The term ‘biophilia’ refers to humans’ inherent connection with nature, which we know to have a huge influence on health and wellbeing. Biophilic design seeks to bring this connection – and its myriad of benefits –to interior spaces. As the workplaces continue to evolve and become more community-focused and conversations around employee wellbeing increase, leading office designers turn to biophilic solutions in order to create better office experiences.

From glass-domed greenhouses inside office buildings to circadian lighting solutions, there are many ways to incorporate biophilic design in workspaces. Here are a few simple features to help improve mood and focus:

Plants

Including greenery in the workplace increases oxygen levels, improves concentration and decreases fatigue. You don’t even need the real thing to enjoy some biophilic effect –although they can’t improve air quality, artificial plants can still be beneficial to employees’ health, as seeing natural landscapes and elements can have an immediate mood-boosting effect.

Natural colours and shapes

One of the key components of biophilic design is the use of natural colours and shapes. Visual elements of nature can help reduce stress and fatigue in a number of ways, and green-painted walls are a great and simple step towards embracing biophilia, or office décor that centers around earthy tones as well as blues and white that mimic water, sky and clouds.

Artwork depicting natural landscapes can also generate a relaxing effect. We recommend using live plants to create a living wall, which provides an injection of oxygen and mood benefits without compromising floor space.

Textures

Including natural elements like wood, bamboo, and stone, both in working spaces and break-out areas, helps to mimic the textures and materials found outdoors. Even wooden desks and leather sofas help bring a sense of the outdoors inside.

Light

Harsh fluorescent lighting is a significant contributor to fatigue, headaches, and stress. Make the most of natural light by ensuring windows aren’t fully covered by blinds and desks are pointed towards windows rather than away from them. Installing skylights is a fantastic way to flood the space with extra light.

Real natural light is ever-changing – becoming stronger, cooler and then warmer again as the day progresses. Wall-to-wall windows give employees exposure to a full range of natural light as it changes throughout the day, providing a much more biophilic ambiance than fluorescent bulbs. Artificial lighting variation can be achieved with the installation of dimmer switches and adapting lighting to the circadian rhythm.