More creative, more productive, healthier and happier workplaces. Isn’t that what we all want?
Of all the interior design principles we use in our commercial schemes to boost employee wellbeing, there’s no doubt our favourite is biophillic design.
Biophilia is the blurring of the boundary between inside and out - creating a strong connection to nature inside the workplace.
But why do we love it so much? Two reasons.
Firstly, mixing natural elements with plenty of green planting and then flooding it with light is one of the simplest, most effective and, let’s face it, good-looking ways to change a workspace’s vibe for the better.
Secondly, just because it’s good for your workplace, and everyone in it.
Studies have shown that, when we spend time in natural surroundings with plenty of light, green foliage and natural materials, we are less sick and more productive, focused and creative.
Green Space = Natural Stress Relief
Recent research from Cornell University found that just 10 minutes spent in a natural setting made college students feel happier and less stressed.
The study also found that adding greenery to an interior environment had the same effect. And, after around 50 minutes, those positive wellbeing benefits plateau - but they don’t drop off.
So as we see it, bringing a little greenery into your workplace is a no-brainer.
Here are 3 of the best Biophilia Trends for your office.
1. Green Walls & Ceilings
We’ve created many an impactful green scheme for our clients using beautiful living walls and ceilings - both real and replica.
We work with the brilliant Oasis Plants who, with projects in the bag for big brands like Adidas, Marriott and Rolls Royce/ McLaren, are extremely well versed in the art of transforming a space with stunning greenery.
The great thing about living walls and ceilings is that they’re not just pretty to look at (though they definitely are that).
They also:
- Help reduce ambient noise in your office - another key employee wellbeing factor.
- Help insulate spaces - keeping things warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Reinforce your company’s sustainable credentials.
- Create a welcoming environment with a positive feel.
- May improve air quality.
2. Moss Art
Yes, moss art IS another type of green wall - but bear with us!
The difference between a living wall and a moss art installation is the total versatility of moss.
The moss walls we use are sustainably harvested and treated with an eco-friendly preservative.
They’re also:
- Lightweight.
- Maintenance free, needing no water or sunlight.
- Flexible - they can be curved around walls.
- Utterly adaptable - they can be coloured as you wish and/or be combined with lighting, signage or other elements to create gorgeous, innovative installations - imagine your signage or logo picked out in stunning 3D greenery, for example.
Better yet, mosses also help stabilise moisture levels around them - and keeping humidity levels up indoors has been shown to help reduce the spread of infectious and inflammatory diseases, including Covid-19.
Beautiful and functional - isn’t that just the best combination?
3. Reflective Surfaces
The other simple way to introduce biophillic design into your workplace is to use reflective surfaces that bounce light through your office space.
No-one likes working in a space that feels dark and dingy.
Combining mirrors, white surfaces and polished metals can create a stunning and contemporary scheme that works to improve the flow of natural daylight around a room.
And as a bonus result - helping to light the darkest of corners and weave a visual illusion, working reflective surfaces in with clever spatial planning also makes a space feel bigger than it is.
Is it time to work a little Biophilic magic into your office design? We specialise in creating amazing spaces for both work and play.
Get in touch with our team today to chat all things interiors…
Want to see a little more? Take a peek at some of our projects here.
