Make It Work! An Easy Practical Guide to Biophilic Designs in Offices
Google’s office in Dublin, an example of a biophilic design in the workplace. PHOTO: Decor UK
Offices today can use a facelift thanks to incorporating biophilic designs into simple workplaces. Let this guide help you add nature’s touch to drab working spaces to enhance your team’s mood, among many others.
So many studies have shown that adding elements of nature to modern offices can lead to many benefits, from stress relief to increased productivity. It's quite the right time for Mother Nature to take her lead in making modern offices breathable spaces for people to function perfectly.
This article focuses on incorporating biophilic designs in modern offices and some fun tips for adding a splash of green to your boring cubicles.
Planting the Seed: What's Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is all about bringing the great outdoors into our indoor spaces. It's based on the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature, and by incorporating natural elements into our surroundings, we can boost our well-being and happiness.
Of course, you don't need to plant trees in your office or let vines creep all over the cubicles in your building. A simple thing such as adding indoor plants can make such a huge difference.
So, how can we adapt this concept to our workspaces? Let's dive in!
Greening Up Satisfaction: How Biophilic Designs Make Workspaces Better
Adding a touch of nature to your office can improve employee satisfaction. Studies show that incorporating natural elements, such as plants, natural light, and organic materials, can reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.
In addition, it adds an appealing design aesthetic to it. We're used to seeing offices splashed with white and beige paints and adding splashes of green, yellow, and other colors in the office setup. It can refresh your mindset and encourage you to work more productively.
Plus, who wouldn't want to work in a space that feels like a lush, green oasis?
Growing Productivity: The Biophilic Design Boost
Not only do biophilic designs make employees happier, but they can also make them more productive! Research shows that office spaces with natural elements can improve concentration, creativity, and overall cognitive function.
So, by bringing nature into the workspace, you're creating a more pleasant environment and setting the stage for serious productivity gains.
Sprouting Ideas: Tips and Tricks for a Biophilic Workspace
Ready to transform your office into a biophilic paradise? Here are some tips to get you started:
Let there be light: Make the most of natural light by positioning desks near windows and using light-filtering window treatments.
Plant power: Add some greenery to your space with low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, or succulents.
Nature-inspired materials: Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, or cork into your office design.
Color me natural: Choose a color palette inspired by nature – think earthy tones, greens, and blues.
Biophilic breaks: Encourage employees to take breaks outside or provide outdoor spaces for relaxation and collaboration.
Of course, other ways exist to add biophilic designs to your modern offices. It all depends on your location, building rules, and your bosses' approval.
Join the Biophilic Workspaces Movement!
Ready to join the biophilic design movement? By incorporating nature into your workspace, you can create an environment that promotes employee well-being, satisfaction, and productivity. So, go ahead and bring the outdoors in – your team will thank you!
References:
Browning, William D., et al. "The Economics of Biophilia: Why Designing with Nature in Mind Makes Financial Sense." Terrapin Bright Green, 2012. Retrieved from https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/The-Economics-of-Biophilia_Terrapin-Bright-Green-2012e.pdf.
Grinde, Bjørn, and Grete Grindal Patil. "Biophilia: Does Visual Contact with Nature Impact on Health and Well-Being?" 2009. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/6/9/2332.
The Biophilic Club. Top 7 Biophilic design hacks for the office. 2023.
