What is biophilia?

We explore the benefits of natural elements in the office.

The statistics of biophilic design

A global study into the impact of office design by Human Spaces has revealed the full extent of the benefits offered to workers by offices that incorporate natural elements.

The study of 7,600 workers in 16 countries found that those who worked in spaces with green or other natural features reported a 15% higher level of wellbeing and are 6% more productive and 15% more creative overall.

Importantly, the report found that office design was so important to workers that a whopping third (33%) of respondents said it would unequivocally affect their decision whether or not to work somewhere. But perhaps this result should come as no surprise – humans, like other animals, need the right habitat in which to flourish.

Humans and nature

Wilson’s claim that humans have an inherent affinity to the natural world now seems like common sense. Visit any office, and chances are that a number of desks will be graced by the strappy leaves of spider plants. It’s an attempt, if a modest one, to connect with nature. And it’s this connection that needs to be increased and biophilic design needs to be a standard in spaces.

There are a multitude of studies in addition to the Human Spaces report, that demonstrate how truly green environments can positively impact people’s behaviour and, in the case of workers, performance.

Interaction’s work in the biophilic design space

Osborne Clarke’s new Bristol office saw us deliver our largest ever biophilia package. With a focus on employee wellbeing, our biophilia strategy sat at the heart of the project, combining indoor and outdoor gardens with uninterrupted views and sun paths. Over 1,000 hypoallergenic real plants (including a living wall and indoor garden) improve air quality and regulate temperatures.

The Osborne Clarke plant pots are 100% recycled, made locally, or made of biodegradable coconut. The indoor garden offers access to nature all through the year, and on warmer days, the roof terrace is the perfect solace, exemplifying urban greening.

What does a biophilic workspace look like?

Logic dictates that if plant life is to flourish, natural light is required too. And sure enough, there’s a strong body of research that demonstrates that high levels of natural light are good for people too. In other words, create an office where plants can thrive and the chances are that the people will be happy too.

As well as good natural light levels, an office design that incorporates elements of the natural world might also have views on to nature, natural textures, organic materials and naturalistic colours plus recuperation spaces to restore mental and physical energy.

Biophilia adds life to Ghyston’s office.

Biophilic design applied

Interaction’s recent interior design scheme for Magna Housing applied biophilic design principles to their new offices in Dorchester. Our client wanted to create an earthy and serene workplace, encouraging staff to draw energy from the natural features around them.

Natural elements are in fact fundamental to a growing number of projects we undertake as businesses look more to the workplace as a tool for attracting and retaining staff. Take risk management consultancy Verisk Maplecroft’s new offices in Bath. This major refurbishment scheme included the placement of over 30 plants, with green used as a highlight colour throughout.

However it doesn’t just have to be about having greenery, as the theory of biophilic design can be found within many features of the built environment as most manufacturers recognise the desire for natural elements to be used, for example, flooring, graphics and imagery in general.

Biophilic design is more than just a trend

Biophilic design is more than a trendy ‘nice to have’. The use of nature to harness workers’ full potential is becoming an essential aspect of modern, progressive office space. Businesses investing heavily in the approach include the likes of Apple with Campus 2 and Google’s Dublin Campus.

In short, biophilic design is a powerful drawcard in the war for talent.

And that’s because more than anything else people want to be treated like people, who have varying emotions, psychological and physical needs.

A biophilic workplace responds to us as human beings.

To find out more about how Interaction can help create your perfect space, get in touch now: [email protected]