Biophilic design fosters well-being by seamlessly integrating nature-inspired elements into the built environment.
A key factor in enhancing well-being at work is reducing stress levels. Organizational culture certainly has an impact on this, but the environment in which we carry out our duties is also significant.
Life and work in the city, with its detachment from the natural world, stimulate a desire for contact with nature. However, a staggering 47% of workers worldwide lack access to natural light, and 58% lack true greenery in their workplaces.
New Work Science Park | Budapest | Hungary
Therefore, today, interior architects and designers encourage considering design practices that incorporate elements reminiscent of nature in the workplace. All of this is aimed at helping to maintain and increase well-being among employees.
Introducing nature-inspired elements into the workplace, both real and artificial, has a positive impact on the daily achievements of employees. In this regard, when thinking about workspace design and its impact on people inhabiting it, employers should seriously consider providing some form of connection with nature.
Towards Biophilic Design
New Work Neopark | Warsaw | Poland
Living according to the principles of well-being has become incredibly popular in recent years. We want to feel good every day and have an optimal stress level, which is an essential motivational factor. Since we spend most of our time at work, we also want to feel comfortable there. How can we achieve this in a simple way?
The answer comes from biophilic design. People who spend their days in spaces containing elements reminiscent of nature function better, which directly translates to their work. There is clear evidence directly linking biophilic design to the overall results of organizations. In particular, this style of design has a beneficial impact on two aspects of work.
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Productivity: Individuals working in offices with natural greenery have seen a 15% increase in productivity compared to those working without greenery or natural elements nearby. In the USA, for example, 40% of individuals agree that “greenery around them makes them feel calmer and more relaxed.” This is an important factor showing that an office designed in a biophilic style can significantly contribute to enhancing business efficiency. Managers, especially those finding it increasingly challenging to encourage their team members to be present in the office regularly, should keep this in mind.
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Creativity: The environment surrounding employees and the extent to which it includes elements reminiscent of nature can also greatly influence their creativity. Individuals working in spaces designed with a biophilic approach, which includes living plants and colors resembling those found in nature, experience a 17% increase in their creativity level. This is significantly more than those working in environments devoid of nature-inspired elements.
So, how can offices be transformed?
Some might say that discovering the connection between humans and nature is nothing new. However, in today’s times, when most of us live in artificial environments, mimicking nature becomes crucial. There are many ways to incorporate nature into interior design and office arrangements, all of which can bring tangible benefits.
New Work Neopark | Warsaw | Poland
To embrace biophilia in office design, very simple solutions are enough. Sometimes, incorporating them into our environment doesn’t require significant expenses.
First and foremost, consider how to rearrange the interior to provide more people with access to natural light. The ability to occasionally glance out of a window (ideally, with a view of a park or even trees) provides a sense of freedom and helps with relaxation. A perfect—and extremely cost-effective—idea is placing plants in the office. If increasing access to light is not possible or if the workspace is not suitable for housing many plants, consider using colors and patterns that universally evoke nature.
For these small yet significant changes, there’s no need to immediately hire a team of qualified designers and interior architects. The first step could be encouraging employees to each choose a plant they’d like to see in their surroundings. This will make employees feel at home in the office—a goal we all strive for today.
