Nature in offices. Do we need biophilic design?

In 1984, Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson published his ‘biophilia’ hypothesis, in which he claimed that nature and people are connected by a very strong, natural, primal bond. Although we have created an artificial living environment in our cities, we still are and remain part of nature. Therefore, contact with it restores our mental and emotional balance as well as our well-being.

Biophilic design should be an inspiration both for architects and designers as well as for the city’s authorities and residents themselves, who now enjoy greater opportunities to influence then function and shape of their urban environment to give it more natural living, working and learning conditions. It is up to us to determine how the person of the future will function in our cities as they eventually become the home for the majority of the world’s population. A focus on the human and its natural needs should be the foundation of design, not just in the future, but right now. Taking into architectural account the therapeutic properties of nature – regeneration, stimulation and calming the body all at the same time – should contribute to increased work efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Better and more

In 2014, carpet tile producer and pioneer in the field of sustainable development Interface commissioned the Human Spaces report ‘The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace’. This revealed that workplaces exhibited increased productivity, creativity and employee well-being when natural elements are introduced. In 2015 Interface together with Sir Cary Cooper, a psychologist and leading expert in the field of well-being and stress at work, carried out a survey of 7,600 office workers from 16 countries aimed at gauging how the office environment impacted the optimism or otherwise of those who worked in it.

According to this research, a third of all respondents declared that the interior design of offices would influence their decision about which employer to work for. At the same time, the survey indicated that noisy, poorly lit places that are colourless and devoid of organic features can suppress creativity. As many as 47 pct of those surveyed were deprived of access to natural light and 58 pct had no contact with nature on a regular work day. Greater access to natural light, however, can be achieved with a suitable office space layout.

Leading architects and designers are becoming more and more appreciative of the role biophilic design plays in innovative work space. David Oakey, who has been exclusively responsible for the design of Interface products since 1994, has now come up with carpet tiles inspired by the natural environment. The organic structure of his Human Nature and Urban Retreat carpet tile ranges means that they not only bring nature to mind, but they also have a positive impact on the well-being of people indoors.

Biophilic design in practice

The Trzop Architects (TA) studio designs modern and creative office spaces, which in practice embrace the biophilic design concept, through contact with nature. Thus the workplaces created by TA are friendly and comfortable, as is confirmed by the satisfied users of these offices, the positive response from investors as well as the many best office space industry awards the studio has won.

In TA’s designs human contact with nature occurs on several levels. Starting with direct elements, such as live plants, green walls and exposure to the surrounding green building. These elements help to blur the boundary between the interior of the building and its green surroundings. As a result, both employees and guests in the offices will be face-to-face with natural elements even after entering the building.

Detail is important

In the initial phase of the project, when drawing up the space plan it is important to devise an engaging space inspired by nature – the open spaces should be made to intertwine seamlessly with the small meeting and resting places. Moving around a well-designed office should feel like a nice stroll through the woods, and the layout should be both intuitive and well signed, allowing you to easily find your way around in it. The effect is friendly for the user because it replicates similar phenomena that occur naturally. The functions and shapes of the various spaces are vital for these offices, as in the case of the areas designated for focused and quiet work – where any employee can retreat to and work in peace and quiet.

Inspiration from nature can also been seen in the materials chosen by the designers, which are pre-dominantly natural, timeless materials that are also environmentally-friendly. Interface’s carpet tiles are one example of how this ideology can be put into practice, revealing the infinite possibilities for the visual creation of space, while at the same time being made out of recycled materials. An important role is also played by modern innovative systems, such as zone temperature control, water-saving fittings, energy-saving LED lighting for organic systems and IT systems. Among the key elements of interior design are the acoustics which, when properly designed, endow the work space with a sense of peace and concentration. The final element is the choice of colour palette to match the company’s philosophy – and it should be one that has a therapeutic effect on the office user.

All of these factors when combined are invaluable in helping employees to achieve a better frame of mind for working and higher levels of personal satisfaction – factors that will be reflected in improved results for the company. ♦ Partner for the article: ARC Interiors

Bartosz Trzop

architect, CEO, Trzop Architects

Katarzyna Kołpa

architect, Trzop Architects