Biophilic design is an approach to interior design that incorporates natural elements such as plants, water features and natural lighting. It aims to create spaces that connect people with nature, even when they are indoors. The benefits of biophilic design in commercial spaces are numerous, including improved productivity, concentration and creativity to name a few. In this article, we take a closer look at what biophilic office design is and how it can benefit your employees.
What is biophilic office design?
Biophilic office design is a type of sustainable design that incorporates natural elements into the workspace – and not just by dotting some indoor plants around an office. It aims to create an environment that is more conducive to the well-being of employees. Green design can include features such as living walls, indoor gardens and water features.
It also prioritises natural lighting and the use of sustainable materials and sustainable architecture. Biophilic office design is based on the concept that human beings have an innate connection with nature and that incorporating natural elements into indoor spaces can improve people’s well-being and productivity. It’s also about getting a balance between an aesthetically-pleasing workspace for employees and visitors but also about practicality as well.
Improved productivity
One of the main benefits of biophilic office design is that it can improve productivity. Research has shown that exposure to nature can increase productivity by up to 15%. Incorporating natural materials such as plants and natural light into the workspace can help reduce stress, increase creativity and improve mood. What’s more, when employees feel more relaxed and comfortable, they are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work.
Increased concentration
Biophilic design can also improve concentration levels in the workplace. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can improve cognitive function and attention span. When employees are surrounded by natural elements such as plants and natural light, they are more likely to stay focused and alert, which can lead to increased efficiency and better work outcomes.
Enhanced creativity
Another benefit of biophilic office design is that it can enhance creativity. Exposure to nature has been linked to increased creativity and problem-solving abilities. Incorporating natural elements into the workspace can help stimulate the imagination and encourage innovative thinking. This can be especially useful for companies that rely on creativity and innovation to succeed.
Better staff wellbeing
Biophilic office design can also improve staff well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health. When employees are surrounded by natural elements such as plants and natural light, they are more likely to feel relaxed and comfortable. This can lead to better job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism and lower rates of employee turnover
Greater staff retention
Finally, biophilic office design can lead to greater staff retention. When employees feel comfortable and happy in their work environment, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term. This can be especially important for companies that invest heavily in employee training and development.
Tips on how to incorporate biophilic office design in your commercial space
Here are a few of our tips on how you can create a biophilic office:
1. Start small
To start with, consider asking your employees to bring their own desk plant. Slowly introducing biophilic elements gets your employees more used to being surrounded by nature in the office without being startled or distracted by big displays of living walls or water features. It also allows them to customise their own space with something personal to them.
2. Think about ways to create or add light and space
Biophilic design centres around the idea of having plenty of light and space in a workspace. Light has been proven to affect our circadian cycle and even our mood and energy levels throughout the day. Thinking of ways you can introduce plenty of natural light in the office is a simple way to create the illusion of having extra space while also helping improve your employee’s well-being.
3. Use natural shapes
Another simple way to introduce organic design features in the office is to use natural shapes and forms. Natural materials and textures – such as larger plants in meeting areas or water features with stones and pebbles in entranceways – are a good place to start.
4. Use all senses
Biophilic design also involves using all of our senses. Instead of just including things to see, consider adding things to touch, smell and hear. This could include different natural textures to bring the outside inside, such as creating a living wall or bringing the sounds of running water into the office with a water feature.
1. Start small
To start with, consider asking your employees to bring their own desk plant. Slowly introducing biophilic elements gets your employees more used to being surrounded by nature in the office without being startled or distracted by big displays of living walls or water features. It also allows them to customise their own space with something personal to them.
2. Think about ways to create or add light and space
Biophilic design centres around the idea of having plenty of light and space in a workspace. Light has been proven to affect our circadian cycle and even our mood and energy levels throughout the day. Thinking of ways you can introduce plenty of natural light in the office is a simple way to create the illusion of having extra space while also helping improve your employee’s well-being.
3. Use natural shapes
Another simple way to introduce organic design features in the office is to use natural shapes and forms. Natural materials and textures – such as larger plants in meeting areas or water features with stones and pebbles in entranceways – are a good place to start.
4. Use all senses
Biophilic design also involves using all of our senses. Instead of just including things to see, consider adding things to touch, smell and hear. This could include different natural textures to bring the outside inside, such as creating a living wall or bringing the sounds of running water into the office with a water feature.
At Creative Spaces, we have plenty of experience revitalising dull workspaces. For more information on how you can create a biophilic office space for your business, get in touch with us today.
