Imagine walking into an office that feels like a peaceful forest rather than a regular workspace. What if your office has sunlight pouring in through big windows or you can hear the gentle sound of water, and the natural wood in the furniture gives off a warm and calming vibe? This kind of environment promotes creativity and people work more effectively.

This isn’t just a design choice; it’s about tapping into our natural connection with the outdoors, it’s a concept known as Biophilia. Biophilia means ‘love of life,’ Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson describes it as the human need to connect with nature and all forms of life. This article explores more about the meaning, principles and benefits of Biophilic designs.

What is a Biophilic design?

Biophilic design is about bringing nature into buildings, office spaces and our homes. It is not about adding a few plants but understanding the deep connection one has with nature and finding ways for people to interact with it throughout the day. As companies are focusing more on the physical and mental health of their employees, biophilic office design is becoming popular.

This approach brings elements of nature into the workplace, creating a more enjoyable, inspiring and healthy environment. By incorporating natural features, biophilic design boosts employee well-being, satisfaction, productivity and creativity. It helps balance the stressful and fast-paced digital work environments.

What are the six principles of Biophilic designs?

Professor Steven R. Kellert has talked about six key principles of Biophilic designing in his book, ‘Biophilic Design.’ Below is a brief explanation of these principles and the example of Amazon Spheres are used to explain these principles.

Amazon Spheres are a great example of biophilic design in action. These unique offices are filled with thousands of plants, providing employees with an environment that feels more like a lush garden than a typical office.

Environmental Features

The Spheres are filled with over 40, 000 plants from around the world. This direct contact with nature helps employees feel one with nature, despite working in the heart of the city.

Natural Shapes & Forms

Amazon spheres have curved shapes and smooth, natural forms instead of sharp angles and straight lines. It makes the space feel more relaxed and closer to nature.

Natural Patterns & Processes

Inside the sphere, employees get to experience nature with all their senses. They can see lots of plants, hear the gentle sound of water and feel the different plant textures. This creates a rich and varied environment that feels peaceful and soothing.

Light and Space

The spheres are designed in such a way that they create a space where the light changes throughout the day. Receiving natural daylight not only boosts moods but also helps regulate employees’ circadian rhythms, making them feel more alive and energised.

Place-Based Relationships

Amazon Spheres include plant and design features that reflect the local landscape of the Pacific Northwest. This helps connect the space to the local environment and makes it feel like a part of the area.

Evolved Human-Nature Relationships

The Spheres have quiet areas that are surrounded by plants where employees can take a break and feel comfortable. These spaces offer a sense of refuge and relaxation without making people isolated.

By using these design principles, Amazon’s Spheres create a workspace that is not only visually appealing but also boosts well-being, creativity and productivity. They show how biophilic design can improve modern workplaces.

Benefits of Biophilic Designs

Biophilic Design is becoming more popular in office spaces in 2024. It’s about bringing a bit of nature into the workplace and adding elements like plants, natural light and green spaces to make office space a healthier and more enjoyable place to work. Below are some benefits of the Biophilic Design:

Physical Health Benefits

The biggest advantage of incorporating biophilic design is how it improves physical health. When you add plants, plant walls, and natural materials helps clean the air, control humidity and improve overall air quality. Studies show that being around nature can boost employee’s immunity and reduce the number of sick days that employees take.

Mental Health Benefits

Biophilic design supports mental health. According to research, having nature in the workplace can lower stress and anxiety, thereby making employees feel happier and more relaxed. Additionally, this connection to nature leads to better job satisfaction and increased productivity.

Increased Creativity

Being surrounded by natural elements like plants and water features can help boost creativity and inspire new ideas, that make the brain work better. Features such as plant walls and natural materials create spaces that encourage creative thinking and teamwork. Whether you are going to brainstorm in a bright, sunny spot or have a meeting in a room with a nature theme, these designs help spark innovation and share ideas.

The Bottom Line

Biophilia, or the “love of life,” is the concept of connecting with nature. This approach to office design focuses on integrating natural elements to create a more pleasant and productive work environment. The Amazon Spheres serve as a prime example, showcasing biophilic principles like natural shapes, patterns, and materials, as well as features that enhance light and space.