Practices of Biophilic Patterns in Workplace Design

Abstract

Nature-based design strategies for indoor environments as an efficient approach for improving workplaces design and employee's health and wellbeing have received little attention compared to other design strategies related to comfort and wellness concepts in workplaces including office ergonomics, thermal comfort, lighting conditions and acoustic factors. The paper focuses on biophilic design as an effective approach for enhancing workplace design and promoting employee's health through the application of nature-based design solutions. The study provides insights into the implementation of biophilic design patterns in workplace design through studying international examples successfully adopting this design approach. Inputs about the biophilic theoretical background and related health benefits are also discussed to better understand the user's positive responses to nature. This paper proposes a series of tools to be incorporated in actual design practice of workplaces design aiming to reconnect users with natural environments thus benefiting from it in terms of cognitive, psychological, and physiological health outcomes. These tools can be classified into elements related to interior design, building design, and outdoor spaces design that can be included in further practices of workplace design.