Incorporating Biophilic Design in the Workplace

Feb 23, 2021

Biophilia (the love of nature) focuses on the human attraction to nature and natural processes.

Biophilic Design addresses this human love for nature and incorporates these concepts to improve the spaces we live and work in providing numerous benefits to our health. Incorporating direct or indirect elements of nature into the workplace has been noted to reduce stress, blood pressure and heart rates. There are many ways to incorporate Biophilic Design into the workplace.

Photo: Artopex

Access to natural light and outdoor views

Natural light is one of the most valued attributes of a workplace, and it can greatly contribute to wellness. Natural light and views to the outdoors have a major impact on employee wellbeing, productivity and energy levels.

Photo: Landscape Forms

Utilize available outdoor areas

Access to outdoor spaces such as rooftops, balconies or courtyards can incorporate comfortable seating areas and tables so that staff can work outdoors when weather permits. Access to natural light and fresh air has numerous benefits including increased productivity, creativity and wellbeing.

Embrace Colour

Colour can have an impact on staff wellbeing. Dull colours can have a harmful affect while the addition of bright colours can have a positive affect on staff moods and wellbeing.

Photo: Interface

Incorporate natural features such as wood and stone

Natural materials can be very calming and soothing. Including natural features and textures in the workplace will help mimic the outdoors and assists with "bringing the outdoors in"

Photo: Artopex

Include plant life in the workplace

One of the simplest and most obvious solutions for biophilic design, including plant life in the workplace can increase oxygen levels and improve concentration levels while decreasing mental fatigue.

Photo: Teknion

Diverse spaces and choice of work settings

It is important to accommodate the staff need with space. If staff need to concentrate, provide them a quiet space to work. If staff need to collaborate, provide them a comfortable space to do so. Provide enough space for staff to work comfortably without feeling cramped or stuffy.

How do we implement Biophilic Design

  • Optimization and organization of spaces with human focus
  • Thermal comfort levels
  • Air quality, toxin levels and ventilation
  • Acoustic comfort
  • Improved natural and artificial lighting
  • Internal and external views onto nature
  • The use of natural materials, textures, patterns and colours
  • The incorporation of recuperative spaces
  • Aesthetic environment with brand recognition
  • Psychological and physiological effects of space

The adoption and increasing acceptance of biophillic office design is due to numerous studies which have proven that by introducing elements of nature into the workplace, staff productivity, creativity and morale have increased, as well as a decrease in the levels of mental fatigue.

Contact Us

How Space Planning Can Positively Affect Your Workplace, Your Employees and Your Bottom Line

By Sheri Tuck • 26 Mar, 2024
As we have seen in the past few years, the office is changing. The trend to modify and update the traditional working environment is partially due to the new expectations of a younger workforce and the need for employers to maximize space and increase revenue. Some seem to think the best solution is to relocate to a modern space that can accommodate an increase in employees, therefore increasing profitability with more space and more people. However, it is important to acknowledge that many new and updated office spaces cost more money per square foot, decreasing the potential for profit. Sometimes, all it takes is a step back to re-assess your existing space and the efficiency of layouts to create an environment that accommodates employees and their ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as well as optimize the flow of space, communication, and productivity within the workplace.  Space planning allows you to reimagine your current space to better serve an evolving working population and style.

How Interior Designers Can Help Fight Climate Change and Reduce Your Carbon Emissions

22 Jun, 2022
According to the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, the building and construction industry generates 37 percent of the world’s carbon emissions, but it was originally believed that the interiors of these buildings only make up a small part of that percentage.  A new report conducted over the past few years by Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) and Seattle-based LMN Architects, suggest something quite different: Over the course of an average building’s life span, the carbon footprint of its interiors will equal if not exceed the emissions associated with a building’s structure and envelope.

2022 - Interior Design Trends for the Modern Office

31 Jan, 2022
Office design trends have changed significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the world, more and more companies continue to incorporate sustainable work practices, technological innovations and a focus on employee wellbeing to shape the way we live and work. In 2022, flexibility, functionality, and comfort will be the main focus for modern office design.

Inclusive Design in the Workplace

29 Nov, 2021
The best designed spaces have always been those that are centered on their users. Pre-pandemic research shows the average person spending nearly 90,000 hours at the office over their lifetime. Today’s companies consist of diverse, multigenerational employees and inclusive design will not only help accommodate the varied needs and preferences of different people, but make them feel welcome, valuable and productive. Inclusive design is a win-win for both employers and employees alike.

Move Management - Managing Change in your Organization

23 Aug, 2021
Move management is the process of moving one or more employees from one location to another or in and out of your organization. Organizations experience moves all the time. Whether adapting to company growth, moving entire teams to a new location or relocating individuals, it’s important to manage the process from start to finish. There are varying types of move management–there are Moves, Adds and Changes (MAC), which are typically simple moves, you’re either moving an employee from one location to another within your organization, you might be adding employees and onboarding them or perhaps someone got a promotion and they need to move work spaces. The other type of move–which is much bigger and more complicated–is a project move. A project move is taking a handful of people to thousands of people and perhaps moving them from one location to another, completely restacking a building or even bringing a new building online. A project move requires a lot of coordination from various stakeholders in order for the move process to go smoothly.

The impact of the Pandemic on Commercial Businesses and Their Spaces

13 Aug, 2021
COVID-19 has accelerated a range of preexisting trends in the commercial property sector around health and wellbeing, activity based working, flexibility and the drive for better space utilization. Sustainability, smart buildings and the digital workplace are also reshaping the commercial offer. Taken together, these trends and developments will profoundly impact the kinds of workplaces likely to be needed in a post-pandemic world. One way that organizations can operate more efficiently after the pandemic is by rethinking their real estate footprint. Several potentially advantageous options can be implemented, whether you are an owner or a tenant, and whether your premises are an office, industrial, or commercial space.

Office Acoustics: Why it matters and how to manage it

22 Jul, 2021
Many workplaces now incorporate open-concept offices to encourage collaboration and team-building. They also provide many benefits including improved access to natural light and ventilation. However, office noise can lead to decreased productivity and stress. Proper design and construction are not always enough to achieve acoustic comfort in buildings. Sources that contribute to acoustic dissatisfaction such as sound transmission from internal and external sources, footfall noise and voices from adjacent spaces are difficult to control. Lower dividing panels and bench style work stations as well as sofas and lounge areas have led to distractions, lack of privacy and overall employee dissatisfaction. Fortunately, there are strategies for open-concept designs which can mitigate excessive noise, lack of privacy and focus. One very important strategy is to review and consider your office acoustics and incorporate acoustic planning into your space. Although the best time to mitigate sound issues is during design, there are still ways to modify an existing space to reduce distractions and maintain productivity and collaboration. There are plenty of design solutions, including simple and innovative tactics for reducing noise in your office right now.

Incorporating Biophilic Design in the Workplace

23 Feb, 2021
Biophilia (the love of nature) focuses on the human attraction to nature and natural processes.

The Future of the Office Workspace

25 Jan, 2021
The Covid-19 pandemic has definitely had an impact on office workplaces. The pandemic has forced the adoption of new ways of working. Employers and employees will have to embrace the new reality of disinfection, ventilation and social distancing. So how do we return back to work safely? We have put together some short-term and long-long term solutions to help workspaces transition into safe, healthy and workable environments.

How to stay healthy and Productive while working from home

07 Jan, 2021
Due to the current situation, many people continue to work remotely from home to protect their health and the health of their loved ones. Though many people commonly work from home, for others this is a whole new way of working. We want to offer a few tips to help ensure your work environment is a healthy and productive space.
Share by: