Today’s offices are not just ergonomically comfortable—they’re being designed to connect us to the natural world, which, as humans, we are instinctively drawn to. Biophilic design—rooted in the notion that people not only thrive but also think better and are more creative in spaces that are connected to nature—has taken the corporate world by storm. But a green wall or a few potted plants don’t cut it. True biophilic design in today’s office involves a holistic integration of natural elements that stimulate the senses in a way that encourages, yes, not just comfort but also creativity and better overall office “well-being.”
Part 1: The Significance of Nature in Workspaces
An office I designed for a tech start-up in a thriving urban center is one of my favored workspaces. The edifice itself was a repurposed factory that brimmed with materials like rough-hewn concrete and exposed steel. There wasn’t a single living thing to be seen from any window in the building. But the moment you stepped into the reception area, let alone anywhere deeper into the office, you felt like you had entered a pocket in the universe where time held still. The air quality rivaled that of a mountaintop; the lighting was gentle and diffused; and there was an almost surreal quiet across the entire space.
This transformation happened in such a way that brought nature inside in a deliberate and thoughtful manner. The focal point of the design is a living wall, overflowing with ferns, ivy, and moss. The space is lit with a combination of natural light from the large windows and warm, diffused artificial light. Together, these light sources mimic the sun’s rhythm and complements the employees’ circadian needs.
What was captivating to see was how workers in this fast-paced, high-pressure atmosphere of efficiency and innovation engaged with the carefully crafted features of the office over time. There was some doubt at first about the extent to which the design would contribute to this office’s very obvious goals of efficiency and innovation. Employees seemed to feel that if a design feature did not contribute in a direct and obvious way to these central aims, it was pretty much wasted space. And then something shifted. Within a couple of weeks, the office had a surge in good vibes that was palpable.
In an office, biophilic design is like a spell that can be cast. It subtly and significantly impacts human psychology. Offices that feature biophilic design may appear more beautiful, but they also create something much more important: a healthier work environment that fuels productivity and well-being.
Those who work in biophilic offices experience a 15% lift in happiness and a 6% boost in productivity. Not bad for a design that incorporates a live plant wall, sunlight, and the sounds of chicken clucks! The seemingly small choices that make up biophilic design have big consequences for how people work and feel in their office.
Part 2: Conceiving with Purpose: More Than Verdant Walls and Houseplants
A tendency exists, particularly among businesses new to biophilic design, to revert to the easy addition of plants—a peace lily in the corner, a succulent at each workstation. These simple moves denote a step into the biophilic world, but they are not indicative of the full breadth of design possibilities that biophilia offers. Creating an environment in which the human spirit can thrive requires understanding how the principles of biophilia can be embedded not only in the décor of an office but also in the architecture, layout, and overall ambiance of any workspace.
Now let’s discuss natural materials. I once assisted with the design of an office for a law firm in a skyscraper. The city skyline was visible from the high-rise, but the interior design felt cold and unfriendly: cold metals, synthetic carpets, and a general lack of texture. The challenge was to create an inviting space that wouldn’t compromise the professional image the firm wanted to project. To do that, we used “natural” materials, including reclaimed wood, stone, and wool; conference tables were made from thick slabs of timber, and even the reception desk was a large marble slab with natural, random veins through it.
This office’s unique feature wall behind the front desk made for an unforgettable entrance. Rather than a logo or a standard art installation one might find in any office, we opted for an oversized, beautiful slab of oak. The oak’s rich coloring, knots, and grain made it the clear star of the show, encased in a frame made of planters stuffed to overflowing with verdure. This conversation piece, setting the tone for visitors and clients, subtly yet unmistakably told them that this was a space where eco-consciousness was respected and valued, yet it was still a place of serious professional business.
Another aspect that is often neglected is the function of water. Water has a fantastic ability to create a serene environment. In one project, I was part of the team that renovated a corporate office that sorely needed an update. We put in a long, low water feature that ran the length of the main corridor. It wasn’t loud or demanding, but you could hear the quiet tinkle of water if you happened to be walking by. Employees found it so zen that some of them began to take their breaks in that corridor—presumably because they couldn’t get any good tunes on Spotify either.
They would also have their backs turned to the water fountain, which is kind of a weird way to “be one” with the water, but whatever works, right?
The biophilic design approach also sees the effects of airflow and air quality on the well-being of the building’s occupants. Natural ventilation systems, such as operable windows and air-purifying plants, can dramatically elevate indoor air quality. I once worked with a client who insisted on using mechanized air purifiers throughout his office that employed a fringe technology that was more harmful than helpful. Instead, I recommended a combination of low-maintenance plants that filter the air the natural way. Six months after that change, this client told me that their office had fewer sick days and some notable improvements in morale.
Biophilic design is beautiful and works on all levels of perception. One can appreciate its presence on any of the five senses. Imagine the fresh scent of office pine, the gurgling water in a wall fountain, your gaze tracing the horizontal lines of a living wall, or the soothing natural texture of the wood-and-epoxy desk under your fingertips. Those are just the basic inputs of biophilic design. For traditional office spaces, these elements are often touted as wellness drivers. But biophilic design has a deeper level: the design of spaces on a biophilic imperative. This requires a fundamental change in not just how a space looks, but also how it performs and feels over a biophilic imperative.
Section 3: Office Biophilic Design—Case Studies and Future Directions
A project that stands out in my career is the design of a large media company’s office. The CEO was dedicated to not just the usual office, but to a space that truly fostered creativity and reduced stress. From the start, it seemed clear that the office was not going to be conventional. The concept was bold: immersion in nature. The office was designed to mimic the experience of walking through a forest. From the sustainably sourced hardwood floor to the dappled light (in a soft ceiling that was natural-light-filled, but featured no harsh fluorescents and definitely no incandescent bulbs) to the appearance of the polished floor, this office was an inviting space that felt very much like nature — and a healthy alternative to a conventional office that gnawed at a person’s creative spirit from the moment they crossed the threshold.
The design team was unbelievably elated after the installation of a lighting system that was unique to the usual office standards. The colors and intensities of the lights mimicked the natural order of light throughout the day. The progression from morning to evening was truly captured. The employees experienced such a transformation that they reported feeling not only energized in the morning, but also more relaxed during the late afternoon. One reason for this could be the inclusion of various nature sounds that have been proven to help people concentrate. Of course, the usual suspects—phones ringing, copiers…
An environment shaped by the elements of nature serves as a fountain of creativity no ordinary office can match. However, there is much more to the future of biophilic design than spaces filled with natural light and small, gurgling water features that beckon office denizens to congregate, like so many thirsty kangaroos. Virtual biophilia is the next big wave, in which digital projections of the natural world enhance the natural elements of an office. Imagine, for instance, a conference room where wall screens display a live feed from a beachfront security camera, complete with synthetic sea foam and the sounds of a virtual squawking seagull.
Moreover, the pandemic emphasized the critical need for workspaces that are both flexible and conducive to health. As a result of the biophilia movement, many work environments have been designed to soothe the occupants’ minds and bodies. But what do you do if you work from home? I have had several clients ask me to help them transform their home offices into biophilic spaces that replicate the environments of those lovely offices. I didn’t have a lot of precedents to work from, and the task was made even more challenging because my clients had vastly differing needs and very different aesthetic sensibilities.
To sum up, biophilic design is more than a passing fad in today’s offices—it’s a vital movement that will shape the very evolution of workspace design. The connection between our well-being and the natural world is so strong, and so well-supported by scientific research, that it would be unthinkable not to use the tools of biophilia to design the offices of tomorrow. Those tools—living walls, natural materials, water features, even the digital experiences of nature we discussed last week—will allow for profound connections between employees and the natural world. The end result?
A healthy, happy, and engaged workforce more productive than any we’ve known before.
