Most people spend 8-9 hours a day in their office spaces. So it’s no surprise that one of the latest trends to hit the commercial construction scene is biophilic design. This architectural and interior design technique works to benefit both the psychological and physical human well-being
The main aim of biophilic design is to find a balance between the usual characteristics of commercial buildings like concrete, steel, and glass with elements of nature. Incorporating natural elements harbors positivity, good physical and mental health. As a result, it increases productivity.
We take a look at what biophilic design is, its principles, and how it improves productivity in the workplace.
What Is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is more than simply adding a few potted plants in the corners of the office. It works to incorporate nature with building design. In doing so, this design method focuses on the role environments play in improving the health and productivity of human beings.
Using biophilic design tactics in your workspaces allows employees to interact with nature and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors throughout their work day. As a result, it creates a happier, lighter, and healthier work environment.
Some examples of biophilic design include:
- Plant walls or divider walls that double as plant filler
- Large windows providing views of greenery and nature
- Indoor water features that bring the calming effect of natural water bodies indoors
- Open-plan spaces that connect the inside of the office with the outdoors
The Principles Of Biophilic Design
One can incorporate biophilic design either directly with pieces of nature and the outdoors. Or you can do so indirectly with colors and shapes representing nature.
In the construction industry, experts use six primary principles to integrate biophilic design into spaces and connect occupants to nature. These are:
- Environmental features. This means introducing various elements of nature, like vegetation, plant walls, or water features, into your spaces to make them more lively.
- Natural shapes. The second principle indirectly incorporates elements of nature by using soft shapes and lines rather than harsh and rigid lines.
- Light and space. Using light and space effectively does wonders for employee well-being. Natural light improves worker productivity.
- Natural patterns. This involves using naturally occuring patterns, contours, textures, or numerical arrangements to stimulate all the human senses and make employees feel more in touch with the outdoors. Generally, a well-thought-out biophilic design will consider sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste.
- Place-based relationships. Biophilic designs should not only incorporate nature and the outdoors but also work to represent those aspects in connection to the local environment.
- Evolved human-nature relationships. The last principle works to provide safe and secure places of refuge for people while still ensuring that they do not feel isolated. For example, creating office spaces that incorporate nature helps workers feel more in touch with the outside world during their work day.
How Does It Improve Productivity?
Employees are far more productive when working in an environment they enjoy being in and feel comfortable in. So, by incorporating biophilic design, you can increase employee satisfaction and productivity.
Fosters Good Mental Health
A study has shown that there are high cases of mental health issues in urban areas where people have less access to nature.
So, by providing natural stimuli in the office space, employees will feel happier and more positive. As such, they will be in better and healthier mental states to produce good work.
By fostering good mental health, you also aid in reducing stress levels, which play a major role in the productivity of employees.
Reduces Cases Of Office Related Illness
Vegetation, office plants, and the open planned working spaces improve airflow, which helps to reduce the spread of illness in the office. This improves productivity by reducing absenteeism.
Workers remain present in the office, healthy, and working hard instead of fighting a cold at home.
Improved Concentration And Creativity
Scientists have found that exposure to environmental features reduces mental fatigue and improves concentration. When employees focus and avoid distractions, they take less time to perform various tasks and their productivity increases.
Incorporating biophilic design elements also provides a space for employees to draw inspiration from when it comes to new ideas and creative thinking.
Higher Staff Retention
Providing a space where your staff feels happy, valued, and productive ensures that they will stay at your company longer. This has many positives when it comes to improving productivity. For one, retaining staff means minimizing the cost and time spent on hiring and training new employees.
Conclusion
The commercial construction industry is constantly changing to meet the needs of society. Biophilic design is just one of the many ways the industry has made the end product of a build not just beautiful but also beneficial.
So, if you are about to embark on an office renovation, contact Chad Fischer Construction. With our many experts in the field, we can advise on some of the latest and most effective design trends and techniques!