Top facts on biophilic design
Guy Stanley
Design Consultant @ Stansons ?? Workplace Design ?? Culture & People ?? Sustainability
Introduction
When I first discovered the stats behind biophilic design and architecture I was astounded. The impact it can have on people is amazing, by simply improving the human connection to nature.
As humans we are naturally 'hardwired' to connect to nature. It only then seems logical to bring the concept of nature (biophilia and biophilic design) into the build environment and our workplace design.
Capitalising on this you can identify a real positive result for a business, it's people and it's profitability. Initially, as I say, this astounded me but now makes logical sense!
Top facts on ill health and lack of well-being in the workplace
Ill health and lack of well-being can result in poor performance and productivity, lost work time and increased costs. Interface published an "Introduction to Biophilic Design" which states that in the UK, work-related stress costs organisations an estimated ￡29 billion a year and accounts for;
- 35% of ill health
- 43% of absenteeism
It's not surprising that many business owners are open to explore ways to reduce the cost ill health and lack of well-being in the workplace.
Top facts on the impact of biophilic design
The study from Human Spaces "The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace" shows that workers in offices with natural elements, such as greenery and sunlight;
- are 6% more productive
- report 15% higher level of well-being
- are 15% more creative
What we are seeing is not only how a reduction in ill health and lack of well-being converts to a saving, we are also seeing an increase in operational productivity. All by simply improving the human connection to nature.
Top facts on the most wanted elements in the office
Human Spaces carried out research and compiled the top 5 elements most wanted in the workplace. What their research shows out of the top 5 elements 3 of them (and the top 2) are directly related to biophilia and improving the human connection to nature.
Natural light hits the top of the list. Maximising light, managing uncomfortable heat and glare is how I personally got into this topic through Stansons Group
Thank you for reading my article! Let me know your thoughts, tell me what's been missed out - it's great to hear your feedback!
Credits
This article wouldn't have been possible without the information and reports from;
About the author
Guy Stanley is an expert in the field of managing natural light and shade in the new build, refurbishment and fit-out construction industry. He provides consultancy to architects, designers, contractors and developers. Review his LinkedIn profile here and contact [email protected] for advice and support on your projects.
Operations Director at Stansons Group
6 年I like the way you've presented this article Guy Stanley, it's informative and easy to read. I've been to a few offices now where the staff say it just 'feels nice here', without being able to be specific. One thing all these offices share is well-controlled (but not over-suppressed) natural light, with great external vision. There's so much that can be done with correctly specified and coloured shading!
Architect, Academic, Writer. Specialist in environmental design
6 年How urban are we, when the simple fact that plants in the workplace are good for us is hailed as a new idea? Green walls are new, and a great idea, yes, but plants? Some of us are old enough to remember the sad neglected spider plants on grey filing cabinets. Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen. They also as the article points out, make us feel good, being in contact with the natural world. The atrium is ideal as a spatial element in temperate climates such as northern Europe and the UK, where rain is common: it wont overheat as it would in southern latitudes, it provides meeting, leisure and circulation space. It affords free daylight, can aid natural ventilation. Where desirable (not usually in offices) it can exploit passive solar energy. The temperature will be between inside and out without any heating, (though base level underfloor heating is good) it provides a buffer space to reduce heat loss, and gives adjacent offices ventilation, daylight and a pleasant view, all factors that will improve workers' well-being. Most of all, it makes an architectural feature, the heart of a building, and the ideal place for big lush green plants. There is no case for deep plan air-conditioned offices in a temperate climate.
Design Consultant @ Stansons ?? Workplace Design ?? Culture & People ?? Sustainability
6 年Fully agree Nigel Hill - this post was more highlighting tangible benefits of biophilic design. Biophilia is simply in the broad sense "improving the human connection to nature" which can be done in many ways but as you touched on, bringing the outdoors in, natural light, and views are all important. Thanks for your comment!
Premium Window Treatments & Electric Shade Experts | Managing Director at Umbra | Designers & Manufacturers of Blackout & Shade | A Carbon Neutral Company ??
6 年Great article Guy Stanley! One thing you could also have included is that both natural light and views out are benefits we get from windows. Biophilia is not only about bringing the outdoors inside, but also allowing us to connect with the outdoors through good views out. Correctly specified shading won't be a compromise with this. It will maximise available daylight and not hinder views out. Those of us who specialise in intelligent shading know that we help to make the most of windows, at the same time as protecting from unwanted glare and heat-gain. Windows are a key component of biophilic design and wellbeing in the workplace. You might also like our recent whitepaper: https://www.umbrashading.co.uk/2018/01/health-safety-health-wellbeing/
Country Manager, North America
6 年Tiffany Mak Yung Ong Ivee Zeng