DESIGN & INTERIORS BIOPHILIA BOUNCE BACK
Emily Vernon, Managing Director of phs Greenleaf, explains how the pandemic has changed workforce expectations and why biophilic design could be key to a successful future.
“Studies have shown that plants and biophilic features positively
impact people’s perceptions of the friendliness, comfort,
freshness, and cleanliness of an environment or workplace.”
The pandemic did not just change the way we use our built environment, it has created a fundamental shift in our attitude towards it, and what we need from it in order to return to our ‘new normal’.
Unnaturally long spells indoors have highlighted to the nation the importance of nature in our day-to-day lives. Lockdowns have fired our desire to be outside more and reconnect with the natural world.
Being with plants and nature makes us feel calm, content and safer. It is an innate connection with nature, known as biophilia. Now, more than ever, we understand how a walk in the countryside or a trip to the coast can positively impact our sense of wellbeing, both physically and mentally.
Biophilic design is about harnessing the power of nature and using it in the built environment to positively influence the people using it which, in turn, can improve wellbeing, productivity and sales.
Plants, trees, flowers and other natural materials serve a far greater purpose than simply creating a nice aesthetic for the workplace, they can deliver real tangible benefits, during and after the pandemic, including attracting existing and new customers and employees; improving dwell time in a space; increasing productivity and health; and offering practical and innovative solutions to COVID measures.
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A fresh curb appeal Many of the businesses phs Greenleaf is working with are taking a fresh look at their curb appeal in light of the pandemic. Now, more than ever, it is important to attract people back, whether it is employees coming back to the office, or customers returning to pubs and restaurants.
Attractive, thriving plants outside a premise gives the impression of a clean, healthy environment inside too, providing some reassurance to nervous visitors. Even simple fresh hanging baskets and potted trees are known to have an impact.
Studies have shown that plants and biophilic features positively impact people’s perceptions of the friendliness, comfort, freshness, and cleanliness of an environment or workplace. If people see plants thriving in a space, they will assume it is a clean and healthy environment – a good place to thrive themselves.
Understanding biophilic design can help businesses tap into this psychology to ensure those returning to a space feel safe and happy, benefitting the business and its people.
Boosting productivity People want to spend more time in natural-looking environments because they know they benefit from them. Studies have shown that offices experienced a 15%
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