Well Consultant: WELL Building Standards and All You Need to Know — Biofilico Wellness Interiors
The WELL standard in the building industry has completely changed the rulebook of human-centric building certification, going further than both LEED and sustainability quests to promote healthy buildings and architecture. As a result, WELL standard paired with these contemporary assessments, dig deep into human health aspects and their wellbeing as tenants in a building.
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) plays a crucial role in approving organizations for WELL Performance Testing, ensuring that the verification process is thorough and reliable.
A lot of factors can largely affect human health, happiness and productivity within the building walls, especially since multiple pieces of research have shown an increased amount of time spent indoors, especially in urban areas.
Staying semi-immobile for eight hours or more, inhaling poor quality air, stressing over work, combined with improper food choices and bad posture etc. make a built environment that shapes and influences our lives in the long run.
The WELL building standard is a useful tool for making and improving the health and wellbeing of the tenants inside the buildings. And how does it work?
What is a WELL building standard by the International WELL Building Institute
For those willing to get started with the WELL concept, the first thing to know is that you need to focus on things that directly and indirectly affect human behaviour and health. We can say that the WELL building certification concept is a holistic approach to health in the built environment, acting through architecture, design and later - maintenance of the building.
The WELL Building Standard is a system based on measurements and monitorings of air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind performances in a built-in environment. The certification process is crucial in achieving WELL certification, involving key stakeholders, evaluation of design documentation, and the role of WELL Consultants in aiding clients through the entire process.
WELL Building Standard enables teams to classify intentions and benefits of each WELL standard feature and develop comprehensive strategies to improve and protect different sets of body systems, such as cardiovascular, immune, digestive, endocrine, respiratory, muscular and all the others. Performance verification is necessary to ensure that buildings meet the standards set by the WELL certification, involving rigorous testing of parameters like acoustic performance, water, and air quality.
Clean water supplies for every tenant
The WELL building standard promotes clean and safe water consumption, through the implementation of filtration techniques and testings. In his way, our building occupants and employees are protected from accidentally drinking dangerous materials non-visible to the eye.
Proper nourishment to concur diseases
Wrong eating habits combined with stress are resulting in a great percentage of overweight or obese people, especially within the younger population. Poor nutrition is also one of the primary contributors to all of the chronic diseases. The WELL building standard prescribes fresh and wholesome food, limiting the highly-processed ingredients.
Lighting as a way to connect with nature
Accessibility of natural light can add to better productivity, and it has been proven in multiple pieces of research. Bad and misconducted ventilation and lighting makes a big impact on the body's circadian rhythm, leading to, once mentioned chronicle diseases.
Air purifiers and filtration
A great percentage of premature deaths all around the world are caused by air pollution! The confrontation of pollutants can be two or even five times bigger on the inside than on the outside, which makes WELL certified projects more than ever needed to establish building requirements and filtration systems that minimize sources of indoor pollution
A WELL building standard provides illumination guidelines to minimize the disruption of the body's circadian systemenhancing productivity and supporting good sleeping quality.
Fitness options in an everyday life
Individuals who are insufficiently active have a higher risk of mortality compared to those who meet the health care organisation advises. A WELL standard promotes the integration of physical activity in everyday life by supporting the building and office owners to incorporate gyms - for an active lifestyle of their employees and tenants.
Factors that are of great comfort to people
Designing ergonomically safe and comforting surroundings can be of great help in the prevention of many physical stresses and disorders. A WELL consultant considers thermal, ergonomic, acoustic and olfactory options to comfort and optimize indoor working and living quality.
A mind that sees a better tomorrow
Environmental characteristics have direct impacts on mental health and well-being. Crowd, noise, poor lighting or humid and starchy odours can be the cause of febrile mental, neurological disorders leading to depression and different disabilities worldwide.
By implementing the WELL standard in building, you can optimize cognitive and emotional health through design layout, technology picking and healing, treatment strategies.
WELL certificate and WELL accredited professionals
A WELL consultant is a professional of significant knowledge in human health and wellness environment, with multiple participates in the WELL building. A WELL consultant can certify building with a WELL certificate. The WELL exam assesses abilities at three cognitive levels: Recall, Application and Analysis. Consulting services related to the International WELL Building Standard include advising, integrating design strategies, and organizing the preparation and submittal of documentation for certification.
A WELL certificate proves that your wellbeing consultant has abilities to recall factual information, identify a solution for a given problem or a scenario and analyze the relationship or interaction between multiple elements of the rating system. Consultants will advise and work with the building owner and design team from inception through construction and occupancy to obtain WELL Certification.
Any type of facility except single-family homes can pursue the WELL certification for health safety, including offices, hotels, grocery stores, warehouses, theatres, gyms, restaurants and schools, among others.
Be part of the WELL community with Biofilico
A WELL certificate is a credential that demonstrates professional mastery of the human and architectural health approach and ability to utilize materials and contribute to a better understanding of the WELL system strategies. Measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment to improve human health and wellness is crucial.
Biofilico provides a WELL consultant with thorough knowledge and rich experience in WELL certified projects and well building. Do you consider yourself a leader in your industry? Then it’s time to take another step forward. Medical research is essential in understanding the interactions between humans and the built environment, particularly in the context of the WELL Building Standard.
By contracting Biofilico as a WELL consultant or becoming one yourself, you are aiming for the long term health of your building and your employees, ensuring maximum performance and high-quality human experience in every niche.
Contact us to discuss WELL certification for your green building, office or gym. Biofilico combines several building certifications, creating new-age real estate developments and interior design that suits your tenants equally as it suits the natural environment.
What are sustainable office buildings?
Sustainable office buildings or even eco friendly office buildings are made to contain office spaces demand a great deal of investment, futuristic viewpoint and long term willingness to improve health. This strategic alliance is formed between green interior experts, teams of several different architectural niches and urban designers - all aligned to create a better working environment that can benefit to all its users.
Our purpose is not to collide with architecture or interfere in the process of construction, but we are inclined to bring nature indoors, integrating biophilia (the love and need for nature) into 21st-century urban interior design and creating sustainable office buildings and spaces.
How do we succeed in making eco friendly office buildings?
By incorporating the everlasting principles of nature-derived materials, healthy surroundings that improve mood, with a sustainable way of reusing materials - we are given all the key factors needed for a good and sustainable office building to grow.
Biophilic design and vernacular architecture symbiosis
Vernacular architecture is a completely autonomous field of study, made due to the present socio-cultural context focused on the bad influence of the industrialization and globalization, and the use of suitable and natural materials from the local environment.
This concept assumes a building activity without a project and without technical representation, but still establishing a perfectly integrated empirical knowledge based on local tradition.
Chalets made of bamboo in South-East Asia or evolved examples of Scandinavian or alpine vernacular architecture that reflect the characteristics of the local environment, climate, culture, natural materials, technology are the best examples of sustainable buildings at the moment.
The embodiment of sustainability
These principles developed for centuries in different communities can be the future reflections of how sustainable office buildings should look like and what are the principles of their constructions.
Biophilic principles are also evident in vernacular architecture, where buildings are constructed in a way that reflects the landscape around them. This particular type of architecture combined with biophilic interior design allows people to form bonds with the natural world around them in a more profound way.
These two have to be in some form of symbiosis to work out the problem called sustainable office buildings primarily, and later on - the apartment building and houses.
Non-toxic materials for green office buildings
Transforming your office building into a more sustainable office building of a harmonious collection of natural elements will boost your mood, productivity and sense of wellbeing.
To make a sustainable office building we need to use sustainable, earth-friendly materials such as wood, bamboo, cork, marble, granite, limestone, porcelain, as well as natural patterns, colours, textures and finishes, also made in a sustainable process and through the use of renewable energy.
You can include natural lumber, clay, straw and mortar - all-natural materials that do not contain glues, dye coatings or processing chemicals that can release toxic gases.
A lot of business spaces claim to have sustainable office buildings but this easy labelling can be sometimes questionable when it comes to environmental friendliness.
How can you distinguish a genuinely sustainable office building?
1. Sustainable floorings and elevations give impeccable acoustics
Sustainability in office buildings comes from unique and natural materials.
Sustainable flooring materials should be also produced from sustainable materials and by a sustainable process that reduces demands on ecosystems during its life-cycle. This includes harvest, production, implementation and later disposal in the eco friendly office buildings.
Bamboo flooring eco friendly office buildings are not wood but is very easily found and obtained and is harvested under cultivated conditions. Cork is an important renewable cash crop harvested from Mediterranean cork oak trees.
Salvaged wood planks make great material for floors, lending them an antique charm and are often used to replace large wood planks. Meanwhile, some places in sustainable office buildings can be made of recycled rubber - fabricated from recycled rubber products, such as old tires. Rubber flooring tiles or rubber sheet flooring can be a great choice for recreation or workshop spaces.
What does FSC wood plants mean?
When you buy flooring products for your sustainable office buildings that are labelled as FSC certified, you can be assured that it has been harvested with the best interests of both forests and citizens in mind.
2. Walls and ceilings made for sustainable office buildings
Drywall panels, wood framing and salvage parts are made with as much almost 80 per cent recycled materials and can be a greater option for wall or ceilings.
Leaving these parts of your sustainable office building in concrete look will also add to the ecologically conscious environment, and concrete is also very attractive and interesting contemporary material that gives that industrial, minimal look to office buildings.
A variety of countertop materials and wall and floor tiles are available that make use of pulverized and recycled glass and wallpapers can be grasscloth based.
What about the roofing in a green office building?
Recycled metal for roofing panels made from recycled aluminium, steel, copper, or alloys that combine different metals, or even stone roofing that are chemical-free can be a great choice for a green roofs solution on green office buildings.
Sustainable office buildings with good lighting and clean air
For sustainability in office buildings, natural light is the essential building block of a healthy, green indoor. Circadian lighting systems follows the body’s natural rhythm with amber tones early and late to avoid sleep disruption, while blue-white tones in the middle of the day can help improve productivity, especially when combined with individual task lights on office desks for example.
Wellness lighting is an instrument in extracting some of the most potent physical wellbeing benefits of biophilic design.
Water and air purifying systems
The biophilic design also incorporates nature-based components such as fresh or purified air in sustainable office buildings, combined with the healing powers of herbal aromatherapy, soothing nature sounds, and more - to transform any workspace into a sustainable office building where people like to spend their time in.
Putting air-purifying plants we improve CO2 levels, as fresh and clean air is one of the first things we notice when in nature - and one of the first things that make as leave someplace if we get the sensation of too much heat or asphyxiating air.
Water is also an important element that we subconsciously associate with nature, wellbeing and sustainability in office buildings. Keep lungs and bowels happy and healthy by clean deploying air and water, preferably one with a HEPA filter. This helps restore air and water supplies to its natural state by removing pollutants.
Plants as a source of healthy air in a sustainable office building
Plants are instrumental for harnessing the benefits of nature in biophilic design, which is why integrating plants into interior spaces of sustainable office buildings is a fundamental tenet of interior design.
Floral designers can create artworks and sculptures in both natural and, when appropriate, artificial plants for long-term installations. Natural wall murals showing scenes of prospect and refuge are known to have stress-reducing properties; nature-inspired wallpapers as an abstract alternative well suited to homes and offices.
The decision about using sustainable materials for flooring, ceiling and other amenities in the making of sustainable office buildings has become a worldly popular idea and the number of sustainable office building is constantly growing.
Biophilic Design for People, Planet and Profit
As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, lifestyle convenience and stimuli typically increase while access to nature and green spaces decrease.
This represents a fundamental disconnect with our evolutionary history; biophilic design offers a time-proven solution to this contemporary challenge.
We define biophilia as the human love of or need for a close connection with nature and other forms of life.
When applied to modern lifestyles, ‘biophilic living’ is less about a return to hunter-gatherer times and is more to do with the respectful (re)integration of nature into our homes, offices, gyms, diets and beyond.
The last two centuries have seen a massive process of urbanization as entire populations transition from low density natural environments to heavily built metropolises with limited access to greenery, open spaces, and wildlife.
Simply put, biophilia and biophilic design are a modern response to that disconnect from nature.
It is an attempt to reunite indoor and outdoor worlds through the sensitive use of natural materials, shapes, breezes, colors, scents, and sounds in urban architecture and interiors.
THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE
The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) is a way of breaking down a business model by evaluating it from three different angles: human health, environmental sustainability, and financial gain - People, Planet, and Profit.
People: Measures social responsibility, what is a business doing to further the health and wellbeing of its customers, or users, and the community around it
Planet: Measures environmental impact, how is a business protecting or positively influencing the earth
Profit: Measures what is gained, and there needs to be financial gain in order for the business to survive and continue to do good for People and Planet
PEOPLE: SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Only more recently has there been emphasis placed on People in terms of our built environment.
Current thinking however posits that buildings and interiors should not only be green but also healthy, actively contributing to the mental and physical wellness of its users, be they residents, office workers, patients or students
Biophilic design falls in line with this view, as people who spend time in biophilic spaces experience a plethora of benefits that extend to both physical and mental health.
Here are a few noteworthy examples:
A BIOPHILIC HOSPITAL EXPERIMENT
A 1993 study by Dr. Roger Ulrich focused on biophilic design applied to various settings, one of which was a windowless, hospital emergency room.
They traded blank walls and artificial furnishings for a design that aimed to connect people with nature through potted plants, furnishings made from natural materials, and a colorful wall mural of plants and animals in a Savannah-like setting.
The result? A significant decrease in stress and aggressive behavior among patients, as well as improved recovery speeds of 8.5% compared with those facing brick walls. Multiply that small gain out over the entire healthcare system though, and the cost savings are considerable.
Not only did the results of this study give us a glimpse of the power of a connection with nature, it showed that the positive impact can also be present when nature is indirect and merely representational.
This simple biophilic design element is a potent way to improve the hospital experience—biophilic design doesn’t have to be difficult to be powerful.
Hero offices Switzerland, Biofilico consultancy
A HEALTHY WORKPLACE
Hard evidence for the power of biophilic design in the workplace comes from a recent study undertaken by Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health Sir Cary Cooper entitled ‘Biophilic Design in the Workplace’ that surveyed a sample of 3600 office workers across Europe and the Middle-East.
The results showed that office environments incorporating natural elements such as internal green spaces, natural light and an abundance of plants ensure higher levels of employee creativity, motivation, and wellbeing.
RECHARGE ROOMS
In an era filled with high-stress jobs and tech fatigue, recharge rooms are a growing trend in workplace wellness programs. Whether presented as somewhere for stretching and yoga, a quiet room for focused bursts of concentration and productivity, as a chill-out meditation space or even a games area, recharge rooms are somewhere for workers to — you guessed it—recharge their batteries during the workday.
This can help lead to less stress, better productivity, more creativity, as well as better physical and mental health.
For more on Biofilico’s healthy office project for HERO Switzerland see this page.
PLANET: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
FITWEL, standing for Facility Innovations Toward Wellness Environment Leadership, was launched in March 2017 and has currently impacted over 250,000 building occupants with over 380 projects around the world.
They take a data-driven approach with a database of over 3000 academic studies backing up their efforts to inspire healthier workplaces and residential communities specifically.
Certification systems such as the US Green Building Council’s LEED have given architects and interior designers a clear structure and format to follow, as well as increasingly prestigious ratings that add tangible value for building owners (Profit) and their occupants (People) whilst reducing the impact of buildings on the environment
Hero offices Switzerland, recharge room by Biofilico
Buildings and interiors that respect the planet, doing no harm to the environment and in some cases even giving back, are often described with terminology such as green buildings or sustainable buildings.
This approach—one that priorities concerns for nature—is literally built into the biophilic design value system. We love what nature can do for us, so we respect and protect her in return, it's a symbiotic relationship.
One key insight here is that the materials chosen for an interior space will not only influence the final ambiance but also impact the users’ health and wellness, largely by avoiding materials that off-gas harmful toxins and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Opting for materials that are natural and sustainable will help ensure that both a room’s users and the planet stay healthy. Good materials to consider in this sense include FSC wood, bamboo, linen, cork, and ceramic.
Using organic material can lessen the presence of harmful chemicals that are regularly found in building materials and furniture—think benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
PROFIT: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
Although organic design stretches back as far as the 30s, sustainable, eco-friendly buildings, and biophilic design in particular are concepts that have been introduced into mainstream design only over the past 20 years or so.
As we have argued above however, the inspiration is simply to seek a more evolutionary concordant relationship with nature whilst living a 21st century existence.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX GAINS: EMPLOYEE RETENTION
We’re seeing more and more biophilic design used by large companies dealing in billions of dollars of annual revenues and tens of thousands of highly qualified, highly sought-after knowledge workers, Why?
Employee satisfaction and office productivity are crucial in maintaining a competitive edge. Yes, these companies are intent on using responsible architecture and renewable energy sources but they are also exploiting the latest research that explores the intersection between neuroscience and biology.
Other examples of ‘profit’ derived from biophilic design include:
Improved productivity & creativity for staff in the workplace
Higher prices on real estate sales and hotel rooms with a view of nature
Opportunity to improve brand image through the office environment
Conclusion
While it may be instinct to devote your focus purely to profits, turning some attention toward environmental efforts and social consciousness holds an arsenal of benefits—which often includes increasing profits.
Biophilic design is a way to tap into the power of not only nature, but of the 3 P’s: People, Planet, and Profit. And in time you will find that they often overlap and feed each other to cultivate a happy, healthy, and thriving business in today’s society.
The Health Benefits of Biophilia Plants in Interiors
How to select the right species and add to an interior design concept with plants for a healthy, biophilic interior.
Whether used in commercial biophilic interiors, such as offices, hotels, and gyms or as part of residential biophilic design, plants add personality to any space and come with various health and wellness benefits to supercharge any interior with Vitamin Nature.
The biophilic design leverages the innate tendency of humans to seek connections with nature, connecting human beings with our evolutionary history by reintroducing living systems and plant life into soulless, polluted urban contexts in some unfortunate locations.
How Does the Biophilia Hypothesis Help Interior Designers Create Healthy Spaces?
The biophilia hypothesis, developed by biologist Edward O. Wilson in the 1980s, suggests that humans have an innate and instinctive connection to nature and other living organisms.
It posits that our well-being, physical, and mental health are intricately linked to our interaction with the natural world and living systems. This hypothesis has significant implications for interior designers striving to create healthy indoor spaces. Urban designers can also benefit from understanding and applying biophilic design principles to improve health and well-being in urban environments.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Interior designers can incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, and water features to evoke a sense of nature. These natural elements help create a more inviting and calming environment.
Maximize Natural Light
Designers should prioritize maximizing natural light in indoor spaces. Large windows, skylights, and strategically placed mirrors can help bring more natural light into the interior, enhancing the connection to the outdoors.
Use Biophilic Patterns
Biophilic design includes patterns, shapes, and textures that mimic those found in nature, such as fractals and organic forms. These patterns can be incorporated into interior finishes, fabrics, and furnishings.
Create Views of Nature
Designers can strategically position seating and workspaces to offer views of nature, whether it's through windows overlooking greenery, water features, or natural landscapes.
Integrate Indoor Plants
Incorporating indoor plants, living walls, or green roofs can help bring nature indoors. These improve air quality and enhance the overall aesthetic and well-being of occupants.
Provide Opportunities for Interaction
Interior spaces can be designed to encourage interaction with nature, such as creating outdoor seating areas, rooftop gardens, or indoor atriums where people can relax and connect with the natural environment.
Use Natural Colors
Choosing color palettes inspired by nature, such as earth tones, greens, and blues, can contribute to a calming and biophilic interior atmosphere.
Selecting building materials and finishes from natural, sustainable sources, like reclaimed wood and stone, aligns with the biophilic design principle and creates a tactile connection to nature.
Provide Water Features
The sound and sight of water through indoor fountains or aquariums can be soothing and evoke a sense of connection to natural environments.
Create Multi-Sensory Experiences
Biophilic design can engage multiple senses, including touch, smell, and sound. Incorporating elements like textured materials, natural scents, and ambient nature sounds can enhance the overall experience.
Leveraging the biophilia hypothesis in interior design creates healthier and more aesthetically pleasing spaces and contributes to improved mental well-being, reduced stress, increased productivity, and a stronger connection to the environment.
It aligns with the growing interest in designing spaces that prioritize occupant mental health issues and comfort in a sustainable and holistic manner
Plants in Interior Spaces
Plants play a central and integral role in biophilic design. This design philosophy recognizes the innate human connection to nature, also known as nature biophilia, and seeks to connect people with nature in the built environment.
Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into interior and architectural spaces, including plants.
Here’s how plants contribute to biophilic design:
Strengthening the Connection to Nature
Biophilic design aims to create spaces that evoke a sense of nature and bring the outdoors indoors. Plants through potted greenery, living walls, or indoor gardens serve as a direct link to the natural world, enhancing this connection.
Enhancing Visual and Aesthetic Appeal
Plants add beauty and visual interest to interior spaces. Their various shapes, colors, and textures create a visually stimulating environment that can reduce stress and enhance overall aesthetics.
Improving Air Quality
Many indoor plants purify the air by removing common pollutants. Incorporating air-purifying plants into a biophilic design enhances the visual appeal and contributes to a healthier indoor environment.
Promoting Well-Being
The presence of plants has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of well-being. Additionally, the presence of plants has been shown to reduce blood pressure, contributing to overall well-being. The biophilic design leverages these psychological benefits by strategically placing plants in areas where people spend time, such as offices, homes, and healthcare facilities.
Supporting Biophilic Patterns
Biophilic design principles often incorporate elements like fractal patterns found in nature and can be mirrored in plant arrangements. These patterns have been associated with relaxation and reduced stress.
Enhancing Acoustic Comfort
Some larger plants can help absorb sound, reduce noise levels in interior spaces, and contribute to acoustic comfort.
Providing Opportunities for Interaction
Biophilic design encourages interaction with nature through indoor gardens. Indoor gardens and living walls offer opportunities for people to engage with plants, whether through caring for them or simply enjoying their presence.
Creating Restorative Environments
Natural settings, including plant-filled spaces, have a restorative effect on mental fatigue and cognitive function. Biophilic design incorporates plants to help occupants relax and recharge.
Adapting to Seasonal Changes
Biophilic design can incorporate seasonal variations in plant selection, allowing occupants to experience different aspects of nature throughout the year, which adds interest and variety to the environment.
Supporting Sustainable Practices
Biophilic design often aligns with sustainability goals by promoting indoor plants that require minimal water and maintenance. This reinforces the connection between human well-being and environmental stewardship.
Plants in biophilic design are not merely decorative elements but essential components that foster a stronger connection to nature, enhance well-being, and contribute to a more sustainable and visually appealing built environment.
They create spaces that promote physical and psychological health while aligning with our innate affinity for the natural world.
Scientific Research on Indoor Plants' Wellness Effects
Scientific research has consistently demonstrated the positive impact of plants on health in interior spaces. Numerous studies have explored the physical and psychological benefits of indoor plants, and the following is a summary of key findings:
Air Flow and Improvement:
In 1989, the NASA Clean Air Study found that the power of plants went far beyond absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen; many can also filter harmful chemicals from the air, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene—all commonly found in everyday objects that surround us all the time in cities such as furniture and building material.
Stress Reduction and Well-Being:
Research published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that interaction with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress responses.
A study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology showed that the presence of indoor plants can improve overall well-being, including feelings of comfort and relaxation.
Enhanced Cognitive Function:
Studies conducted at the University of Exeter found that introducing indoor plants in office environments led to a 15% increase in productivity and improved cognitive function.
Research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that introducing indoor plants in a workspace can increase creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Mood Enhancement:
A study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology reported that indoor plants positively influenced mood, with participants feeling happier and more comfortable in plant-filled spaces.
Reduced Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) Symptoms:
Research conducted by the Agricultural University of Norway showed that introducing indoor plants reduced symptoms associated with SBS, such as dry throat, dry skin, and fatigue.
Faster Recovery and Reduced Pain:
The American Society of Horticultural Science published a study indicating that patients recovering from surgery in rooms with indoor plants required less pain medication and had shorter hospital stays.
Improved Humidity and Comfort:
Studies have shown that indoor plants release moisture through transpiration, which can help increase humidity levels, improve respiratory comfort, and reduce the incidence of conditions like dry skin and sore throats.
Noise Reduction:
Research in the journal HortScience demonstrated that large, leafy indoor plants can help absorb and diffuse sound, reducing noise levels in interior spaces.
Positive Biophilic Effects:
The concept of biophilia suggests that humans have an innate connection to nature. Studies have consistently shown that indoor plants can strengthen this connection, reducing stress and increasing feelings of well-being.
These studies collectively provide strong scientific evidence for the positive impact of indoor plants on health, well-being, and indoor environmental quality. Incorporating plants into interior spaces is a practical and effective way to create healthier and more comfortable living and working environments.
Can Ikigai, Barcelona - biophilic interiors by Biofilico
Mental Benefits of Plants in Interior Spaces
Stress Reduction and Mental Health: Interacting with indoor plants can help reduce stress and anxiety. Caring for plants, such as watering and pruning, can be meditative and calming.
Improved Mood: Indoor plants have been shown to boost mood and promote well-being. Their presence can create a more pleasant and positive atmosphere.
Enhanced Creativity: Some studies suggest indoor plants stimulate creativity and problem-solving, making them valuable in workspaces and creative environments.
Increased Productivity: Indoor workplace plants have been associated with increased productivity and concentration. They can help reduce mental fatigue and improve focus.
Improved Air Quality: The quality of the air is better, resulting from plants’ oxygen production, and air filtration capabilities can lead to improved mental clarity and alertness.
Physical Health Benefits of Plants in Interior Spaces
Air Purification: Many indoor plants can remove pollutants and toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, contributing to improved indoor airflow.
Humidity Regulation: Plants release water vapor through transpiration, which can help increase humidity levels in indoor spaces. This is particularly beneficial in dry environments and can help alleviate issues like dry skin and improve respiratory comfort.
Noise Reduction: Some large, leafy plants can absorb sound, reducing noise levels in interior spaces. This can create a more peaceful and comfortable environment.
Faster Healing: Studies have suggested that indoor plants can accelerate the healing process for individuals recovering from illness or surgery. Patients with access to greenery tend to require less pain medication and experience shorter hospital stays.
Eye Comfort: Indoor plants can help reduce eye strain and discomfort associated with prolonged screen time by providing a soothing natural element to focus on.
Biophilia Benefits: Biophilia, the innate human connection to nature, is nurtured by indoor plants. This connection can lead to reduced stress and an overall sense of well-being.
It’s important to note that while indoor plants offer these benefits, they also require proper care and maintenance. Overwatering or neglect can lead to mold growth and poor air circulation, which can have negative health consequences.
Therefore, it’s essential to choose plants that match your commitment and care for them accordingly to maximize the physical and mental health advantages they offer in indoor spaces.
Natural daylight and indoor plants
Light Requirements for Indoor Plants and Natural Daylight
The amount of light required for indoor plants varies depending on the type of plant. Different plant species have different light requirements, which are typically categorized into three main categories:
High Light: These plants require direct or bright indirect sunlight for several hours each day. Examples include succulents, cacti, and many flowering plants.
Medium Light: These plants thrive in indirect sunlight or in areas with filtered or dappled light. They can typically tolerate lower light conditions than high-light plants. Examples include pothos, spider plants, and peace lilies.
Low Light: These plants can thrive in areas with minimal daylight, such as rooms with small or shaded windows. They can adapt to artificial lighting. Examples include snake plants, ZZ plants, and cast iron plants.
For interior designers looking to maximize available natural light and supplement with artificial lighting for plants, here are some strategies:
Maximizing Natural Light
Use Reflective Surfaces: Incorporate light-colored and reflective surfaces, such as mirrors and light-colored paint or furnishings, to bounce natural light deeper into interior spaces.
Optimize Window Placement: Position furniture and shelving to allow natural light to reach as many plants as possible. Avoid blocking windows with large obstructions.
Choose Light-Friendly Window Treatments: Select window treatments like sheer curtains or blinds that allow natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy and controlling glare.
Keep Windows Clean: Regularly clean windows to ensure maximum light transmission.
Consider Skylights: If feasible, incorporate skylights or light tubes to bring natural light into interior spaces with limited windows.
Supplemental Artificial Lighting to support bringing the natural world inside
LED Grow Lights: LED grow lights are energy-efficient and come in various spectra to cater to different plant needs. You can use these LED grow lights in areas with insufficient natural light or as a supplement to extend the daily light duration for plants.
Position Lights Strategically: Place grow lights above or beside plants to mimic natural sunlight. Adjustable fixtures allow you to fine-tune the light intensity and direction.
Use Timers: Install timers or smart plugs to automate the lighting schedule for your plants, ensuring they receive the right amount of light each day.
Choose Full-Spectrum Lights: Full-spectrum LED grow lights closely mimic natural sunlight and provide a balanced spectrum for photosynthesis.
Consider Light Reflectors: Reflective materials around plants can help maximize the use of artificial light by directing it back toward the plants.
Adjust Light Duration: The duration of artificial lighting should match the specific needs of your plants. Most indoor plants require 12-16 hours of light per day.
By combining these strategies and selecting plants from the natural world that match the available light conditions, interior designers can create indoor environments that support healthy and thriving greenery while enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.
Choosing the Right Plants for your Biophilic Interior
When choosing plant species to use in your next eco office interior or biophilic home, you should consider a few things to ensure your plant plan is sustainable and practical; let’s face it, nobody benefits from dead foliage.
Here are three questions to consider:
What kind of light is available? Low light doesn’t necessarily present a problem, but it does mean you must choose plants that can thrive in dimmer conditions, such as Spider plants and Pothos plants.
How much time can you commit to maintenance? A good biophilic design should enhance your life, not disrupt it. Plants that require less watering, like Snake plants and Aloe, tend to be hardier and won’t put a damper on your schedule.
Which plants like or dislike each other? Placing your plants beside the wrong neighbours can be the difference between thriving greenery and stunted stems. Ensure you know who likes to bring out the best from your sprouts.
Best Indoor Air purifying Plants
Best Indoor Air-Purifying Plants
Indoor air-purifying plants are a natural and aesthetically pleasing way to improve indoor airflow and air levels by removing certain pollutants and toxins.
Here are some of the top air-purifying plants suitable for indoor use:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Snake plants are known for their air-purifying abilities. They effectively remove formaldehyde, benzene, and other common indoor pollutants. They are also low-maintenance and can thrive in low-light conditions.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants greatly remove pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. They are easy to care for and can adapt to various indoor environments.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Peace lilies are excellent at removing indoor air pollutants, including ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. They also add a touch of elegance to indoor spaces.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Boston ferns effectively remove pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. They require regular moisture and indirect light to thrive.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): Aloe vera not only purifies the air by removing formaldehyde and benzene but also has healing properties for minor burns and skin irritations.
Dracaena (Dracaena spp.): Dracaenas come in various varieties and are known for their air-purifying capabilities. They can help remove pollutants like xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii): Bamboo palms effectively remove indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and benzene. They also thrive in low-light conditions.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): Rubber tree can remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde. They have attractive dark green leaves and can grow into a statement piece in your space.
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii): Gerbera daisies are known for removing trichloroethylene, a common indoor pollutant. They also add vibrant color to your indoor environment.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Pothos is a hardy plant that can help remove indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. It’s a great choice for beginners due to its low maintenance requirements.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): Chinese evergreens purify indoor air effectively. They’re also low-maintenance and thrive in low light.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): ZZ plants, like snake plants, purify the air by absorbing toxins. Their succulent-like structure withstands drought and missed waterings, making them low-maintenance with gorgeous foliage.
Areca Palm (Dypsis): Areca palms are effective air purifiers, removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. They also add humidity to the air, enhancing overall indoor air quality.
Philodendron: Philodendrons purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Their beautiful foliage adds aesthetic appeal while improving indoor air quality.
English Ivy (Hedera helix): English ivy purifies the air by effectively removing mold spores and common toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Its attractive, cascading foliage also enhances the visual appeal of indoor spaces.
Remember that while these plants can help improve indoor airflow, they should not be relied upon as the sole method of air purification in environments with high pollution levels. Proper ventilation and other airflow measures may also be necessary for more effective results.
What are the best case studies showing the benefits of indoor plants in creating a healthy workplace?
While numerous case studies and research findings demonstrate how indoor plants contribute to creating a healthy office environment, a few notable examples are frequently cited to illustrate the positive impact of plants on workplace well-being. Here are some of the most commonly referenced case studies:
NASA Clean Air Study: While not specifically an office environment, this seminal study conducted by NASA in the late 1980s identified a range of houseplants that effectively remove indoor air pollutants. It laid the foundation for using indoor plants to improve air quality in various settings, including offices.
Texas A&M University Study (2010): Researchers at Texas A&M University conducted a study examining indoor plants’ effects on employee well-being and productivity in a controlled office environment. The findings indicated that the presence of plants significantly increased productivity and reduced stress levels among employees.
Ambius “The Power of Plants in the Workplace” (2014): Ambius, a leading provider of interior landscaping services, conducted a comprehensive study that surveyed over 7,600 office workers across 16 countries. The research found that office plants positively impacted airflow, reduced stress, and improved overall well-being and productivity.
University of Exeter Study (2014): Researchers at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom conducted a study investigating the effects of office plants on worker productivity. They found that introducing plants into the office environment led to a 15% increase in productivity.
The WELL Building Standard Case Studies: The WELL Building Standard, a performance-based system for measuring and certifying building features that impact health and well-being, includes numerous case studies highlighting the benefits of incorporating plants into office designs. These case studies showcase how plants contribute to improved ventilation, reduced stress, and enhanced workplace employee satisfaction.
IKEA’s “The Green Cube” (2016): IKEA created a temporary office space in Milan, Italy, known as “The Green Cube.” The office was filled with indoor plants designed to demonstrate greenery’s positive effects on employee well-being and productivity. The project received significant attention and is a practical example of biophilic design in the workplace.
These case studies, among others, provide valuable evidence of the positive impact of indoor plants on ventilation, employee health, and workplace productivity.
They demonstrate the potential benefits of incorporating greenery into office environments and offer practical insights for interior designers and employers seeking to create healthier and more productive workspaces.
Top Case Studies on Indoor Plants for a Healthy Home
University of Technology Sydney Study (2015)
Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney conducted a study investigating indoor plants’ impact on perceived air quality and well-being in residential settings. The results showed that indoor plants can effectively reduce pollutants and improve perceived air quality.
University of Reading and Royal Horticultural Society Study (2015)
This research examined the impact of indoor plants on well-being and airflow in homes. The study found that houseplants can remove significant indoor air pollutants and contribute to a sense of well-being and happiness among residents.
RMIT University Study (2016)
Researchers at RMIT University in Australia studied the benefits of indoor plants in residential environments. The findings suggested that indoor plants can improve airflow, reduce stress, and enhance home cognitive function.
Ambius “Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Home” (2016)
This study conducted by Ambius, a provider of interior landscaping services, explored the impact of biophilic design elements, including indoor plants, in residential settings. It found that plants contribute to improved air quality and home well-being.
Bayer Environmental Science Study (2020)
Bayer’s “Global Green Spaces” research initiative examined the role of green spaces, including indoor plants, in urban environments. The study emphasized the importance of indoor plants in enhancing air quality and well-being within homes.
Organic Form Interior Design: Biofilico Wellness Interiors
Introduction to organic architecture and its connections with the more recent biophilic design trend based on biophilia and connecting with nature.
Selecting an interior design style for a home, office or gym can be an exhausting and time-consuming process.
Unlike many other options, organic design quite simply translates the aesthetics of nature and combines it with the latest in wellness design strategies to deliver an interior style that is cohesive and enveloping. Organic design emphasizes the use of curved lines and round shapes, adding flow, movement, and balance to interiors.
This combination of nature, wellness and science delivers a sense of balance, both energizing and restorative. Generally more rounded shapes evoke a feeling of calm and relaxation, softening the environment and creating a sanctuary for de-stressing.
Organic forms contribute to a cohesive and enveloping interior style, reflecting the post-pandemic societal realignment of values towards comfort, wellbeing, and nature.
Eco-friendly design with natural materials
Sustainable and eco-friendly buildings are a concept that has been introduced into mainstream design over the past 20 years but the historical movement of its predecessor, organic design, started long before. Natural elements have been a part of eco-friendly design for decades, emphasizing the connection between nature and built environments.
With organic architecture and organic design stretching back as far as the 30’s there is a rich history of architects and designers deploying this philosophy in a poignant way, long before talk of biophilia and biophilic design. Indeed the creations birthed from this branch of design went on to heavily influence the trajectory of the design sector as a whole. Organic design incorporates organic shapes to create a harmonious and sustainable environment, using elements inspired by nature to add flow, movement, and balance to interiors.
Frank Lloyd Wright: The Biophilia Pioneer
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) was an American architect, interior designer, writer, and educator that not only coined the term organic architecture but also believed in and abided by the concept. Wright's philosophy emphasized the use of natural forms in his designs, incorporating organic shapes to promote harmony between man-made elements and the natural world. After a full career that involved designing over 1,000 structures—532 of which were completed—he published “The New Architecture: Principles”, an essay that laid out nine principles of architecture reflecting his philosophy of organic architecture and design.
What is organic design architecture & organic forms in interiors?
Organic architecture is best described as harmonizing the man-made world with nature. Or more abstractly put, “form follows function”, a statement coined by Wright’s mentor and fellow architect, Louis Sullivan.
A structure built using the principles of organic architecture, and organic design style as a whole, can be said to display the following characteristics:
Closely resembles nature, blending in and utilizing its natural surroundings
Incorporating organic shapes into home interiors can create a sense of softness and movement
Creates things from the inside out, mirroring natural shapes found in the environment
Uses materials and shapes found in the natural world
The derivative term, organic design, extends the philosophy of the architecture of the same name to smaller projects like furniture, accessories, and art.
Biophilic building case study: Wright's Fallingwater (1935)
Use of natural materials, skylights, and irregular forms can all be seen in the construction of the Viipuri Library, all stylistically typical of the architect Alvar Aalto. The inclusion of natural light is crucial in creating a peaceful and nurturing workspace. It is this organic design interior approach used in Aalto’s architecture, furniture, textiles, glassware, sculptures and paintings that are attributed to his success as a highly recognized, modern architect and designer in the 1930’s. Notice too how this wave-like form repeats itself in the glorious Aalto-designed vase that proudly sits on our showroom table.
Specifically designed for the Organic Design in Home Furnishings competition organized by the Museum of Modern Art, the organic chair was revolutionary. Up until this point, comfortable chairs were constructed with expensive springs and heavy bolsters of upholstery padding. The lightweight, molded plywood seat was a game changer.
After the competition the developers, Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen, discovered that the technology to mass-produce molded plywood chairs didn’t exist, so not many were produced. However, this did pave the way for a chair that Charles would go on to create with his wife, Ray Eames. An iconic chair known as the Eames Lounge Chair, which also incorporates geometric shapes to promote certain attitudes and behaviors in its design.
The Eames Organic Chair (1941)
Aesthetics inspired by natural elements
This unique approach, a balance between scientific research and inspiration from nature, is both form and function rolled into one. Soft organic shapes add flow, movement, and balance to spaces, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Rounded corners in furniture contribute to a calming and relaxing effect. Soft smooth forms evoke a feeling of calm and relaxation, resembling nature and contributing to a sense of wellbeing. For more information on how Biofilico’s designers can help you create a biophilic, organic interior space with a view to improved connections to nature, simply email us
Healthy Interior Design at the Innovation Centre Co-working
Healthy Interior Design at the Innovation Centre co-working
For the past decade, there has been much progress made in the field of planet-focused buildings, one ‘P’ from the so-called Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet and Profit.
Green Architecture and Interiors
Buildings and interiors that respect the planet, doing no harm to the environment and in some cases even giving back, are also described with terminology such as green buildings or sustainable interiors, for example.
Certification systems such as the US Green Building Council’s LEED have given architects and interior designers a clear structure and format to follow, as well as increasingly prestigious ratings that add tangible value for building owners and their occupants.
Healthy Offices
Only more recently however has the emphasis turned from Plant to People in terms of our built environment.
Current thinking posits that buildings and interiors should not only be green but also healthy, actively contributing to the mental and physical wellness of its users, be they residents, office workers, patients or students, for example.
Tivat Co-working
When we designed the Innovation Centre co-working office in Porto Montenegro, Tivat, Montenegro on the Adriatic Coast, we applied a number of these healthy and biophilic design principles to the interiors as a way to ensure the space promotes productivity, concentration and positive mood.
Any entrepreneur knows how important such things are, especially when working alone, to a deadline when every second counts.
Healthy, Biophilic Interiors
Specific examples include a plethora of air-purifying plants, a large-format photo mural of the nearby Bay to create a calm breakout space, maximized natural light by strategic positioning of work desks, the addition of bicycle storage racks to encourage active travel to and from the office, an outdoor workspace for those all-important fresh-air breaks, ergonomic desk chairs to ensure maximum comfort while seating and finally a number of standing desks to relive the lower back and boost circulation during the work day.
Memberships from Eur 10/day, Eur 40/week and Eur 100/month
How to improve air quality in home using biophilic design principles
Our top five tips for improving the air quality in your home, office or gym by combing biophilic design and healthy design principles.
Indoor air quality and biophilic design
Indoor air quality is a key component of the healthy building / healthy design movement and forms a central part in all the big certification programs such as WELL, Fitwel and the International Living Future Institute.
It is also a component of biophilic design as it is returns the indoor built environment to a more natural state, similar to the type of air we were breathing for millions of years while evolving on the planet, i.e. fresh, clean and pollution-free.
This in turn opens the door to several bio-hacks designed to improve overall health, sleep and mental acuity, so if you were wondering how you can improve indoor quality in home, these next 5 tips will be more than useful with helping you in the matter.
5 tips for maintaining healthy indoor air at home:
Take your shoes off!
1. One of the most useful, and probably obvious ways to improve air quality in your home is taking your shoes off. Remove outdoor shoes at the entrance religiously, switching to dedicated indoor only shoes such as slippers, sandals or simply go barefoot, depending on the climate. This is non negotiable and half the world’s population think nothing of doing it so adopt the habit or you’ll face an uphill struggle from the start. Your shoes drag in toxins and all manner of dirt from the streets outside, just look at the soles of a well-worn pair of white trains to remind yourself of what is out there. So, if you were wondering how to improve indoor air quality instantly - leave your shoes at the door. Invest in a shoe rack and place it by your entrance. Set your feet free and breathe deep.
Air purifying fans
2. One of the most useful ways to improve air quality in home is to invest in an air purifying fan such as the Dyson Pure. Not only does it have the trademark Dyson aesthetic, meaning it will happily sit in the corner of your bedroom or living area without being a visual eyesore, it also comes with an impressive smartphone app that allows you to set on/off timers, view air quality data in real time and generally get the most out of the hardware. All you’d need do is set the fan to turn on automatically around 5pm each evening and then switch it to night mode when you go to sleep. This would ensure you have clean indoor air in your bedroom for +/-8 hours while sleeping. If you then set up something similar in your office, where you likely spend another +/-8 hours every day, you’re winning.
3. Air purifying plants
The great answer to how to improve the air quality in your home are air purifying plants. Go big on air purifying indoor plants, yes they have been over-hyped since Instagram gave us plant-stylists but there is plenty of substance to work with here so stick with it. NASA famously did a seminal study on the top air-purifying plants (see below) but the key is not just the species, but the quantity too. Research has shown that between 6-8 such plants are needed per person per room to have any meaningful impact. In any case, plants look and perform best when carefully clustered in groups, like mini forests or jungles, so this is a win-win. Pick up a selection of different height Palms, Ficus, Chinese Evergreens, Garden Ivy, Boston Ferns and a Pothos or two and you’ll be ready to breath clean once you’ve spread them around your home.
eco-friendly cleaning
4. Adopt an eco-friendly cleaning protocol in the house; rather than lining up endless plastic bottles of chemical-heavy products, step back a minute to consider the alternatives. Recent years have seen a proliferation of environmentally-friendly cleaning products with names like Ecover, GreenWorks and so on. They are not hard to find even in mainstream supermarkets as consumer consciousness slowly edges in this direction. Buy in bulk and decant into a smaller, re-usable bottle to reduce plastic waste. When it comes to ways to improve air quality at your home with eco-friendly cleaning products, consider the most basic of options such as using diluted white wine vinegar as a kitchen or window cleaner. Source eco sponges made from sustainable materials as you’ll likely burn through one a fortnight, once it discolours, it is time for a new one.
Use natural ventilation
5. Natural ventilation is a great way to improve air quality, but you need to use it wisely. If you live on a quiet street, in a small town near a park, forest or sea, you will likely have enviably good air quality, one would hope.Open the windows and let the fresh air in whenever you can, especially in the early mornings. This is a natural instinct in many of us anyway, especially in certain cultures where open windows are a way of life.
The issue clearly is when the outside air is of conspicuously poor quality in a dense urban environment; in such instances the best solution may be to open windows at the rear of the home away from the street, or to open them at times of day when there is less traffic outside.
By consciously taking stock of the air quality outside in other words, one can take steps to protect and with these ways to improve the air quality inside your home as well.
If you would like to know more about how we can design indoor spaces that are biophilic, healthy and earth-friendly, simply email us at design @ biofilico . com
Smart circadian lighting
How to improve the quality of light for wellness and health benefits using biophilic design and healthy design principles.
smart circadian rhythm lighting
The potential benefits of circadian lighting are vast, which is why this type of lighting is now explored in various real estate and interior design sectors around the world. Circadian rhythm lighting systems are strategically designed to positively affect our health, alertness and productivity, which is why this particular concept is getting much deserved attention lately. Read on to find out more..
What is circadian lighting?
Circadian lighting is an innovative new trend within the world of biophilic design and its near cousin, healthy design, especially in the home and workplace where we now spend the vast majority of our lives.
So what is it all about and how is smart technology helping us live urban lives that are more closely aligned with our evolutionary past?
A circadian lighting system is created in way that follows the human so called circadian rhythm - something like a 24-hour internal clock.
It is controlled by hypothalamus that works by receiving signals from the eyes that report when it’s day or nighttime. In turn, hypothalamus can control the amount of melatonin released to correlate sleepiness with darkness and alertness with light.
Circadian rhythm
The body’s circadian rhythm is essentially our 24-hr body clock; we’re not the only ones to have one either - plants, animals and even funghi share their own version too. It’s literally a part of our DNA, evolving over millions of years as a way of connecting us to the daily ebb and flow of sun and moon.
Certain research has shown that light affects both our visual and non-visual systems, while artificial lighting can well impact our circadian rhythm.
While each one of us is different, with some experiencing sleepy mornings and others hitting a wall of drowsiness in the afternoon for example, standard hours of activity and rest for the vast majority of people are fairly regulated.
However, circadian lighting is the concept that artificial lighting can be used to support human health by minimizing the effect of electric light on human circadian rhythm.
How? Well, scientists have discovered that a long-term exposure to certain wavelengths of blue light, at specific intensity, can have a negative impact on circadian rhythm.
circadian light therapy for increased productivity
Circadian rhythm and light are closely connected, meaning this natural flow in each 24hr cycle also influences our day-to-day productivity.
Mental productivity during the hours of work is therefore crucial, as is, conversely, ensuring a solid night’s sleep.
Twenty-first century urban lives full of technology and an always on culture however can mean that, if we are not careful, we can all too easily expose ourselves to disrupting factors, especially as the body does not distinguish between natural and artificial light.
This is where a circadian lamp, or a circadian lighting system comes in. By implementing a circadian lighting design into your working space, you can increase productivity at your office. Since circadian lighting is imitating natural lighting, employees who are exposed more to it have a better recollection of memories and mental function.
Wellness lighting & circadian rhythm light therapy
Enter circadian or wellness lighting is specifically designed to reflect nature’s daily light cycle, prompting periods of mental alertness in the morning and afternoon with light from the blue-white end of the spectrum, before slowly fading into amber hues in the evenings and again in the early mornings.
In practical terms this means you wake up to a soft, gentle light of white-amber, spend your days working in energising white-blue light and relax before bed in the evenings in amber light. Avoiding sources of blue-white light an hour before going to sleep is also recommended, meaning no TV, smartphone or other screen activity!
Circadian rhythm lighting is also great for the purpose of therapy - allowing you to reset your mind and body, and have a better night sleep. When used like a treatment, circadian rhythm lighting can really improve mood and boost your energy levels throughout the day.
Smart circadian rhythm lighting systems
A number of smart circadian rhythm light systems are now readily available in the market making this technology accessible to the general public.
Our favourite is the Philips HUE that involves one ‘bridge’ box between your wifi router and the lightbulbs in your home (up to 50), plus a simple remote control and an app. We used this set-up in our Biofit nature gyms in Calgary and Stockholm, to great effect.
The two main benefits of introducing this kind of light therapy for circadian rhythm are improved mental focus by day and sleep quality at night.
For more information on how we can help you integrate this type of healthy design solution into your office or home, contact us via the Contact page.