The modern technology lifestyle has made workplaces that work with today’s world a little distant from nature. This distance, in turn, affects our overall well-being and even professional performance. This antidote draws upon instinctive human bonding with nature by incorporating its elements into man-made worlds. It heals, enables productivity, and inspires work.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is a method that concerns itself with the process of connecting human beings with nature. This has been a methodology in which an individual incorporates aspects of the natural environment within human-built structures. It has, for example, included natural vegetation, daylighting, aquatic features, and the use of natural materials within internal spaces. Biophilic was termed by biologist Edward O. Wilson. He suggests that individuals are, by instinct, wired towards a connection to nature.

Benefits of Biophilic Design

Commercial office renovation offers a unique opportunity to transform your office space into a modern, inspiring, and efficient environment. Besides aesthetics, biophilic design or bringing nature into built environments offers humans myriad benefits. It connects them to nature, which means a healthy, productive, and fulfilling work experience.

Improved Air Quality

They purify the air and intake pollution by releasing oxygen into it. Adding plant life to indoor spaces greatly improves air quality in an indoor environment. It greatly reduces the possibility of getting sick, building syndrome, or respiratory disease.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Nature exposure works deep into our mental well-being. Biophilic design elements such as plants, natural light, and water elements can reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Studies have proven that spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone.

Improved Cognitive Function

Biophilic design can also stimulate cognitive activity, creativity, and problem-solving ability. For example, natural light restores circadian rhythms, thereby improving alertness and attention. Nature views also reduce mental fatigue and increase cognitive performance.

Increased Productivity

A biophilic space improves productivity and work satisfaction. The more one feels attached to nature, the more motivated, inspired and engaged one can be. Research findings show that biophilic design improves employee morale, reduces turnover, and increases performance in any given organisation.

Less Absenteeism

Biophilic design promotes better health and well-being, which will help reduce absenteeism. Healthier conditions at work mean fewer sick days, higher employee retention, and happier company culture.

How to Implement Biophilic Design in the Workplace

Biophilic design integrates natural elements within built environments, enhancing the well-being and productivity of the workplace. It allows humans to connect with nature so that they can perform in a healthier, inspiring, and rewarding environment.

Here are some easy steps on how to implement biophilic design in your workplace:

Incorporate Greenery

• Indoor Plants: Offer various plant species for this working space type. Choose low-maintenance, air-purifying varieties, such as snake plants, peace lilies, or rubber plants.
• Living Walls: Make your room alive with colours by using living walls to purify the air and leave a soothing atmosphere behind.
• Outdoor Spaces: Design outdoor areas that feature roof gardens and patios where the staff can enjoy themselves outdoors. Make full use of natural lighting.

Maximise Natural Light

• Strategic Window Placement: Natural lighting should be used on all working surfaces. To maximise natural light, install all the windows of the various stations.
• Light-Coloured Interiors: These should include colours that appear light while covering the wall. That means helping them reflect their colour and giving space to a broader area.
• Dimmable Lighting: Install dimmable lighting systems to modify the brightness of artificial light to mimic the natural daylight cycle.

Utilise Natural Materials

• Wood Features: Wooden furniture, flooring, and wall panelling can add a warm and textured feel to your workspace.
• Stone Features: Incorporate stone features like countertops or flooring to introduce the grounding and stabilising feel.
• Natural Fabrics: Select furniture and upholstery that are made of natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool.

Create Nature-Inspired Views

• Window Views: Design workspaces with views of natural landscapes like trees, water bodies, or parks.
• Nature-Themed Art: Hang artworks featuring natural scenes, like landscapes, forests, or oceans.
• Virtual Nature: Show calming scenes of nature on digital screens, like underwater reefs or calm forests.

Use Water Features

• Indoor Fountains: A small indoor fountain can make the place sound peaceful and also humidify the air.
• Water Walls: A vertical water feature can be used to give a lively look to a place.
• Sound of Water: Use audio recordings of flowing water or ocean waves to create serenity.

Use Natural Patterns and Textures

• Organic Forms: Use organic shapes of curved lines and flowy patterns in your designs.
• Natural Textures: Apply natural textures like wood grain, stone, or leather.
• Biomimicry: Draw inspiration from the patterns and structures nature provides in your design elements.

By using these approaches, you can make the workplace more engaging, productive, and inspiring to foster well-being and a positive company culture.

Conclusion

Biophilic design is a powerful tool for creating more radiant, productive, and inspiring workplaces. In a natural environment, through the elements of the built environment, we improve our wellness, enhance our productivity, and pave a sustainable future.