As the world of work continues to evolve, designing workplaces that not only boost creativity and productivity but also prioritise employee wellness has become a necessity rather than a choice. With people spending a significant portion of their lives indoors, the connection between nature and well-being has taken centre stage. Biophilic design – an approach that integrates natural elements into the built environment – has emerged as a crucial solution in crafting spaces that enhance both productivity and overall wellness.
The benefits of biophilic design are becoming widely recognized, as research increasingly highlights the positive effects of nature on mental health, focus, and creativity. As companies become more aware of these advantages, they are incorporating biophilic principles into the development of office spaces, aiming to create environments that are not only functional but also enriching. By bringing the outdoors in – through elements such as natural lighting, greenery, and organic materials – workplaces can foster a sense of calm and rejuvenation, ultimately leading to happier, healthier, and more productive employees.
In this new era of workplace design, at BASICS Architects the fusion of functionality with well-being is no longer an afterthought but a driving force behind the creation of spaces that support both the individual and the collective.
Understanding the Importance of Biophilic Design
Biophilic design addresses an innate human interest in connecting with nature. As people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, not having these natural elements within the settings drives a strong psychological and physiological impact on a person’s system. The introduction of elements, such as natural light, plants, and organic materials, through the use of biophilic design remedies this, and this has been proven, through many of our projects, to improve moods, lower stress, and enhance cognitive functionality.
These benefits are underscored by a growing body of research. Children studying in naturally lit classrooms show a 20-26% gain in their academic performance. Patients with access to natural views have an 8.5% shorter length of stay. Workers that do not have access to natural light and views have lower productivity, higher absenteeism, and an increased risk for chronic diseases and burnout.
Accordingly, biophilic design becomes not a matter of stylistic option but a fundamental shift in how design is carried out to achieve health and well-being. Biophilia, for BASICS, also becomes an extension of Nature Integrated Design – one holistic approach that enhances human life while drastically minimizing the environmental footprint of buildings.
Techniques for Implementing Biophilic Design in Offices
Biophilic design can engage at both practical and transformative levels, through a range of techniques, regardless of the project scale. Following are five key strategies we recommend for incorporating elements of biophilia into office spaces:
- Adding Greenery Elements: The most direct way to introduce biophillia in office is perhaps through indoor plants. Adding a little hint of green in the indoors brings a space to life and adds energy. This can be achieved traditionally with potted plants or through more innovative gardens created vertically, using creative planter screens. When outdoor green areas in projects are limited, vertical gardens or at least expansive views of natural landscapes reinforce that connection with nature and support stress reduction.
- Utilising the Natural Light: Availability of natural light is the prime factor for maintaining circadian rhythm health and minimizing reliance on artificial lighting. Large-size windows and skylights are indispensable for admitting natural light into working spaces. In the meantime, composite facade systems can block heat but allow light to filter in without heating the indoors.
- Using Natural Materials: Choosing the right materials is of major importance in reinforcing the bond between occupants and the environment as the material is determined by its effects and its lifecycle. Natural material, such as wood, stone, and bamboo, bring warmth and texture to the space. Additionally, finishes that retain most of the raw aesthetic and tactile qualities of such materials, such as natural varnishes and pigments, have characteristics that ensure that the materials retain much of their aesthetic and functional integrity for a longer period of time.
- Upcycling and Recycling: Integrating recycled or upcycled materials into office design brings in the essence of sustainable choice and amplifies the aesthetic of the space. Reclaimed woods, scrap stones, and other kinds of reclaimed materials introduce a unique, low-carbon alternative to newly resourced materials. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact but also adds an organic textural richness to the design.
- Amplifying Sensory Experiences: Biophilic design is not just about sight. Incorporated natural sounds, textures, and smells will directly enhance the multisensory experience of a workspace. The visuals of water in gentle flow, the feel of a wood surface, or the sound of birds chirping can enhance user well-being significantly. Specific features would include water installations, carefully curated natural materials, and strategic landscaping that amplify these experiences, making such environments functional and intensively engaging.
Affordable Biophilic Solutions for Any Office
Perhaps the most common concern with implementing biophilic design is cost. However, making spaces inspired by nature does not have to be costly. In fact, there are many biophilic solutions that boast affordability and can make great leaps in improving office space without requiring large investments.
Minor adjustments in office layouts and furniture configuration can have considerable impacts. Thoughtful furniture placement that maximizes lines of sight, provokes activity, and reduces visual noise, can reinvent a room without a huge investment. Importantly, such inexpensive solutions also align with the tenets of sustainability that NID follows: promoting long-term resilience over short-term savings. While options that will keep costs the lowest may be tempting, resilience needs to be built into the design process. By investing in long-lasting, sustainable materials and practices, one can avoid long-term issues. Investing in durable, sustainable materials and practices can prevent long-term issues like obsolescence, wear, and changing trends, ultimately offering better value.
Biophilic Design’s Role in Shaping Tomorrow’s Offices
As we look toward the future of workspaces, biophilic design will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping how office environments evolve. Sustainability is no longer a trend but a necessity. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of creating workspaces that support health and wellness, while also raising questions about the future of large corporate complexes as remote work gains popularity.
With this context in mind, biophilic design offers a solution for companies looking to make their offices more appealing in a post-pandemic world. Green terraces, rooftop gardens, and outdoor collaboration zones will become increasingly important as employees seek to balance the benefits of in-person work with their desire for healthier, more engaging environments. These changes not only enhance the attractiveness of office spaces but also reflect a broader cultural shift toward sustainability and wellness.
Biophilic design is more than just an aesthetic choice — it is about creating resilient, productive, and healthy environments where humans and nature can coexist harmoniously. By embracing the principles of Nature-Integrated Design, companies can foster workspaces that are beneficial for both employees and the environment, ensuring a future where well-being is at the core of office design.