Are you employing elements of biophilic design in your workplace? Chances are that you are to some extent, even if you’re not familiar with the term. As more and more employees are returning to the workplace, companies are doing more to enhance their working environment. Biophilic design can play a large role in improving the office atmosphere.

First, let’s discuss what the term actually means. Stephen Kellert, a professor at Yale University, is quoted as saying “Biophilic design is an approach that seeks to fuse nature with architecture—not just inspiring natural design but specifically affecting how buildings and communities function.”

It’s probably a bit simplistic to suggest that this simply means adding plants to the office, although that is certainly an element of biophilic design. Ultimately, it involves truly bringing your employees closer to nature however possible. Each added aspect of biophilic design in the office helps reduce stress, and makes for a more comfortable and productive work environment.

Biophilic design includes multiple steps when it comes to remaking an office. Among them are using environmental features such as greenery and water, making the most of sunlight and your office’s space potential, using natural shapes and forms (i.e. using nature-inspired colors and images), and using spaces to improve human relationships.

Introducing a new level of biophilic design in the workplace also promotes sustainable behaviors, and reminds us of the ever-growing importance of nature in a digital age.

While all of this sounds like a modern concept, this idea has actually existed for many decades. The recent pandemic, however, with its effect on employees leaving and then returning to the workplace, helped to place a whole new emphasis on reducing stress in the workplace however possible. Biophilic design can create a whole new environment in your workplace…one that employees truly look forward to being in.

Are you interested in finding out more about this concept, and the difference it can make in your office? Reach out to the office design team at Bellia today, and ask us about how we can improve your office space, your working environment, and your bottom line. We’re happy to help you and your employees love the space you’re in!

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Sources:
https://www.haworth.com/na/en/spark/articles/2020/biophilic-design.html
https://www.haworth.com/na/en/spark/articles/2022/q3/activating-biophilic-design-in-the-workplace.html