Biophilic design helps us reconnect with nature in our busy day-to-day lives, as we grow more dependent on technology.
Bringing the natural environment indoors is key to unlocking the benefits of biophilic design. Leveraging natural elements is not only restricted to plants, but also, incorporating earthy tones, sunlight, and natural materials, to give the office a more relaxing and comfortable ambience.
These natural elements elevate our senses to create more meaningful and memorable moments. Natural shapes such as botanical motifs, mimic different plants like ferns, shrubs, and bushes, with arches, vaults, and domes mimicking structures found in nature. Other natural shapes include natural free flowing lines, and tree and columnar supports.
Direct experience, such as lush plants, opening windows for fresh air or working by the window for natural light gives employees accessibility to view nature and reset. Compared to indirect experiences that only mimic key elements from nature, biophilic design allows employees to be more productive, directly drawing on natural elements for energy and inspiration.
Natural lighting must be dynamic, using different intensities and color temperature to bring the outdoors in and to create a balance between light and shadows. Ensuring your lighting design incorporates natural light and still provides effective lighting sources for the work environment is key.
Incorporating biophilic elements provides a welcoming and pleasant workplace experience. Plants can increase productivity by absorbing background noise and can also filter toxins in the workplace, such as synthetic materials like paint finishes.
Overall, the purpose of incorporating biophilic design is to re-establish our relationship with nature. Doing so increases an employee’s wellbeing by reducing stress levels, improving productivity, and inspiring creativity.