philodendron, Peace Lily, and Golden Pothos, while Bamboo Palm, Boston Fern, and Croton are excellent choices as outdoor air purifying plants.

Air Purifying Plants at One Bangkok: A Model for Sustainable Urban Living

As a landmark mixed-use development in the heart of Bangkok, One Bangkok is committed to harmonising urban life with nature. Embracing the restorative power of greenery, the project integrates air purifying plants into every aspect of its master plan to achieve the following objectives:

Purify the Air Throughout the Development

One Bangkok has carefully selected air purifying plants that are suited to each area, whether it's for pollutant filtering, humidity control, sun exposure tolerance, or low-light adaptability. This ensures a pleasant and breathable atmosphere throughout the premises.

Create Comfortable Outdoor Environments

Shaded walkways, lush green corners, and expansive zones such as One Bangkok Park, feature abundant outdoor air purifying plants, making the urban microclimate significantly cooler and more comfortable than the surrounding city.

Encourage Everyday Access to Green Spaces

The presence of air purifying plants throughout the development provides office workers, residents, and visitors with improved air quality, consistent with One Bangkok’s mission to foster an environmentally conscious and liveable city for generations to come.

Transforming a city into a smart and sustainable city involves more than just adopting technology and innovation; it requires prioritising the environment and residents' wellbeing. This is clearly demonstrated through One Bangkok’s strategic use of air purifying plants to strike a balance between modern development and natural ecosystems. These green elements help filter pollutants, revitalise air quality, and promote healthy urban living.

Ultimately, investing in greenery that actively improves air quality is not just an environmental gesture but a long-term investment in human health. That’s why One Bangkok continues to build an environment that supports a high quality of life that is refreshing, shaded, and safe. This has been tailored not only for today's urban lifestyles but also for a sustainable city future.

References:

• NASA compiles list of best plants to clean indoor air. Retrieved on 4 July 2025 from https://www.co2meter.com/th-th/blogs/news/nasa-compiles-list-of-best-plants-to-clean-indoor-air. 

• INTERIOR LANDSCAPE PLANTS FOR INDOOR AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT. Retrieved on 4 July 2025 from https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19930073077/downloads/19930073077.pdf.