Green is good! The return of leaves on the trees combined with the longer days is an undeniable mood boost at this time of year. It's easy to see why we're inclined to extend the energising nature of plants indoors, too. Biophilic design isn’t a new interior trend, but it retains a fresh appeal year after year, particularly in office spaces and work environments.
But why should businesses consider incorporating it into their workplace design? Biophilic design integrates the concept of nature and humans' natural affinity towards it with contemporary design and spatial planning within an office space. This approach aims to create environments that inspire and rejuvenate workers by drawing on nature-inspired elements. A report from Human Spaces highlights a concerning fact: 30% of EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and America) workers don’t have access to natural sunlight in their workplace. Given this statistic, it's crucial for organisations to evaluate the potential benefits of integrating biophilic design into their spaces. Let's explore three methods of incorporating natural elements into your office and the advantages they offer.
Visually
Introducing natural elements into your office design can be as straightforward as making visual changes and additions. Perhaps the simplest and most impactful method is enhancing access to natural and dynamic lighting. Humans follow what is known as a circadian rhythm, a 24-hour cycle intimately linked with our motivation, productivity, and energy levels throughout the day, influenced by sunlight and temperature. A lack of natural light in dark office environments can disrupt this rhythm, leading to decreased energy and motivation. Simple changes, such as increasing natural light exposure, can mitigate these effects and invigorate your office space. According to the previously mentioned Human Spaces report, office workers in environments with natural elements like sunlight and greenery report a 13% higher level of well-being compared to those in settings without such amenities.
So, how can businesses implement these changes alongside other forms of natural design? For many, it involves ensuring windows are unobstructed to allow light to flood in or installing larger windows or skylights. However, this may not always be feasible, especially in rented spaces. In such cases, dynamic lighting that mimics the sun's natural cycle can be a viable alternative. Yet, visual biophilic design isn't limited to sunlight; incorporating greenery and specific colour schemes can similarly enhance well-being. Introducing colours such as forest greens, browns, tans, and shades of blue can significantly affect the office atmosphere. These can be implemented subtly through stationery and office equipment or more extensively via repainting and new carpeting to match the design ethos. In a refurbishment for Pets at Home, we embraced these visual elements, using natural colours in breakout pods to foster a tranquil atmosphere.
Texturally
Invoking the essence of nature in your office can also be achieved through textures, surfaces, and the overall feel of the workspace. Termed 'biomorphic design', this approach aims to model work areas on natural spaces. Biomorphic designs seek to create environments that, though artificial, emulate natural settings in appearance and feel. A UK-based study, The Relative Benefits of Green versus Lean Office Space, found that workers exposed to nature at work are 15% more productive. Incorporating biomorphic design can be straightforward and cost-effective, often utilising existing materials. For instance, natural wooden desks or marble worktops can evoke an outdoor feel. Additionally, plant walls not only enhance an office's aesthetic but also provide vibrant, unique backdrops, enriching the workspace's texture. This break-out area from our project with Shopblocks incorporates wooden panelling, flooring and a living wall in the same space.
Sensory
Adopting a more nuanced approach, sensory design aims to integrate nature into the workplace by engaging the senses. This branch of biophilic design affects how we perceive our environment through sound, smell, and other sensory inputs. Altering sensory experiences in a space can profoundly impact our feelings of happiness, well-being, and productivity, drawing on principles similar to those of Feng Shui. For instance, introducing water features can significantly improve concentration and ease by mimicking the calming sound of running water. Additionally, creating unpredictable spatial layouts can mimic the spontaneity of nature, fostering collaboration and adding an element of interest to the workplace. Implementing varying ceiling heights or using natural materials for partitioning can further enhance this effect, as seen in Landmark Space's Snow Hill location.
Whether you're aiming for an updated office layout or seeking to incorporate natural elements for their well-being benefits, biophilic design offers compelling inspiration for any workplace renovation. For further information, contact our interiors team today, and let's discuss how a refresh can benefit you and your team.