Whereas in many corporate spaces, efficiency and functionality are key, there can be a lack of the natural elements that make a workplace a people-focused environment.
The spaces can be functional but also cold and unwelcoming to the people who occupy them. That environment can impact employee comfort and, over time, the way visitors view a business.
This is where biophilic design becomes an important workplace strategy. Unlike plant-based decoration, biophilic design is a strategy for the built environment that uses nature to boost workplace performance and quality of commercial interior space.
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is the way of using natural elements in commercial building design to enhance health, engagement and performance.
Thoughtful incorporation of nature into the workplace has been demonstrated to improve employee engagement and overall space quality in commercial environments.
Biophilic design is not used for decoration, but as a tool to help achieve other goals of the workplace, such as enhancing its experience and use of space.
Why Traditional Corporate Spaces Often Feel Cold
Many commercial workplaces are designed initially around operational efficiency. Functionality is essential; however, one factor that workplaces may give less attention to is the quality of the environment.
Some of the factors may be the reasons for cold corporate environments, as mentioned below:
- Limited natural elements
- Harsh artificial brightness
- Minimal visual interest
- Poorly-designed communal areas
While these environments may be highly functional, they’re typically missing some of the natural elements that make a workplace inviting and engaging.
Thoughtful integration of nature is important, and without it, the organizations may miss the opportunities to improve employee wellbeing, collaboration, and overall workplace experience
The Impact of Nature on Workplace Performance
Studies have shown that adding natural elements in appropriate ways to the commercial environment can result in a more comfortable, engaging and productive place to work.
Benefits often include:
- Better employee experience.
- Greater workplace satisfaction.
- Lower perceived stress.
- Improved focus.
- Overall more positive visitor experience.
Biophilic design is not a cure-all, but it can enhance other workplace strategies in the creation of healthier, more engaging commercial environments.
Biophilic Design Delivers Long-Term Value
Biophilic design is more than an aesthetic improvement. It is an investment for long-term output to improve the quality and functionality of the workplace. When natural features are implemented in the design and professionally maintained, they support employee experience, strengthen first impressions, and enhance the overall environment year after year.
Like any commercial investment, the value of biophilic design is greatest when it continues to perform as intended. When plants are regularly cared with thoughtful management help organizations maintain that value, which allows the workplace to support business goals well beyond the initial installation.
Making a Good First Impression
The first impression starts as soon as visitors or clients walk through the door of the building.
An efficient reception area with biophilic design elements immediately conveys professionalism, attention to detail and a sense of caring for the workplace environment.
Adding bright plants can add warmth and softness to the area by softening and adding a natural element to the design.
These biophilic elements can be incorporated into the overall design strategy for the commercial project to support the overall brand identity and create inviting and well-maintained areas.
The outcome is that the space is more welcoming, engaging, and people-oriented. Those initial interactions are important to businesses trying to attract clients and workers.
Supporting Employee Well-Being
A large part of workers’ days is spent in commercial interiors. The quality of that environment can affect comfort and the overall experience working in that environment.
Breakout areas, collaborative work areas, reception and individual work areas can all be made more inviting and natural with plants.
As workplace quality becomes a greater priority, the thoughtful design of interiors has gained increasing significance in employee satisfaction, retention, and overall workplace planning.
At Interior Plantscapes, we design interior landscaping solutions that fit into commercial environments. It provides long-term workplace performance and maintains a professional environment.
Beyond Plants: A Complete Environmental Strategy
Biophilic design doesn’t just involve the inclusion of plants. Successful installations are planned to facilitate movement, working, collaboration and experiences within the space.
Factors such as:
- Plant selection
- Placement
- Lighting conditions
- Traffic patterns
- Maintenance requirements
Biophilic design successfully brings natural elements into the overall workplace design, ensuring that it is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
At Interior Plantscapes, we design professional interior landscapes as a program and our expertise continues to provide plant design value and plant performance beyond the installation.
Transforming Large Commercial Spaces
Commercial interior landscaping comes with its own set of challenges and needs. Commercial properties generally have many different lighting levels, traffic amounts, and functions in different areas.
All of the above factors are taken into account in a comprehensive biophilic design framework, and natural elements are used across all built environments for a holistic experience throughout the property.
Whether it is in entrance areas, conference rooms, collaborative work areas, executive spaces, or anywhere else, natural elements can be used in many different ways to enhance design and function. Each commercial site will have different operational needs, brand specifications and workplace goals. We take a biophilic approach that addresses those priorities to design spaces that are functional, visually cohesive, and professionally controlled over time.
Conclusion
Work areas can be inviting and comfortable. When biophilic design is added to their commercial spaces, businesses can create workplaces that are more conducive to employee well-being as well as make a positive impression among visitors. This also enhances the workplace experience in general.
With careful design and proper care, nature can enhance the impact of a project’s entrance and contribute to a more pleasant and stimulating work environment. Biophilic design is an investment in the long-term productivity of the work environment and quality of space over time.
