In a world increasingly dominated by digital screens and urban sprawl, the longing to connect with nature has never been stronger. There’s something about the great outdoors that makes people feel happier, creative, and more relaxed — and employers are taking note. Biophilic office design, which brings elements of nature into workspaces, has become one of the hottest trends, transforming the look and feel of workplaces today.
Research shows that immersion in nature has positive effects on health, cognitive performance, and attention. This extends to the workplace, where employees spend up to a third of their day. Greenery in the office, for example, can lower stress levels and improve employees’ perception of their work environment. Even having a window view, where they can gaze out into nature, can make a huge difference. The more opportunities employees have to interact with the natural world, the more creative, productive, and satisfied they feel.
Transforming Workspaces With Biophilic Office Design
Exactly what is biophilic design, and how is it incorporated? The term biophilia means “love of life” and refers to the innate need we have as humans to connect with nature. It involves integrating natural elements, including plants, natural light, and organic materials, into the built environment. Here are some of our favorite trends in biophilic office design.
Incorporate Plants Into Your Office Design
Plants are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to infuse nature into your workplace. Not only do they bring a sense of calm to your office aesthetic, but they also improve air quality. Movable pots and planters can help personalize workspaces and create a peaceful focal point. Choose a variety of plants that are easy to maintain and well-suited to the surrounding environment. Ekitta makes an array of elegant, understated planters available in various sizes and finishes.
Elevate Your Workspace With Green Walls
Sprawling green walls or vertical gardens are a stunning way to integrate nature into your office decor. In addition to creating a relaxing and aesthetically pleasing environment, these installations offer functional benefits by serving as space dividers, air purifiers, and sound barriers. For instance, Quiet Earth Moss, a preserved moss used in many green wall designs, adds an element of maintenance-free greenery that is ideal for offices. It not only absorbs sound and improves acoustics but also retains its vibrant appearance without requiring water, light, or regular upkeep.
Revamp Your Office Using Natural Elements
Using materials like wood, stone, bamboo, wool, or other organic materials in your office furnishings and decor adds warmth and provides a tactile connection to the natural world. Textures like exposed brick, woven fabrics, or smooth pebbles evoke a sense of grounding and comfort. These materials are also durable and environmentally friendly. Swedish designer Greenmood uses regrowing, organic materials like cork and reindeer moss to create functional office furniture, from project boards to acoustic wall and ceiling panels.
Brighten Your Workspace With Natural and Comfortable Lighting
Reduce reliance on harsh artificial lighting and maximize what light you do have with large windows, skylights, and open layouts. Even if your office lacks natural light and views, positioning desks and workstations near windows helps improve the moods and circadian rhythms of employees. You can also warm up darker spaces by incorporating soft lighting, such as standing and desk lamps. With its soothing glow, the Buzzi Space BuzziFez lamp works exceptionally well to create a peaceful and ambient setting, making it a perfect fit for office, home, and hospitality environments. Lighting systems that change intensity throughout the day mimic the natural progression of sunlight and can also enhance comfort.
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