The Ultimate Guide to Biophilic Design in the Workplace

Bring Nature Indoors: A Guide to Biophilic Interior Design

What does your office space look like? If it’s anything like the average workspace, it probably includes fluorescent, gray cubicles and windowless meeting rooms. While this style is the norm, it doesn’t make for a very energetic or engaging space. If you’re hoping to improve the in-office experience for you and your employees, consider biophilic design for workplaces. Here’s what you need to know about this approach.

What Is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is the practice of incorporating natural elements into the built environment. However, it goes far beyond simply placing a potted plant on a desk. Rather, the best examples of biophilic interior design weave nature into every part of the workspace. This might include maximizing natural light, improving air circulation, and using organic textures throughout an office.

Strategies for Cultivating a Greener Office

Are you hoping to add biophilic design to your office? Try these strategies as you get started:

• Maximize Natural Light—Think about how you can get more natural light into your space. You could swap heavy blinds for sheer shades, or arrange workstations near large windows. Artificial lighting can’t compete with natural sunlight!
• Introduce Organic Materials—Use materials like reclaimed wood, stone, and bamboo for furniture and flooring to mimic the great outdoors. Many people find these materials calming compared to plastic and metal.
• Embrace Natural Shapes—Nature rarely features perfect right angles. Incorporate curved desks, circular rugs, and flowing lines to soften the rigid structure of a standard office layout.

How You and Your Employees Can Benefit

An interior designed with biophilic principles can benefit both you and your employees. First, an environment with natural elements reduces stress and anxiety. Employees working in natural light and around greenery often report higher levels of well-being. Beyond creating a better space for your team, your business’s bottom line can feel the positive effects. When employees feel more engaged at work, they’re more likely to be more productive, in turn, boosting your bottom line.

Practical Plantscaping Ideas for Your Office

When you think of office biophilic design services, you probably picture lots of greenery and potted plants. However, good biophilic design is more than just a few succulents. Try these practical plantscaping tips for a biophilic interior:

• Install a Living Wall—These vertical gardens look lovely in a reception area, but they also make a great focal point in employee break rooms.
• Add Some Hanging Planters—Suspend trailing plants like pothos or ivy from the ceiling to draw the eye upward and save floor space.
• Separate Zones With Plants—Use large potted floor plants, such as fiddle leaf figs or snake plants, to naturally divide open-plan offices into quieter work zones.

Don’t Ruin the Effect With These Mistakes

Adding a few plants to an office space seems simple, but if you really want to take advantage of biophilic design, you’ll want to avoid these mistakes:

• Ignoring Lighting—Be sure you know what kind of light your plants need. Placing a sun-loving plant in a dark corner will quickly lead to brown, dropping leaves.
• Skipping Maintenance—Dead or dying plants create a depressing atmosphere, which completely defeats the purpose of biophilic design.
• Too Much Clutter—Overcrowding an area with too many small pots can make a space feel messy rather than relaxing.

How The Professionals Can Help

Designing and maintaining a biophilic workspace is challenging for busy office managers. Instead of taking on the project yourself, use professional biophilic design services. The pros understand which plants will work best in your space, and they can help you choose the right placement. At Oasis Plantscaping, we’re excited to work with businesses throughout Washington, DC as they beautify their office spaces. Get in touch with us today for details about our services.