Incorporating Biophilic Design: A Hidden Secret to Boost Productivity
Understanding Biophilic Design
Biophilic Design is an innovative approach to designing the spaces where we live, work, and learn. The term “biophilia” was popularised by Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson in 1984 when he observed humans’ inclination to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. The design concept followed thereafter, to incorporate elements of nature into man-made surroundings and foster a sense of connection to the environment. Biophilic design resonates with end-users due to the intrinsic comfort of natural atmospheres which is missed out on in urban settings.
The Connection Between Biophilic Design and Productivity
The concept of integrating natural elements into our built environment can seem inconsequential on the surface, but research and case studies link improved productivity and well-being to Biophilic Design principles. Here’s why:
- Natural Light: Natural light has been proven to increase productivity and comfort. A study by Cornell University Professor Dr. Alan Hedge found that workers in daylit office environments reported an 84% drop in symptoms of eyestrain, headaches and blurred vision symptoms, all of which can detract from productivity.
- Air Quality: Indoor plants not only exude calmness but they also improve air quality, lowering carbon dioxide levels, reducing the stress hormone, and increasing feelings of contentment.
- Visual Connection with Nature: Views of nature can have significant impacts on our cognitive function including increased concentration and improved memory recall.
Successful Examples of Biophilic Design Boosting Productivity
Several corporate giants have implemented features of biophilic design to boost productivity amongst their work-force. To ensure a comprehensive understanding, we will explore a few examples below:
- Amazon’s Spheres: In 2018, Amazon unveiled ‘The Spheres’ – three enormous domes housing over 40,000 plants where employees can work and relax amidst nature.
- Google’s London office: Google’s office includes a rooftop garden for employees to relax and enjoy views of the city and sky, thus adding a biophilic element to the workspace.
- Etsy’s Headquarters: Their Brooklyn office is an epitome of Biophilic Design with a plethora of plants, a living wall, and harvesting rainwater for irrigation.
How to Incorporate Biophilic Design to Boost Productivity
Biophilic design is not just about installing a few potted plants or installing large windows for natural light, it’s about creating a living environment from the inside out. Here are the recommended steps:
- Focus on Natural Light: Increase the intake of natural light through larger windows, glass doors, skylights, or even mirrored reflectors.
- Improve Air Quality: Incorporate air-purifying plants or mechanized air purifiers with HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality.
- Visual Connection with Nature: Create visuals of nature in the form of live walls, water bodies, or screens showcasing serene forests. This helps reduce stress and spark creativity.
- Incorporate Natural Materials: Use fabrics, materials, and textures that imitate natural environments such as wood, stone, metals, and vegetation.
- Biodynamic Lightning: This approach keeps track of the sun’s position and adjusts the color and intensity of the lightning to match natural lightning during the day and evening.
Deploying a Design Strategy Well Suited to Your Space
Before implementing any biophilic design strategy, assess the feasibility of the plan for your existing workspace. A grand idea like a rooftop garden might not be practical for a small office building, but a wall of greenery may suffice. Therefore, plan your strategy keeping your available resources in mind.
Conclusion: Crafting a More Productive Environment
As we have seen, the value of incorporating Biophilic Design to boost productivity can not be ignored. Numerous studies support the notion that our surroundings profoundly impact our health, emotional well-being, and productivity. Hence, crafting workspaces that incorporate natural elements and provide a connection to nature is a smart and innovative approach to business success. The initial investment in biophilic design can indeed bring about significant returns through increased productivity and employee satisfaction in the long term.
Next steps for individuals and organizations include evaluating the existing workspace for opportunities to integrate biophilic design concepts. Then, create a feasible plan, rally the necessary resources, and start implementing changes gradually. By actively incorporating a little bit of nature, we can create work environments that motivate, inspire, and lead to enhanced productivity and wellbeing.
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