Designers are constantly challenged by the quest for the ‘perfect’ workplace. The aspiration is to develop a space which reflects organizational culture, creates a ‘commute worthy’ destination, inspires greater productivity, creativity and collaboration whilst also embracing diversity, inclusion, and wellness. An increasingly acknowledged contribution to the ‘workplace design’ debate is the potential learning from embracing concepts from nature. Mentioned the work ‘biophilia’ to many people and they will think plants. Biophilic or bio design embraces far more than plants. It offers the opportunity to create a connection between people and nature within our working environment.
In 2014, US based sustainability consulting firm, Terrapin Bright Green published a white paper, The 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design – Improving Health and Well-Being in the Built Environment. The publication categorizes the different relationships between natural elements and humans. The paper highlights how inspiration from nature can be adopted within interior design and applied to improve health and wellbeing. The principles of the “14 Patterns” include Direct Experience of Nature embracing visual and non-visual connections; Natural Analogues through natural forms, patterns, and materials; the Experience of Space and Place replicating emotions generated by natural environments such as mystery, refuge, risk and peril.
Visual connections through views to nature are shown to reduce heart rate after being exposed to a mental stressor. Similarly, sights of flowering plants and calm animals, indication of human habitat, and bodies of clean water all have a positive effect.
Non-visual connections should include stimuli for the senses – auditory, gustatory, olfactory and haptics. These can be achieved through the selection of surface finishes, furniture, lighting.
The influence of ‘Space & Place’ is an interesting concept. Open spaces, such as atriums, are very common and probably designed without recognizing the link to human evolution. The use of curves and corners introduces elements of mystery and exploration. As well as adding interest, these features provide anticipation and compel people to investigate further.