What Is Biophilic Design?

When are times when you feel the most calm and at peace? For most, it is in nature: whether it is hiking up a mountain while on vacation or just enjoying a sunset over the lake down the street. This neuroscientific draw towards nature is called biophilia and is actually genetic in humans.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that integrating biophilic design by adding nature-based elements and natural light in the workplace can impact the employee’s workplace experience. Bringing the outside into interior spaces has been proven to increase work performance, job satisfaction, and employees’ general health. In fact, research shows that biophilic design can cause an 8% increase in office productivity and a 13% increase in employee well-being. Biophilic design fosters positive and sustained relationships between people and the natural environment. As an employer, there are a few different ways to achieve biophilic design. First, consider sourcing with direct contact with nature. Through the integration of vegetation, natural light, water, woods, or fresh air, your interior space can foster productivity and provide a place of refreshment for employees. Consider a water feature for dual-sensory effects or an accent wall with rustic wood or lively moss. Indirect contact with nature can also evoke a similar outcome: use natural materials, colors, and textures in design elements. While greens, browns, and earth-toned neutrals are historically known for their biophilic effects, don’t be afraid to integrate a vibrant hue for the same effects. Incorporating stone countertops or clay accents allows natural textures to pop into your office space. Lastly, ensure your workspace cultivates a human-centric response that energizes, restores, and calms. Small changes can go a long way. 

Spectrum Interiors can strategically help your business achieve your workplace goals through comprehensive and strategic design. Whether it’s initially designing your space with natural elements or retrospectively adding them, Spectrum Interiors invites biophilic design into spaces to help you, your employees, and your business thrive. 

At Spectrum Interiors, it’s our mission to reshape the path for creating an interior office space. We believe all elements should work together from beginning to end, with one single point of contact organizing the project from strategy to furnishing, which streamlines communications and mitigates potential risks for our clients. Based in Edina, Minnesota, Spectrum Interiors is a nimble company covering the entire process of interior office space solutions. From the beginning, we work with our clients to strategize, envision, and design custom spaces and see them through to the end with interior construction and furnishing.