Benefits of Biophilic Design in Offices & Coworking Spaces

Biophilic design is a technique that respectfully harnesses Mother Nature’s restorative, energizing properties for physical and mental health benefits. So, where better to implement this approach than in the workplace, where many spend eight hours a day, five days a week?

Biofilico’s method combines the three key ‘principles’ of healthy, natural, and sustainable design implemented through eight ‘applications’ for a range of externally oriented attributes (for the company in question), internally oriented benefits (for the office workers), and value generation (for the brand).

By incorporating biophilic design principles, such as natural elements like plants, green walls, water features, and natural materials like stone and timber, Biofilico aims to create work environments that induce a sense of belonging, loyalty, and well-being among employees.

Here, we address the benefits of biophilics in the workplace and how to achieve them through a series of interior design, engineering, and operational interventions.

Biophilic Design: A Scientific Foundation

Biophilic design, a term coined by Edward O. Wilson, posits that humans possess an innate affinity for nature, stemming from our evolutionary history as hunter-gatherers.

This biophilia hypothesis suggests that connecting with the natural environment can profoundly affect our psychological and physiological well-being. Scientific research has consistently supported this idea.

Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of biophilic design elements. For instance, research published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that access to natural light in the workplace improves sleep quality and reduces the incidence of sleep disturbances among employees.

Furthermore, a study in Frontiers in Psychology demonstrated that indoor plants in the office environment can enhance cognitive performance, including problem-solving and creativity.

Biofilico design case study: natural foods conglomerate global headquarters

Benefits of Biophilic Design

It's about much more than just a few houseplants

In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace design, the integration of biophilic design within architectural or interior design has emerged as a transformative approach that seeks to bring the natural world into the built environment.

This essay explores the profound benefits of biophilic design in the workplace, drawing upon scientific research, relevant theories, and case studies to elucidate how it positively impacts the well-being and productivity of employees.

Additionally, it will discuss the various elements of biophilic design and how they can be effectively applied in office spaces designed for sustainability and occupant well-being.

Boosting Productivity and Well-being

The workplace is an arena where employee well-being and productivity are inextricably linked. Biophilic design offers a multifaceted approach to enhance both.

Introducing plants and biophilic design in the office environment can significantly improve air quality. Plants absorb pollutants, toxins, and airborne microbes, remove harmful volatile organic compounds in paint, carpet, and furniture, and release water vapor into the air, reducing employees' chances of getting sick and improving overall well-being.

Natural elements, such as greenery, natural light, and views of nature, have been shown to reduce stress levels, increase job satisfaction, and foster a sense of connection with the environment.

The Amazon Spheres in Seattle, a workspace constructed with abundant plant life and biophilic elements, has garnered attention for its positive impact on employee well-being.

Studies conducted by the University of Oregon revealed that employees in this environment reported higher levels of creativity and workplace satisfaction. This case exemplifies how biophilic design can create a nurturing and inspiring workplace.

Enhancing Mental Health

Biophilic design promotes mental well-being in the workplace by reducing stress, anxiety, and fatigue among employees. Access to natural elements like plants, daylight, and outdoor views can calm individuals, leading to improved mood and overall psychological health.

Additionally, incorporating fresh air into the workplace can significantly enhance mental well-being by reducing stress, increasing productivity, and improving air quality.

Facilitating Social Interaction

Biophilic design encourages employee social interaction and collaboration, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie in the workplace. Spaces designed with biophilic elements such as greenery and communal gathering areas create informal interactions and idea-sharing opportunities, strengthening team dynamics and relationships.

Incorporating biophilic principles into outdoor spaces such as balconies, terraces, and rooftop spaces ensures abundant natural light and exterior landscape views, further promoting social interaction.

Increasing Cognitive Function

Biophilic design enhances cognitive function and performance in the workplace by providing environments that stimulate creativity, focus, and problem-solving skills. Exposure to natural elements has been linked to improved concentration, memory retention, and task performance, ultimately boosting employee productivity and efficiency.

Combining natural materials in biophilic design can enhance cognitive function by creating more engaging and stimulating environments.

Supporting Physical Health

In addition to mental well-being, biophilic design contributes to physical health in the workplace by promoting movement, relaxation, and overall vitality. Incorporating biophilic materials, ergonomic furniture, and access to outdoor spaces encourages physical activity, reduces sedentary behavior, and supports employee health and wellness.

Natural lighting enhances physical health by regulating sleep-wake cycles, improving overall well-being, and boosting productivity.

Sustainable Practices

Biophilic design aligns with sustainable practices in the workplace by promoting the use of natural materials to create environments that enhance well-being, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally friendly strategies. By integrating biophilic elements into office spaces, organizations can reduce their ecological footprint, conserve resources, and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Effective Application of Natural Elements in Office Settings

To maximize the benefits of biophilic design in the workplace, it is essential to incorporate biophilic design principles by considering its various elements and how they can be thoughtfully integrated into the office environment. Here is a breakdown of key biophilic design elements:

1. Natural Light:

• Incorporate large windows and skylights to optimize natural light.

• Utilize daylight-responsive lighting controls to adjust artificial lighting levels based on natural light availability.

2. Greenery and Living Walls:

• Integrate potted plants and vertical gardens to bring nature indoors.

• Choose low-maintenance plants to ensure easy upkeep.

3. Views of Nature:

• Position workstations and seating areas to provide access to outdoor views.

• Use glass partitions and open layouts to maximize sightlines to the exterior.

4. Natural Materials:

• Select sustainable and locally sourced materials for interior finishes, such as wood, stone, and natural fibers.

• Embrace the imperfections and organic qualities of materials to evoke a connection to nature.

5. Water Features:

• Incorporate indoor water elements like fountains or water walls to create a calming atmosphere.

• Ensure proper maintenance to prevent mold or water damage.

6. Biophilic Color Palette:

• Choose earthy, nature-inspired color schemes for interior design.

• Employ colors like greens, blues, and brown to evoke natural settings.

7. Dynamic Spaces:

• Create flexible and adaptable spaces that can be easily reconfigured to mimic natural environments.

• Include areas for relaxation, collaboration, and solitary work, allowing employees to choose the setting that suits their needs.

8. Natural Textures and Patterns:

• Integrate textures and patterns in nature into furniture, wall coverings, and flooring.

• Use materials like bamboo, stone, or cork for a tactile connection to the natural world.

Biofilico design case study: natural foods conglomerate global headquarters

Conclusion - Why Bring the Natural World into a Workplace?

Incorporating biophilic design in the workplace represents a paradigm shift in office design that substantially benefits employees and organizations.

Scientific research supports the idea that connecting with nature within the workspace can enhance well-being and productivity.

Case studies, such as the Amazon Spheres, demonstrate the real-world impact of biophilic design on employee satisfaction and creativity.

The effective application of biophilic design elements, from maximizing natural light to incorporating greenery and natural materials, is crucial in creating a workplace that fosters sustainability and occupant well-being.

As organizations increasingly recognize the value of their most important asset—their employees—biophilic design is poised to become an integral part of the future of office environments, promoting harmonious coexistence of the built and natural worlds in the workplace.

What is Wabi Sabi Design? - Its Philosophy and Use in Interior Design — Biofilico Wellness Interiors

TThe meaning of wabi-sabi can be broken down into “Wabi” which stands for “rustic simplicity” or “understated elegance” in Japanese, while “sabi” interprets as “enjoying the imperfect”.

This is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that has been around since the 15th century, depicting something more than a design trend that comes and goes every so often, it is baked into Japanese culture.

Wabi sabi philosophy actually came to be as a reaction to various trends that relied on lavish depiction of interior design - trends that focused on heavy ornamentation and detailing, and the usage of rare, and often non-environmental friendly materials.

Wabi sabi principles and wabi sabi aesthetics are a unique guidance to introducing these principles in your life, and sometimes the best way to start is to bring first into your home, and then try to alter and adapt your habits and life perspective after that.

So, how do we create wabi sabi interiors in tune with this Japanese sensibility?

Wabi sabi philosophy principles and application

The principles of wabi sabi are not purely aesthetic. We could interpret wabi philosophy as a way of life, but this too would be an understatement, being that wabi sabi relies on three simple realities that recognize and accept complexity in all life’s aspects, but also value and appreciate simplicity, and above all - authenticity.

These realities tell us the ultimate truth - nothing lasts forever, nothing is fully complete and nothing is perfect.

You see, wabi sabi is not about the relentless pursuit of perfection, which modern age has bestowed on us, but more about taking pause and accepting that nothing is and never will be perfect, so we might as well enjoy life the way it is, rather than what we think it should be.

Wabi sabi philosophy and its principles represent a search beyond materialism, and opt for minimalism as a conscious choice.

Origins and roots in Japanese tea ceremony

When you have something very old and very used, such as a teacup that is chipped from all the use over the years, the principles of wabi sabi concepts don’t promote altering it or throwing it away, but rather highlighting its flaws. In recent years, wabi sabi has become increasingly popular on social media, verging on becoming a victim of its own success!

Why?

Well, tiny or more visible cracks remind us that nothing is permanent and perfect, and this is when we reach for wabi sabi and apply it in creativity. A great example of such an application is the art of kintsugi - where cracks on pottery (or your chipped tea cup) are filled with gold lacquer that emphasizes its faults and damage.

Now, this doesn’t mean that wabi sabi is against change and introducing something new into your life, but rather that it appreciates the beauty of age and wants to draw attention to it as a part of something beautiful - a process that none of us are immune to.

Wabi sabi interior design brings us back to nature

The fundamental principle of wabi sabi interior design is connection to earth and natural materials, but with an accent to authenticity. Incorporating wabi sabi into your home décor means opting for something original, rather than something mass produced.

If you think that wabi sabi interior might be something you’d be interested in, try shopping in flea markets, craft shows and independent furniture shops that can be great alternatives in your search for authentic pieces.

Apart from seeking authenticity, wabi sabi interior praises nature as the most imperfect phenomena of the physical world. Nature is an ultimate reminder of passing age and change that comes with it, and a witness that beauty morphs with it, but never fades.

In order to introduce more natural elements, wabi sabi focuses on raw textures, earthy hues and organic, natural materials.

Colour-wise, wabi sabi interior design centers on soft blues, greens, and shades of taupe and grey in order to create an atmosphere of serenity, while plants such as bamboo and rattan are helping to align other wood textures and colours with authentic natural elements.

Mixed interior made to de-stress us and reconnect with nature

Wabi sabi home is always comprised of the things you love, and everything you bring to your home should be a reflection of that feeling.

This concept doesn’t attend to your style, trends you follow or think you should, or anything that might belong to some kind of fashion - this concept settles around the choices that come from the heart, with the sole purpose of bringing you joy.

In that sense, you have all the freedom when it comes to wabi sabi interior design - you can choose a decor that you’re personally drawn to, whatever style it belongs to, you can be quirky as much as you want and you can mix and match as much as you want.

Don't be afraid to repurpose

As we already mentioned to, wabi sabi concept is all about the sustainable approach to home decor, and embracing imperfection through it. 

When buying items, always consider buying the ones that will last, even of that means you'll spend a little more than intended, but when that piece comes out of date, invest all your creativity in an effort to ensure they remain useful and loved. 

Wabi sabi design is not about replacing items that have naturally grown out of their purpose, but rather giving them a new one relying on your creativity and imagination.

Wabi sabi interior and its' biophilic installment

When it comes to application or mixed approach of wabi sabi interior design together with biophilic design, we believe it is a match made in heaven. 

Thanks to having natural elements and proneness to nature in general, wabi sabi is an ideal suplement to biophilic interior. While biophilic design focuses on introducing natural elements to home decor, elements such as natural lighting, forest aromatherapy, abundant plants, purified indoor air while respecting all the biophilic core principles, the wabi sabi interior design can complement a decor partially or fully, depending on which part of the concept you want to rely on. 

Biofilco particularly enjoys creating wabi sabi kitchens for healthy and green homes, so you can always introduce wabi sabi style and furnishings into your kitchen and here is how you can do that. 

Wabi sabi kitchens in a biophilic green home

Wabi sabi interior might be the most popular when it comes to kitchens, mainly because it is the center of disarray in our homes - there is always something going on, always something to cook, something to clean or break. 

This is why we believe wabi sabi design is perfect for kitchens - by selecting materials and finishes that capture all of the imperfections, we celebrate and embrace everyday chaos and the unpredictable life as it should be, and this is how you can revive in your home.

Introduce metal finishes and copper surfaces

Metal finishes such as brass, copper and bronze with an uneven patina have always been pleasing, but in a way that cannot be exactly articulated. If you want to achieve that “warn out over time look”, you can also purchase special kits that can give your metal hardware that exact look. 

Opt for rustic textures with a satin finish

We said in the beginning that “wabi” translates as “rustic simplicity”, so it is no wonder that rustic textures are a decor element you should start looking for if you want a wabi sabi interior looking kitchen. 

Mostly this refers to natural stone and pine wood with all its' faults in locked texture, timber with all the knots and burls, wooden flooring or furniture with all the imperfection frozen in texture.

And why satin finish?

Mainly because these natural textures of wood look the best when the light hits them just right, with a satin finish that looks like it's lit from within.

Charming worn out paint

Distressed glaze of an uneven paint finish is something that industrial interior design is famous for, but it has found its' place in traditional home or, in this case, kitchen decor.

Kitchen cabinets or table with paint work that has faded along the edges is something that adds additional charm to a wabi sabi kitchen, reviving it and invoking movement. 

Open shelving and relaxed kitchen accessories

Open storage and shelving are a perfect fit with wabi sabi interior concept, with a devotion to realness and imperfection one's kitchen should be. 

With open shelving solution, come rumpled accessories such as natural linens, tableware, unevenly glazed pottery with slightly imperfect shape, such as already mentioned Japanese handmade kintsugi pottery, topped with wildflower bouquets - give a wabi sabi kitchen a unique, relaxed experience - a feeling that is so much more endearing and warm than a sterile white kitchen. 

Wabi sabi interior - rough and assymethric, ergo - imprerfect

The wabi sabi imperfect concept is celebrating flawed, incomplete beauty, so much opposite of our constant need for achieving perfection. Wabi sabi reminds us to slow down, appreciate natural beauty, and find joy in simplicity and the simple things in life.

Wabi sabi represents an escape from potentially stressful situations or surroundings where we strive to achieve the unachievable, to find perfection where there is none, to follow the impossible timelines at a frantic pace - wabi sabi interior design might be just what we need in order to destress and find balance again.

This calm and minimal environment it creates with decor that forgives slight imperfections and embraces naturalistic style, an atmosphere that is warm and inviting, but never tiring or strenuous, is something you can also find within our services of home interior decor, along with other core elements of biophilic design.

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Further Reading

• Biophilic Design And Wellbeing Interiors- An Evolutionary Perspective

• Biophilic Design Consultant

• Wellbeing Strategy & Wellness Interior Design

• What Is Wellness Design In A Healthy Buildings And Wellbeing Interior Strategy

• Mental Health & Wellbeing In Healthy Buildings

• Benefits Of Combining Biophilia And Fitness (A.K.A “Green Exercise”)

• Wellbeing Interior Design And Biophilia At Can Ikigai, Barcelona

• Casa Biofilico

• Biophilic Design Consultant & Interior Designers

• Wellness Interior Design Consultants

• Best Examples Of Organic Biophilic Design In Restaurants Cafes

• an introduction to biophilic design in sustainable buildings

Biophilic Design: A Small Guide to Succulent Wall Design and Decoration — Wellness Design Consultants

Succulent plants have become an ever more popular way to decorate a space - whether it’s an indoor or an outdoor one. Apart from being pleasant to look at, this kind of decor can bring much-needed freshness and natural elements to a room, or to any kind of home decor in general, creating harmony within the built environment.

Succulent plants can be displayed in more than one way, and very unusual for that matter, but probably the most popular and eye-pleasing is the succulent wall garden - a kind of vertical garden that can be hanged to the wall.

While succulents can be planted in individual pots and hanged to the wall, they can also be planted in a wall planter that can be large as the wall itself, or smaller, depending on what wall area you want to decorate proportionately to the room. Either way, succulents are very versatile and look especially stunning when planter vertically, due to their atypical looks.

If you’ve also fallen in love with these unique plants and want to make them part of your living space, let us show you how you can do that.

Vertical succulent wall planter and why it makes a stunning decoration using biophilic design principles

Do you know what succulents are?

Succulent plants are small thick-leaved plants that store water, while the word “succulent” is derived from the Latin word “sucus” and means juice or sap. All succulents have thick and fleshy leaves which allows them to store water during the long period of drought.

But, how they’ve gotten so popular as houseplants?

Well, mainly because they are very tough, and once they soak up all the water, they can use it stored for a very long time, and therefore, require minimal maintenance. After all, these plants are desert residents, not to mention they can be found living on the cliff edges, cracks or rock cavities.

Additionally, incorporating succulents into your home decor can provide various health benefits, such as improved air quality and reduced stress levels. This aligns with the principles of biophilic design, which emphasizes the positive impact of nature on human health, including reduced stress, improved cognitive function, and overall well-being.

However, you should always bare in mind that succulents do not like to stay in the soaking wet soil, because it can trigger rotting, which is why you should always keep it moist or dry.

Plants we recommend for your succulent wall design

Before we get into the specifics and show you step by step how to create your own vertical succulent wall, let us dive into the issue of picking out the right succulents for the occasion.

Succulent plants are very versatile, and therefore, allow you to be creative in creation of your own succulent wall, but you need to make note and pick out the plants that are smaller and rosette like, so they do not protrude out of your display.

Various shapes, sizes, and colours of succulent plants, with their unique natural shapes, make a great foundation for creating a more versatile look for your succulent wall garden. Incorporating these natural features not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also brings benefits such as improved well-being and reduced stress. Here are the most flexible ones:

• Graptoveria Blue Pearl

• Blue Giant succulent

• Chocolate Soldier succulent

• Moon Silver succulent

• Golden Glow succulent

Arrangement of succulents? - Entirely up to you.

A lot of these succulents combine really well in a succulent wall garden, but either way, be mindful of the type of planter you’re using for this purpose, as well as interior decor in general.

Also, apart from visual impression, you can always combine the succulents that belong to the same genus, and create a homogeneous form, or you can do, and fuse succulents of completely different disposition. Clustered succulents can also be aligned according to their colour and fading nuances.

Ultimately, the choice is yours.

Vertical succulent wall planter and why it makes a stunning decoration using biophilic design principles

Do you know what succulents are?

Succulent plants are small thick-leaved plants that store water, while the word “succulent” is derived from the Latin word “sucus” and means juice or sap. All succulents have thick and fleshy leaves which allows them to store water during the long period of drought.

But, how they’ve gotten so popular as houseplants?

Well, mainly because they are very tough, and once they soak up all the water, they can use it stored for a very long time, and therefore, require minimal maintenance. After all, these plants are desert residents, not to mention they can be found living on the cliff edges, cracks or rock cavities.

Additionally, incorporating succulents into your home decor can provide various health benefits, such as improved air quality and reduced stress levels. This aligns with the principles of biophilic design, which emphasizes the positive impact of nature on human health, including reduced stress, improved cognitive function, and overall well-being.

However, you should always bare in mind that succulents do not like to stay in the soaking wet soil, because it can trigger rotting, which is why you should always keep it moist or dry.

Plants we recommend for your succulent wall design

Before we get into the specifics and show you step by step how to create your own vertical succulent wall, let us dive into the issue of picking out the right succulents for the occasion.

Succulent plants are very versatile, and therefore, allow you to be creative in creation of your own succulent wall, but you need to make note and pick out the plants that are smaller and rosette like, so they do not protrude out of your display.

Various shapes, sizes, and colours of succulent plants, with their unique natural shapes, make a great foundation for creating a more versatile look for your succulent wall garden. Incorporating these natural features not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also brings benefits such as improved well-being and reduced stress. Here are the most flexible ones:

• Graptoveria Blue Pearl

• Blue Giant succulent

• Chocolate Soldier succulent

• Moon Silver succulent

• Golden Glow succulent

Arrangement of succulents? - Entirely up to you.

A lot of these succulents combine really well in a succulent wall garden, but either way, be mindful of the type of planter you’re using for this purpose, as well as interior decor in general.

Also, apart from visual impression, you can always combine the succulents that belong to the same genus, and create a homogeneous form, or you can do, and fuse succulents of completely different disposition. Clustered succulents can also be aligned according to their colour and fading nuances.

Ultimately, the choice is yours.

Vertical succulent wall garden - succulent wall design step by step

Before we present you with the guide of creating your own succulent wall garden, let’s make note of the materials you are going to need first. By following these steps, you can create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also functional and restorative. Incorporating elements that mimic natural environments is crucial in biophilic design to enhance the health and wellbeing of occupants and to optimize sustainability.

Succulent wall garden decoration natural materials

• Succulents (obviously) - Pick out your favorites with greenery and stems. The number you should approximately prepare is around 35-40 for the 11x14 frame.

• Shadow box frame - This box should be deep enough so you can add soil and plant your succulents. As for size, carefully determine where exactly you want to hang your vertical succulent garden, a therefore decide how big of a box you need.

• Plastic for landscaping - Used to protect your shadow box from the soil and to prevent any water draining from the frame.

• Glue gun

• Moss - Used for filling the shadow box and keeping the succulents fresh.

• Wire mesh - You’ll need it to fix the soil in place.

• Staple gun - For securing the wire mesh onto the shadow box.

• Scissors

• Natural materials - Consider using eco-friendly options like reclaimed wood for the shadow box frame.

• Natural lighting - Essential for the health of the succulents, promoting a sustainable and healthy indoor environment.

Now, let’s cut to the chase and start making the succulent wall!

Step 1 - Layer the shadow box with landscaping plastic

Once you've chosen you're shadow box in the right size, first you'll have to layer it with landscaping plastic. Cut enough plastic so it extends outside of the box, place it in the box and then secure the edges with the glue gun. Once you've done that, use the scissor to cut the excess.

Step 2 - Add moss

Fill the box entirely with sphagnum moss, and evenly spread it. The moss has a superb ability to retain water, which will provide your succulents with just the right amount of moist they need. 

Step 3 - Use the wire mesh to create the frame

Cut the wire mesh first, and then layer onto the frame of the box. Check if t fits properly and then extend it towards the edges. In the end, secure it with the staple gun along the edges. 

Step 4 - prune the roots of your succulents before repotting

The succulents you've chosen need to be pruned before repotting, in order to ensure growth and prosper of your succulent garden wall. Use your hands to release them from the soil, and then carefully prune them. 

Step 6 - Hang your succulent wall garden in natural light and admire your handy work!

Once you’ve pruned the plants, and before pressing them into the moss, use your fingertips to make room first. Place them into proper position and then press them into the moss. By carefully placing each plant, you can create a natural environment that mimics their native habitats, emphasizing the importance of natural landscapes in biophilic design. You’ll do this with every plant, repeating it until you’ve achieved the look you want. Always stand back and check whether you’re content with the result, and arrange them differently if necessary.

Step 6 - Hang your succulent wall garden and admire your handy work!

Before you hang your newly made succulent wall garden on the wall, make sure all the plants are safely rooted, which should approximately take between four and twelve weeks.

When choosing the perfect spot to hang your garden, ensure it has moderate to bright natural light, and don’t worry if it gets warm - succulents are desert plants after all.

Last but not least - how to nurture your succulent wall garden for health benefits?

Succulent wall gardens require more or less the same amount of nurture, but you still have to know how to do it properly.

Apart from providing them with just the right amount of sunlight, mind your watering because you don’t want to soak up your brand new succulent wall, which is easy to do since you don’t have drainage holes either way. You can always check the wetness of soil with a wooden stick, and see if you’ve, by any chance, overdone it.

Water your succulent wall once a month, and you’ll do it by laying it flat first, and then thoroughly moistening the soil. Keep the “wall” down for an hour or so after that and make sure the frame is dry, before you hang it back again.

The moss will also require some nourishing, so you can mist it once a week freely.

Succulent wall garden not only is a dramatic display of stunning (and much needed) greenery, but also is a new design element that is getting extremely popular in all sorts of living and working environments - like indoor landscaping, not to mention recreational - like gym design. Introducing such elements can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

All in all, succulent wall garden represents a nice start to introducing natural interior design elements into your home, or you someone else’s, if you’re a little DIY project. Caring for your succulent wall garden can also foster a deeper human connection with nature, promoting relaxation and well-being.

Free e-book: benefits of biophilic design in offices & coworking spaces

Biophilic design is a technique that respectfully harnesses the restorative, energizing properties of Mother Nature for physical and mental health benefits, so where better to implement this approach than in the workplace where many spend upwards of eight hours a day, five days a week?

Biofilico's method combines the three key 'principles' of healthy, natural and sustainable design implemented through eight 'applications' for a range of externally oriented attributes (for the company in question), internally oriented benefits (for the office workers) and value generation (for the brand).

Download our free e-book to discover the science behind this approach, what steps you can take to implement some of the basics, and four illustrative case studies.

CONTENTS:

• DEFINITION: what is biophilic design?

• RESEARCH: the science behind biophilic design

• APPLICATIONS: 8 ways to apply biophilic design to your office

• CASE STUDIES: Amazon offices, Barcelona, Spain; Second Home coworking, Lisbon, Portugal; Uncommon coworking, London, UK; Innovation Centre coworking, Montenegro

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biofilico offices coworking

Hero corporate offices

we were the Biophilic design consultants for the refurbishment of natural food group Hero’s 5-floor headquarters in switzerland

Biophilic design consultant

This is a video we made post-completion with our client Bill Parker, then VP of HR & Corporate Comms, now Chief People Officer for HERO. Bill was intimately involved in our workplace wellbeing and biophilic design consultancy role, maintaining the focus on tangible outputs for staff in terms of their productivity and all-round satisfaction with the offices in Lenzburg.

Biophilic design consultants - HERO offices

Our explanatory video about the biophilic design consultancy role we played in this project, and in particular in terms of the biophilia we introduced in the shape of an indoor garden and extensive planting through the five-floor building. These plants have been lovingly maintained by the brilliant team at Creaplant, the local landscape firm that we engaged, briefed and then ultimately handed responsibility to for the ongoing office plant care.

Biophilic office indoor garden

Indoor garden concept for ground floor reception area. In collaboration with the interior design team, we contributed biophilic design concepts to the project such as this indoor garden as well as a plan plan for each floor and plant species selection duties, with input from the local supplier to ensure our choices were as practical as possible to maintain in the long-term.

Biophilic office flooring

We sourced and specified the biophilic design flooring tiles for the office boardroom, integrating with the brand’s blue colour and defining a lighter colour tile around the boardroom table, surrounded by a darker tile, blending the two in a deliberately organic pattern. These flooring tiles are made of upcycled fabrics and the supplier Interface commits to take the tiles back at their end of use, for further recycling as part of their circular economy initiative.

Biophilic office reception moss wall

We designed the main reception desk’s biophilic moss backdrop, creating a deliberately irregular pattern for a botanic blend of green moss micro-panels. Working closely with the fit-out contractor, we provided detailed layout instructions for their team to follow, integrating the corporate brand logo to the centre of the panel as well.

Biophilic office recharge room

We created the concept design for this biophilic recharge room, also known as an eco-friendly ‘quiet room’ for staff to relax in, do some focused work, read a book or take a quick nap without fear of being disturbed. This is a ‘shoes off’ zone in order to make the most of the thick-pile recycled grass-effect carpet tiles. There is also an aromatherapy diffuser, wellness lighting, a Dyson air purifier / fan and a music speaker for calming nature sounds.

Biophilic office acoustic booths

Acoustic phone booths in soft, natural tones for employee comfort and privacy, an essential feature in open-plan offices. We sourced and tested these booths prior to procurement, liaising closely with the HERO team and the interior designers to ensure they integrated smoothly into the floor plan and, most importantly, delivered on the practical concerns around privacy and acoustics in the HR department.

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Biophilic office outdoor workspace

Outdoor workspace concept to repurpose a neglected concrete seating area, adding a heavy dose of nature through planting, natural wood furniture and a small water feature to block out at least some of the noise from an adjacent road. This areas was also envisaged as a staff dining / meeting area.

Biophilic office facade concept

Greening of building’s exterior facade adding a biophilic design feature that leveraged the existing architectural features, the repeating pattern of round portico’s into which we imagined attaching planter boxes. A bamboo ‘privacy wall’ on the ground floor outside of the boardroom was also imagined as a way to create a narrow outdoor corridor for 1-on-1 meetings, or as a smoking area during workshops.

Biophilic office WC concept

Biophilic office bathroom concept using a nature mural of the Swiss Alps, creating a sense of place and a moment of surprise for visitors to the ground floor meeting rooms - this WC was unique, no others like it were created on the upper floors. We sourced upcycled wood panels for the walls and acoustic moss panels for the ceiling to integrate sustainability features in the design as well.

Biophilic office plant plan

For the ground floor of this biophilic office we created a detailed plant plan with locations, species names, quantities and approximate sizes. We designed some planter boxes to house the plants and collaborated with the appointed interior design firm as well as a local plant supply company on integrating these plants into the project and ensuring they live long, happy and healthy lives.

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download our free e-book on the benefits of biophilic design in offices to learn more!

CONTENTS

• definition: what is biophilic design?

• research: the science behind biophilic design

• applications: 8 ways to apply biophilic design to your office

• case studies: amazon offices, barcelona, spain; second home coworking, lisbon, portugal; uncommon coworking, london, uk

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biophilic design in offices and coworkings form

Blue Room sports bar design

The Blue Room, Porto Montenegro is a music venue and sports bar designed with a biophilic, nature-inspired style. It combines a local cafe with an . ongoing calendar of sports, cultural and lifestyle events.

Blue Room porto montenegro - concept development

This project was a warehouse conversion, giving us high ceilings and plenty of space to work with. The concept is a sports, music and entertainment venue within a marina village in Montenegro, making this a unique hospitality experience.

blue room bar - the brief

Our brief was to create a fun, fresh and informal venue that would appeal to a young, trendy audience. Our role involved complete creative concept development right from the start, literally working with an empty box to start with, and eventually delivering the Blue Room sports bar concept.

our role in creating blue room bar, porto montenegro

When creating the . biophilic design interiors for the Blue Room Porto Montenegro, first we designed the space plan, branding and initial 3D visualizations for the bar area, sports / games room, table tennis zone, dance floor an outside terrace.

biophilic interior design of blue room, porto montenegro

When creating the biophilic interior design of Blue Room Porto Montenegro, we brought the outside in with a ring of air-purifying plants around the top of the bar structure matched with a palm leaf print wallpaper on the back-bar and green-white stripes on the front of the bar for a cohesive colour palette. We also matched that with the furniture, procured from one of our specialist suppliers.

Blue room sports bar concept

In order for the Blue Room Porto Montenegro to have a tangible sports bar atmosphere, we sourced premium table football and table tennis set-ups for the new venue and off-set them against a row of tall palm leaf trees in a bright colour palette of terracotta, blue and green to match the selection of bar stools.

outdoor terrace

The external terrace involved indigenous landscaping, outdoor rugs, ar furniture, sofas and sun loungers to create a seamless transition from the interior dance floor and bar. Benefitting from a memorable sunset view over the adjacent sports field and beyond to the bay, this quickly became a Friday night hotspot in season.

What is Biophilia?

As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, lifestyle convenience and stimuli typically increase while access to nature and green spaces decrease.

Biophilia and biophilic design are in this sense a thoroughly modern response to that disconnect from nature although, as you’ll discover, it is one informed by our meta history, having evolved as a species in relative harmony with nature over hundreds of thousands of years.

What is Biophilia?

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’ resembles less a primal, hunter-gatherer lifestyle and is rather about the respectful integration of nature into our home, offices, gyms, diet, beauty products, transport choices and more.

Why Does Biophilia Matter?

Wherever health, wellness, and community are at stake, biophilia has a genuine contribution to make, partly to improve the lives of the people involved but also as a way to protect the planet.

Biophilia & The Triple Bottom Line

Biophilia is a Triple Bottom Line concept in this sense, as it accounts not just for People and Planet but also for Profit, which explains why it has been adopted around the world by some of the most valuable companies in existence.

Amazon, Google, and Apple have all tapped into the power of biophilic design recently for their office interiors, so what lies behind the shift to such botanical work spaces?

Clean Living

Plants convert CO2 back to oxygen as we know but recent studies by institutes such as NASA show that plants also purify the indoor air for us.

Within interiors, this means filtering out harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, benzyne, ammonia—to name a few— from off-gassing furniture, paint, building materials, and pollutants that track in from the outside world.

NB: We recommend going big on such plants in each room, around 6-8 per regular user if possible and then supplement that with an air purifier from Dyson, that’s how we do things anyway.

Wellbeing

We are bombarded daily with endless stimulants in bustling urban areas—especially in the era of endless technology. Interiors and exteriors that utilize biophilic design create spaces where such stimuli can be set aside for a dose of Vitamin Nature that will recharge our internal batteries and, as a result, improve concentration, productivity and creativity.

Our Biofilico green recharge rooms and office interiors are designed specifically for this purpose in fact. When we integrate movement and activity into the mix as well, we end up with a Biofit gym’s ‘special sauce’ - double the wellness benefits basically!

Biophilia & Tribal Community

Not only does biophilia hold the key to connecting with nature in unnatural settings, it also creates opportunities for greater sense of connection between groups of individuals and nature, for example through the creation of communal gardens, green spaces in schools, or shared workspaces like Second Home in Lisbon.

The fundamental insight here is again informed by ancestral health principles that clearly show humans to be tribal animals, originally operating in groups of 150-250 people.

In conclusion, biophilic living is an effective way to counteract against some of the negative effects of urban living and by embracing this concept, we can improve quality of life, health and well-being whilst improving consciousness of our connection to the planet around us.

Related reads from Biofit & Biofilico:

5 Best Examples of Biophilic Design

10 Ways to Add Biophilic Design to Your Home, Office, or Gym

Air Purifying Plants in Biophilic Interiors

5 Best Biophilic Design Examples — Biofilico Wellness Interiors

From Seattle to Scotland, the best biophilic architecture examples can be found in a variety of settings, but they all have one thing in common: interiors that improve the built environment through the use of natural materials, plants, lighting, and other sensory design elements to give the user an experience that energizes, refreshes, and connects them to nature.

The 'seven biophilic design patterns' provide a framework for understanding these examples, encompassing elements such as the use of natural materials, indirect experiences of nature through natural analogues, and the experience of space and place that resonates with our biological evolution and preference for savanna-like settings.

The Biophilia Concept

The concept of biophilia in architecture is not new, but it is certainly gaining more attention as we strive for more sustainable and healthy ways of living.

Green architecture, with its historical development focused on reducing environmental impact through sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, has played a significant role in the formalization of the green building movement. A notable design intervention in this movement is the use of green walls, which bring nature into interior spaces and create a more harmonious and connected environment.

Many famous biophilic architects and interior designers have embraced this concept and incorporated it into their projects.

Below we take a look at some of our favourite biophilic buildings and structures that exist today, but first, a little background information.

What is Biophilia?

Biophilia is a term used to describe the innate and deep-seated connection that humans have with the natural world. This concept suggests that humans possess an inherent affinity for the natural environment, which has evolved over time as a result of our interactions with nature.

The term “biophilia,” which translates to “love of life” or “love of living systems,” was first introduced by renowned biologist and naturalist Edward O. Wilson in his 1984 book titled “Biophilia.”

This groundbreaking work laid the foundation for a new field of study, exploring the psychological, physiological, and sociocultural aspects of our relationship with the natural world.

The Biophilia Hypothesis

Wilson's biophilia hypothesis posits that our affinity for the natural environment is an adaptive trait that has developed through natural selection, as it has been crucial for our survival and well-being throughout history.

Biophilia Health Benefits

The implied health benefits of connecting with nature are numerous and well-documented in scientific literature. Research has shown that exposure to the natural environment can have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Natural lighting, such as sunlight through large windows or skylights, can also reduce stress and improve mood, further enhancing mental health.

Furthermore, spending time in nature has been linked to improved cognitive function, increased creativity, and enhanced emotional well-being.

Physical health benefits associated with connecting with nature include reduced blood pressure, boosted immune system function, and increased overall longevity.

In conclusion, the concept of biophilia highlights the importance of maintaining a strong connection with the natural world in order to promote human health and well-being.

As urbanization and technological advancements continue to distance us from the natural environment, it is essential to recognize and prioritize the role of nature in supporting our physical, psychological, and emotional health.

By understanding and embracing our inherent affinity for nature, we can foster a healthier, more sustainable relationship with the natural world that benefits both humans and the environment.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is an innovative approach to architecture and interior design that aims to create a harmonious connection between human beings and the natural world.

The concept is rooted in the idea that humans have an innate affinity for nature, and incorporating natural elements like plants, water, and sunlight into built environments can promote well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life.

This design strategy merges the principles of sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality to create spaces that foster a sense of belonging and inspire a deeper appreciation for our planet.

Key Principles of Biophilic Design

The key principles of biophilic design revolve around three primary aspects: direct nature experiences, indirect nature experiences, and spatial configurations.

Direct nature experiences involve incorporating living elements such as plants, water features, and natural light into the design.

Indirect experiences include the use of natural materials, colors, and natural patterns like wood grain, stone textures, and leaf patterns that evoke the essence of nature.

Lastly, spatial configurations involve designing spaces that mimic the structure and organization of natural environments, such as open-concept floor plans or curvilinear shapes that replicate organic forms.

Biophilic design has gained popularity in multiple areas, including corporate offices, hotels, resorts, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and residential properties.

The integration of natural elements into these spaces has been proven to enhance the well-being of occupants, promote greater productivity, reduce stress levels, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.

Spatial configurations that mimic natural environments further enhance the biophilic experience by creating a more immersive and harmonious connection to nature.

In conclusion, biophilic design represents a paradigm shift in architecture and interior design by prioritizing the connection between humans and nature.

By embracing this design strategy’s principles, architects and designers can create spaces that not only enhance occupants’ well-being but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

As awareness grows around the benefits of biophilic design, it is anticipated that this approach will continue to gain traction across various sectors of the real estate and hospitality industry.

Top Five Biophilic Design Examples

1 Hotels, New York & Miami

1 Hotels is an urban retreat inspired by nature. In a city packed with traffic, endless high rises, and lots of commotion, 1 Hotels stands out with its biophilic approach. Outside, you will find green walls brimming with lush greenery, while inside, interspersed plants and interiors crafted using reclaimed materials promote a warm aesthetic.

This biophilic experience doesn’t just extend to this hotel’s decor. They offer farm-to-fork food in their dining room and even a daily fresh fruit stand in the lobby.

2. The Spheres, Seattle

The Spheres are home to 40,000 plants from 30 different countries, including a variety of green walls that account for over 4,000 square feet of vegetated surface.

This Amazon building aims to connect employees and visitors with a direct link to nature in an urban setting— and with their glass dome that lets in an abundance of natural light and array of greenery, they delivered on their promise and then some!

3. Ruins Studio, Scotland

Ruins Studio garnered many awards the year after its competition—and for good reason. Designed by Lily Jencks Studio, NDA, and Savills-Smiths Gore, this unique structure was built inside a ruin. The original stone was kept intact, now being used as a natural, textural shell. It creates a strong contrast to the smoother, contemporary build nestled inside.

4. The Wardian, London

The Wardian features a sky lounge crafted with extra-high ceilings, expansive trees, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Whether relaxing in the sky lounge or taking a dip in the swimming pool immersed in a lush, natural landscape, it's easy to forget that you are in the bustling metropolis of London. This project is still under construction, but it is already proving itself to be an iconic biophilic design case study.

We created a pop-up Vitamin Nature wellness space for the developer EcoWorld Ballymore in 2018. The results from that research study can be found online here.

5. Second Home, Lisbon

Second Home has many locations, but the one in Lisbon is truly a heaven for biophilic design buildings fans with its abundance of light and over 1,000 plants. Both Biofit & Biofilico were effectively based there for the formative first year or two of the business!

This shared workspace is ideal for teams of 1 to 100 that need a workspace and want to experience an extra boost of creativity, happiness, and productivity through the power of Vitamin Nature. Wellness isn't just built into their interior; they also offer members yoga classes, surf trips, and educational and cultural seminars.

Bonus: Karolinska Institutet Gym by Biofit, Stockholm

And one more for luck... we couldn't resist adding in our tiny biophilic gym at the Karolinska Institutet medical university, just to show that not all these projects need to be large-scale!

We created a space with maximum health benefits by implementing a design that consists of both direct and indirect biophilia, including muraled walls, circadian lighting, air-purifying plants, and 100% sustainable materials. Students of the medical university are free to use the space whenever they choose, and regular classes provide extra incentives for those in need of a break from their research studies.

Conclusion

Biophilic design architecture is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people recognize the benefits of being connected to nature. Famous biophilic interior designers and architects are leading the way with innovative designs that incorporate natural elements into their structures. These biophilic structures and buildings offer an experience that energizes, refreshes, and connects the user to nature.

For more information on biophilic design and its benefits, visit our Biophilic Design Consultants page.

How to bring nature into your home via biophilic design

If you want to know what is the best way to bring nature into your home, office or gym, and make your interior to truly look and feel its best, incorporating biophilic design elements is a tried-and-true method to add not just soul but wellness benefits to an interior. 

By implementing a few of these key biophilic design strategies when designing your home, office, or gym you can create a space that prioritizes personal well-being—and looks aesthetically pleasing while doing so - while also respecting the planet. Here’s how:

Bring nature home by adding some plants!

We’ll start with an obvious one; plants are a quick way to incorporate direct biophilia into any interior. This can be as simple as a few potted plants or as expansive as a vertical garden wall. To reap the most benefits from this easy addition, aim for plants that will clean the air, as well as please the eye. 

Why stop there though when there are terrariums, aquascapes, domestic animals and countless other ways to bring nature into the built environment.

Use indirect biophilia

If you were wondering how to bring nature into your home, or any other space for that matter, when plants and other direct biophilic elements aren’t available, look to what is termed indirect biophilia. Photos, murals, and illustrations of nature, animals, and plants are a great way to ground your space in nature, plus these strategies have stress-reducing properties. 

Studies have shown that even indirect biophilia—using elements that are merely representational—still holds an arsenal of benefits similar to direct biophilia.

Use natural materials

The materials  you choose for an interior space will not only influence the final ambiance but also impact the users’ health and wellness. Natural materials are reminiscent of nature itself, of course, which is why one of the ways to introduce nature into your home is by 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 include FSC wood, bamboo, linen, cork, and ceramic. Do away with plastic completely.

Light it up - make the most out of natural light’

Bringing nature into your home or office also refers to natural lighting, that can truly brighten up any atmosphere. Implementing a circadian lighting system that follows the body’s natural rhythm can help improve both productivity by day and sleep by night. 

Fill your space with natural light whenever possible but when the sun’s rays aren’t available, find a lighting system that uses blue-white tones in the middle of the day, and amber tones early and late. The Philips HUE system does a decent job of this.

Bring the outside in interior design by mimicking nature’s voice

Speaking about bringing the outside in, serious biophilic design appeals to all the senses, including sound.  Possibly one of the most soothing things about being immersed in nature is the soft sound of birds, running water and the rustling of trees. 

The great news is that you can easily recreate this sensation by playing nature sounds, which are widely available and come in an array of themes and compositions. 

These are just a few of the simple biophilic design strategies that you can start implementing today, and by using just a few of the elements mentioned above you can be on your way to a healthier and happier interior.

Harness Nature’s Aromas

Bringing nature into your home, gym or office can now be sensed by incorporating certain aromas into a space is a simple way to extend the user experience and influence not just the tone of the room visually but also how its users feel whilst in it. 

Forget synthetic fragrances though, we keep it clean with organic essential oils  such as pine, cedar or lavender, preferably diffused into the air for 30-60 mins straight. This is especially beneficial first thing in the morning and last thing at night, while taking a relaxing bath or while concentrating on a writing or work task.

Commit to the nature theme and purify the Indoor Air

Urban living comes with its benefits, sure, but one of the inarguable downfalls is the reduced air quality, especially in certain cities such as  Barcelona for example where the municipality struggles to keep pace. 

If you want to give an all-around nature effect to any room,  and at the same time keep your  lungs happy and healthy - start by deploying an air purifier—preferably one with a HEPA filter. Dyson Air Cool is our model of choice for our bedroom in Casa Biofilico for example. 

This helps restore air to its natural state by removing pollutants that off gas from furniture or, more likely, drift in from the streets outside. Incorporating a few plants can also assist with this goal although you’ll need to go big on quantities and choose the right species, and even then we still recommend using an air purifier. Take no prisoners on this front!

Go Organic on your Materials

If you want to support the natural world in the best possible way, then going full on eco-friendly and organic is the way. Using organic materials can lessen the presence of harmful chemicals that are regularly found in building materials and furniture— think benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Yes, this is a thing.

While plants and purifiers are a great method to filter the pollutants that get in, going organic is a preventative measure that will help ensure their presence is minimal from the get-go, which is also an indirect way to introduce nature into your living or working space. Rather like taking your shoes off before entering a home so as not to bring in the dirt from outside. Joined-up thinking is the way to win this battle.

A Natural Neutral Palette

The color scheme is arguably one of the biggest influencers of the mood that an interior elicits. While bright tones can add energy, neutrals will help any commercial or residential room feel grounded in nature - a simple way of bringing the outside in interior design.

Try opting for colors that you often see in the wilderness, like browns, beiges, and greens. Still looking for a pop of bright color? Try a dash of sunshine yellow and a bright sky blue.

Welcome ‘Wabi-Sabi

Nature is never about perfection, so why should your interior design be? Harness the intrigue and natural beauty that imperfection can bring and integrate pieces into your design that have variations in the finish or maybe even a couple of chips or cracks. 

Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese concept common among vintage and handmade products, so look for furniture, crockery sets, and pottery with such ‘imperfections’. 

These actionable, biophilic design strategies can help propel any home, office, or gym design in the right direction, and bring the natural outside world right into your home, office, or any other space you need refining. Whether you implement a few or all 10, both your interior and health will thank you! In case you need more advice, check out more biophilic design strategies (coming soon) or contact the experts at Biofilico today.

The science behind biophilic design

The last two centuries have seen a massive process of urbanization as entire populations transition from natural to heavily built environments with limited access to greenery, open spaces and wildlife. This represents a fundamental disconnect from our evolutionary history.

Man's innate connection with nature is known as biophilia which in turn gives us biophilic design - an attempt to reunite indoor and outdoor worlds through the sensitive use of natural materials, shapes, breezes, colours, scents and sounds in urban architecture and interiors. Biofit leverages this same approach for an inner city fitness studio concept. Why?

Biophilic architecture has been enthusiastically adopted by the tech giants of Silicon Valley such as Apple, Amazon and Facebook for their new Californian headquarters. According to David Radcliffe, Vice President of Real Estate at Google, its new campus will have “trees & landscaping weaving through its structures to blur the distinction between the buildings and nature”.

Such environments are not just sustainable, a recent study by Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health Sir Cary Cooper entitled ‘Biophilic Design in the Workplace’ surveyed 3600 office workers across Europe and the Middle-East. The results showed how internal green space, natural light and foliage boost the mood, productivity and job satisfaction of employees while also reducing stress.

A recent report published by US-based consultancy Terrapin Bright Green entitled ‘The Economics of Biophilia’ highlights how this approach can also be applied to retail areas to boost visitor spend as well as educational facilities to increase students’ learning speed.

In the world of healthcare facility design, a seminal study by Professor Roger Ulrich at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden showed that patients whose windows looked out onto nature required 8.5% less recovery time than those who faced brick walls.

Such research eventually led to the type of healing garden created by designer Lily Jencks for her family foundation’s Maggies cancer care homes across the UK and Hong Kong. 

The next frontier looks to be healthy, or wellness-oriented real estate, as exemplified by the likes of Delos in the US. Biofit aims to be a part of that movement by contributing its own nature inspired update on the traditional fitness facility.

To find out more about our biophilic design services for gyms, offices, homes and hospitality venues, contact us via email through this website.

Further Reading

• What Is Biophilic Design And The Biophilia Hypothesis?

• Best Examples Biophilic Design Research Studies

• An Introduction To Biophilic Design - Nature, Wellbeing And Sustainability

• What Is Biophilia?

• Organic Interior Design: Connecting Nature & Interior Design

Biofilico founder - Matt Aspiotis Morley

healthy building and wellness real estate expert, founder of biofilico, co-founder of bioblu sustainable yachting, founder of biofit gym design and host of the green & healthy places podcast

Wellness real estate and healthy building expert

Matt advises on wellbeing and sustainability for the real estate and hospitality sectors. He is a certified green building professional and a natural health & fitness expert with a specialism in creating biophilic, nature-inspired spaces.

Biofilico is his wellness interiors consultancy offering expert advisory, creative interiors and green / healthy building certification services. 

Biofit Health & Fitness is his gym design & fitness business providing concept development, gym interiors, equipment procurement & mindful movement training to hospitality brands and real estate developers.

BioBlu sustainable yachting is his sustainability and wellness advisory for the yachting industry, co-located in Barcelona and Monaco ni partnership with his business partner Paolo Bonaveri.

Matt also advises real estate investment and development funds in London on their Environmental, Sustainability & Governance (ESG).

From 2010-2019 Matt was Brand Director for Porto Montenegro, a Eur 500 million mixed-use real estate development and marina community on the Adriatic Coast where his cross-departmental role engaged with Construction, Operations & Marketing teams to deliver new concepts such as serviced residences, a sports club, beach club, pool club, nightclub, sports field, sports bar and organic cafe.

www.mattmorley.net

Wellness benefits of contrast bathing

Warm and cold therapy is an established protocol amongst both natural medicine cultures and high-level athletic performance but in recent years the biohacking community have adopted similar techniques for their own mental and physical health benefits. 

The ‘contrast bathing’ version of such hydrotherapy deliberately alternates intense warm and cold experiences in the hope of reducing post-exercise recovery time and muscle soreness on one level while improving cognitive function and sleep quality on the other.  

This type of concept also fits neatly into Biofit’s belief in respectfully harnessing nature for physical and mental wellness; so how does it all work and how can you try it for yourself?

what is contrast bathing?

Also known as thermal cycling, in essence contrast bathing consists of at least one hot and one cold bath, shower or other experiential full-body immersion. Advanced, inner-city variations on the theme might involve an infrared sauna, ice bath or cryotherapy for example.

If you have access to a sauna in your gym or a hot bath home, a nearby lake, river or beach perhaps, or simply live somewhere with regular snowfall, you should be half way there already! In fact, I would argue there are additional psychological benefits to be had from integrating exposure to nature into the mix as well, more on that later though…

what is the science behind contrast bathing?

Scientists believe that successive exposure to heat and cold increases blood flow to our muscles which reduces swelling and inflammation, helping to clear lactate from the system, an obvious marker for muscle fatigue.[3] 

Additionally, temperature stresses trigger extra nerve activity, crowding out pain signals[4] which in turn has a positive effect on the immune system.[5] 

Research also suggests that daily cold stress, such as a cold shower in the morning say, can lead to an increase in immune cells and protects against infection.[6] Again, our own anecdotal evidence here suggests some light exercise in the morning such as stretching or a brisk walk, followed by a cold shower is a safe bet for supercharging your morning!

what protocol should you follow?

There is no one definitive protocol for contrast bathing; coaches, sports physicians and enthusiasts all have their favourite techniques but, as a general rule, you’re looking to hit between 10-15°C for the ‘cold’ and 38-40°C for the ‘hot’ part.  

In lay terms, you should be looking for a moderate discomfort level before stepping out, really feeling the heat or cold making an impact on your body temperature. Much of this is mental of course but without some degree of stress being imposed on the body, the effects will be inherently limited.

how long should a contrast bathing session last? 

Recommended times tend to be longer for the heat sessions, 10 to 15 minutes say, and shorter for the cold, perhaps 1 to 3 minutes. A total duration of 15 to 20 minutes per cycle is therefore a good guideline.[1] One cycle is good, two to three cycles are better, if time allows. Just don’t go overboard! Listen to your body and don’t try to be a hero if are new to this. Over time, you will grow accustomed to it and you can start to play with your limits but go slow.

is thermal cycling helpful for post-exercise recovery?

High-intensity and long-distance exercise are especially tough on the body, so for those who train hard or go long on a regular basis the aches, pains and some degree of general fatigue becomes unavoidable, unless you happen to be under-18! 

For the greatest benefit in muscle recovery, scientific research suggests that contrast bathing should take place as soon as possible after working out.[2] Imagine pro footballers jumping from ice bath to hot shower or sauna after a game.

I would assume that most people are not pro athletes however and therefore may  not even have time for their full training session, let alone training and recovery treatments in quick succession. Luckily, anecdotal evidence indicates that it is also beneficial to drop into an ‘active recovery’ day.

biofit’s approach to rest & recovery

After nearly 25 years of training under my belt, and a plan to continue for at least 25 more (!), I’ve come to appreciate the value in deliberately scheduling a day of R&R in my training schedule every four weeks or so.

This typically involves some combination of a nature hike, deep-tissue massage, mobility session, self-myofascial release (SMFR), a short afternoon siesta (ideally in the sun for added Vitamin D) and a contrast bathing experience. 

My diet is nicely dialed in nowadays but on these R&R days I will be extra diligent about doubling down on the healthy fats, lean protein and cruciferous vegetables… as well as copious amounts of water to flush out the system and no caffeine to encourage any extra naps that might be on the cards!

It’s about doing everything possible to give the body a chance to grow back stronger and tougher than before. Intermittent fasting can wait for another day!

how much difference does it make?

Current evidence suggests that contrast bathing is better for recovery than simply resting (passive recovery) after exercise and is on par with other interventions like compression, active recovery  (see previous para) and stretching.[3] My approach at age 37 is to throw everything at the wall; and take no prisoners!

why incorporate nature as well?

Scientific research studies that specifically isolate this particular variable within the thermal cycling experience are hard to track down but we do know that acute temperature stresses release beta-endorphin, a natural opioid which lifts the mood, without any side effects.[6] 

Exposure to nature has been shown time and again to have a positive impact on mood, reducing stress levels and creating feelings of vitality (see our own research studies from 2017 & 2018 here); outdoor contrast bathing of any variety simply layers the same benefits on top of those related to the physical exposure to hot and cold experiences.

Does it double the impact? Probably not but we might say it extends the range of benefits on offer from that one combined experience. 

can thermal cycling improve cognitive function?

Biohackers are onto a good thing here. Thermal cycling releases cortisol, noradrenaline and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) into the bloodstream. These and other stress hormones increase alertness, focus and energy rather like an all-natural alternative to espresso [6],[5]. 

A word of warning though, personal experience suggests there is a thin line between coming out the other side with a clear head and hitting an entirely pleasant but all-consuming energy crash directly afterwards, so experiment on yourself to see what works for you.

cold tolerance and outdoor activities 

Finally, this may be stating the obvious but hot showers are a modern invention, not an evolutionary necessity - quite the opposite, otherwise we wouldn’t be where we are today at the top of the food chain. 

Introducing a small dose of nature-inspired ‘adversity' into a complete training routine is therefore both concordant with our evolutionary history and comes with a plethora of proven health benefits.[6] More generally though, cold-tolerance helps you when active outdoors, whether it be  surfing or skiing. So, what are you waiting for?

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19083715

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23743793

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633882/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28150163

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4183517/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049052/



A beginner's guide to CBD for mental & physical health

When you think of cannabis, motivation and mental acuity probably aren’t the first things that come to mind but in recent years, the scientific community has successfully challenged this stereotype specifically in regards to cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound in the plant with a multitude of health-giving properties.

Medical cannabis

The tide really began to turn with Charlotte’s Web, a strain of medical cannabis that had near-miraculous effects in children with severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy.[1] Since then, a deluge of potential health benefits have come to light.  

As legalisation spreads across the western world, professionals increasingly look to products like CBD oil as a natural way to upgrade mental and physical performance.

What is CBD oil?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of around 400 natural compounds in the plant Cannabis Sativa.  It is legal and safe to consume. It is not however to be confused with THC, another chemical compound in cannabis that has psychoactive properties, i.e. it gets you high, CBD does not.

How does CBD work?

Talk about living in harmony with nature: the human body has an entire system designed to interact with cannabinoids.  

This system has branches in the brain, thyroid, immune system, digestive tract, and almost every organ in the body.  Nerve cells produce signalling molecules called endocannabinoids, which are like those in Cannabis sativa.

CBD vs THC

Unlike cannabis strains used for recreational use, CBD oil does not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).  CBD has no mind-altering properties, and actually counteracts the intoxicating effects of THC.

CBD as part of a natural lifestyle

Modern life can be stressful, with anxiety and sleep disruption a painful reality for many, especially those living highly tech-driven, urban lives. Reduced sleep over the course of a few days however has a severe impact on our cognitive and physical performance.

Biohacking for rest and stress

Biohackers are those who attempt to improve their physical and mental performance by manipulating their environment, nutrition, lifestyle and so on; in this case, many of them are going green in the search for new ways to rest and recharge.

Plants as medicine - ain’t nothin’ new!

Plants were, lest it needs stating, the very first medicines in human evolutionary history- nature held the remedy and relief to countless diseases thousands of years before the pharmaceutical industry began to commercialise the space.

So, while CBD may, like so many other plant-based treatments, be an old remedy, modern medicine hasn’t quite caught up, partly due to taboo and confusion over its place within the marijuana industry /drug trade.

This is an exciting time for new scientific studies being published as legislation frees up the industry; data is still in its relative infancy but the signs are positive.  

CBD for pain and inflammation

Experts believe that CBD could help with pain relief. The body’s cannabinoid system has a role in pain signalling and CBD could block these signals.[2] [3]  Some research also indicates that CBD could be useful in inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease [4]

CBD for anxiety and improved mood

Scientists are interested in the role of endocannabinoids in the fight-or-flight response.  CBD could be a potential treatment for anxiety and panic disorders, as well as PTSD.5] One study also showed that CBD had an antidepressant effect in mice.[6]

Improved sleep

If CBD can calm the mind, it follows that it could improve sleep quality. This is supported by rodent studies, which put forward CBD as a future treatment for insomnia.[7] [8]

Addiction treatments

One proven way to improve future wellness is to quit smoking, and CBD may be of benefit in this area too. Endocannabinoids act in parts of the brain that control psychological reward. If CBD can block signals that trigger addiction, it could be useful for drug, alcohol and nicotine dependence.[9]

Neuroprotection

It hasn’t been tested in humans yet, but pre-clinical trials suggest that CBD could protect brain cells. This is relevant to conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke and multiple sclerosis.[10]

Nootropics

For our thoughts on other biohacking supplements in the ‘nootropics’ category, see here and here.

References

[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/epi.12610

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21426373

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28934780

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22815234

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6066583

[6] https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf

[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028390811003467

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28349316

[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444130/

[10] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314080489

Indoor Air Quality in Gyms

Biophilic design as a unique selling point

When you walk into a green wellness space, gym, yoga studio or BJJ academy, there is an immediate visual impact from the nature-inspired interiors that stands in marked contrast to most such interiors,. While this can be a unique point of differentiation, the real benefits of such eco-friendly interior design choices go far beyond what the eye can see…

Air Quality & Biophilia

When it comes to indoor air quality, nature-inspired interiors are quite literally a breath of fresh air. Why so? Like so many of today’s man-made environments, traditional gyms are designed with scant concern for the provenance or potential toxicity of the materials used in the fit-out. These chemicals are known as indoor air pollutants (IAPs) and they can have a negative effect on gym-goers’ health.

Indoor air pollutants (IAPs) exceed government limits

In a 2014 study, researchers at the University of Lisbon found that a number of local fitness centres had levels of CO2 and VOC that exceeded limits set by Portuguese legislation.[4] Health risks from IAPs may also be magnified during exercise due to deeper breathing patterns.[5] The cruel irony of course is that health centres and gyms are intended to be bastions of wellbeing.

biofit gym protocols

A biophilic gym heads off many of these issues at the pass thanks to its design protocols and then implements a series of ongoing operational procedures to ensure similar standards of healthy air quality are maintained over the long term. Here is our take on it:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are linked to cancer and organ damage. They come from building materials, gym equipment, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and cleaning agents.[1] Biofit gyms avoid VOCs through the use of non-toxic paint; organic materials such as cork panels and eco flooring made of sustainable cork and eco-rubber’; eco cleaning materials and the use of sustainably minded gym equipment suppliers.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Human breath is the main source of CO2 indoors.  CO2 levels correspond with the rate of outside air supply; the more CO2, the more “stale” the air feels.[2]  In spaces that have a high concentration of sweating human bodies therefore, ventilation and air flow are fundamental. Think of a spinning or hot yoga studio for example. Biofit gyms use NASA approved air-purifying plants as a way to regulate CO2 levels combined with air-purifiers, tackling the problem from two sides and then monitoring the results on a daily basis.

Microscopic & biological air particles

Some tiny particles in the air are linked to cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory disease.[3] Sources of these particles include traffic fumes, cigarette smoke and dust. Bacteria, mould and pollen meanwhile can trigger asthmatic and allergy attacks.[1] Biofit gyms have strict daily cleaning protocols as well as air-purifying strategies to reduce airborne pollens and dust, outdoor shoes are an under-the-radar source of such particles so our gyms recommend barefoot training whenever possible.

the problem with Fitness facilities

In gyms, martial arts academies and yoga studios, gathering large groups of people in relatively small spaces is par for the course. Unfortunately, this is bad news for indoor air quality. While classes are in session, accumulated dust can be thrown up into the air while heavy breathing inevitably adds extra carbon dioxide to the air. In many instances, ventilation simply cannot keep up.  

Green design: A natural solution

High quality air is an inherent quality of biophilic spaces, which, by definition, are intended to replicate an environment that is as close to the great outdoors as possible, including air purity. On this basis, a well-designed organic gym could house the freshest pocket of air in a city block.

To minimise indoor air pollutants, Biofit’s sustainable gym designs include:

• Mindful selection of materials

• Temperature and humidity control to minimise bacterial growth

• Air purifying plants

• High ceilings

• Small to medium-size class sizes

• Appropriate HVAC system

• Low-tech or manually powered gym machinery

• Smoking ban

• Eco-friendly cleaning agents

• Easy-to-clean surfaces

• Non-VOC paint on the walls

To learn more about our eco-friendly, nature-inspired gym design services, please contact us at info @ biofit . io

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707925/

[2] https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ad30/328938f3843eace78ffc672851f956389817.pdf

[3] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health

[4] http://tarjomefa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/7873-English-TarjomeFa.pdf

[5] https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/35/4/214

Biophilic Design in Gyms & Spas

nature gyms & ‘green’ exercise

Have you ever noticed that sense of calm that washes over you when sitting on a beach watching the waves roll in, or relaxing under a tree deep in a forest while breathing in those positive phytoncides in the air? 

Nature has a powerful impact on our mood and mental wellbeing, a fundamental concept behind the approach of biophilic design which integrates nature into the built environment for similar functional health benefits. 

How? By combining healthy, nature-inspired and sustainable design principles into one.

what is biophilic design doing in a gym or spa?

The objective of using biophilia in an indoor gym or spa is to offer a powerful connection to nature through an abundance of plants, natural toxin-free materials in lieu of nasty synthetics; organic shapes with a wabi-sari (imperfectly beautiful) finish and a soothing palette of beiges, greens and browns. 

We have covered the benefits of training outdoor here and we remain devoted believers in spending time outdoors whenever possible!

Taken together though, all of these design techniques can create an indoor environment with remnants of the great outdoors even in a dense urban context where access to nature may be inherently limited.

Layer in a spa treatment or natural fitness workout on top though and the health benefits start to become truly compelling.   

health benefits of biophilia

In 2017, Biofit commissioned the first scientific study into what is termed as “indoor green exercise”. Conducted by the UKActive Research Institute and University of Essex Green Exercise Group, it ran over four weeks at the Biofit pop-up gym in London with a total of 118 participants taking a natural fitness session. 

Each responded to a ‘before and after’ questionnaire, with the following results:

- 75% felt less stressed after their session

- 80% reported feeling more connected to nature

- 87% found an improvement in positive mood state

- An average enjoyment level of 91/100 

By changing how a gym or indeed spa looks and feels, we can thus increase client satisfaction and boost overall enjoyment whilst ensuring happier, healthier members who feel connected to nature. 

why use a biophilic gym design?

Biophilic design and green exercise is a suitable eco-friendly solution for gyms of 25sq. metres up to 1000sq. metres. While smaller spaces are ideal for focused, small group and personal training, larger facilities can offer an array of training equipment, outdoor obstacles and a variety of zones to cover strength, cardio, movement and mobility.

To discuss how Biofit could help you design and equip your gym, be it a commercial business, home gym, hotel gym or office gym, simply email us on info @ biofit . io 

For our insights on hotel gym design see our dedicate page here.

Office Recharge Rooms & Biophilia

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Biofilico’s biophilic recharge room concept

Workplace Recharge Rooms - why are they useful?

In an era filled with high stress jobs and always on 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.  

What are the Benefits of a Wellness Room?

It may seem like an overly generous move by an employer to provide this kind of a facility for employee use during work hours but there is a lot more to it than just helping staff top up on their nightly sleep quota... Companies themselves can benefit from them just as much as the employees do. 

When used for brainstorming sessions for example, these rooms can boost creativity, mental clarity and overall productivity (more on the ‘how’ below). This makes them effective tools not just for forward-thinking HR departments looking to attract / retain top talent in a competitive marketplace (think tech start-ups for example) but also for Executives looking to optimize their team’s output and help individuals find their flow state in what is increasingly likely to be an open-plan office with limited privacy.

WeWork’s green wellness room

Biophilic Design & Office Green Rooms

Replicating the body’s circadian rhythm with smart lighting solutions means these rooms can be pre-programmed each season to replicate the effects of sunlight in the mornings, energizing blue-white light in the middle of the day and softer amber tones later on.

Air-purifying plants combined with dedicated air purifiers ensure improved indoor air quality (IAQ) to reduce air-borne particle counts and remove other pollutants, helping to reduce allergies and promote cognitive function at the same time.

Botanical wallpapers, artworks and nature murals can be used to bring the outside world in, replicating the effect of being outside in a natural landscape even if the office is located in a dense urban setting with limited gardens or parks nearby.

Organic aromatherapy oils such as pine and rosemary can add an extra sensory dimension to the experience whilst also affecting mood and concentration levels. Advanced functional nootropics can also be added to a diffuser now, representing another level in organic biohacking.

The Urgent Need for Recharge Rooms

While stress and mental health disorders seem to be more abundant than ever, these recharge rooms are a modern tool to help combat what is a decidedly 21st century problem. With a plethora of benefits for both employee and business, there is a recharge room to fit just about every budget, room size and corporate culture.

To discuss how we can help design one of these spaces for your office or home, simply email us at design @ biofilico . com

Casa Biofilico

We recently completed our first biophilic home interiors project, now known as Casa Biofilico.

A biophilic arrival

The entrance hall features a South African landscape photograph with a row of handsome cows warmly greeting each new house guest, a Danish side table from the 1960s and an Artemide table lamp next to a rotating collection of pot plants that help fill what would otherwise be a ‘dark’ corner.

Nature-inspired living area

A living room filled with natural light plays host to a corner filled with air-purifying plants such as Sansevierias and ‘ZZ’ plants, offset by a bespoke piece of floral wall art and a series of botanical leaf paintings above a vintage Danish sideboard in teak wood.

More vintage furniture in the shape of four Danish, H.W. Klein dining chairs with teak frames and natural fibre seats that pick up on the colour palette of the ceramic tile flooring beneath, as well as a classic leather armchair. Wellness lighting systems are set to an automatic timer to recreate sunlight each morning and then fade out slowly after sunset in order not to disrupt the body clock.

Biophilic dining area

A teak dining table plays host to organic linen table mats and napkins by Libeco from Belgium, ceramic plates with a rough wabi-sabi finish by Muubs, crystal water tumblers by Royal Doulton and an Alvar Aalto glass vase from Iitala.

Green bedroom

The master bedroom has an eco-rubber flake mattress topper, a natural wool all-season duvet and two different eco-rubber flake pillows all by CocoMat, the natural bedding experts. A commissioned botanical drawing above the bed by artist Anna Farba sits opposite a calming seascape by photographer Tim Hall while a bedside aromatherapy corner has a eucalyptus bouquet as well as various sleep-enhancing essential oils ready for the diffuser.

Zen bathroom

The main bathroom has a large tub used for magnesium salt baths for relieving sore muscles, natural soap products, another ‘Biophilia’ photo print by Christopher Marley, a Monstera leaf display, smart-scale for checking heart rate and body mass each morning, as well as candles and natural room scents to create a haven of organic health and wellbeing.

Eco-friendly kitchen

An all-white kitchen is kitted out with a curated coffee & tea set-up featuring ceramic Japanese mugs, a professional burr grinder, copper V60 filter cone, coffee scale and slow-pouring kettle.

All-natural cleaning brushes in various shapes and sizes are accompanied by eco-friendly cleaning liquids in a refillable aluminium bottle and, why not, a young Monstera plant for a touch of green. Finally, a print of a photographic artwork by Christopher Marley’s ‘Biophilia’ series hangs on the wall next to a mini-forest of head-high dracaenas.

A Healthy Home Office

A second bedroom has a HumanScale Quickstand Eco standing desk combined with a mobility ball. The aim here is to promote less sitting and more movement while working. Positioned directly next to the windows for exposure to natural light, the room also has a Dyson air purifier and a Sonos sound system to create a multi-sensory space designed for productivity and creativity.

this is an example of ergonomic office furniture designed for wellbeing, for more on this subject, see our blog post here

If you would like our help designing your home along similar healthy, biophilic and earth-friendly lines, simply email us via the icon below.

Biophilic Design: Botanical Wallpapers & Nature Murals

Botanical wallpaper benefits in biophilic design

More research than ever suggests that a regular connection to nature is of tangible psychological and physical health benefit yet 21st century urban lifestyles mean securing a regular dose of ‘vitamin nature’ has become a genuine challenge for many.

Nature-inspired biophilic design aims to remedy this disconnection by introducing nature back into interiors and the built environment through elements such as colour, patterns, textures and materials.

An example of this functional health approach to design is the use of wallpaper botanical prints and nature wall murals, read on for our take on why they work. 

biophilic walls and a botanical wallpaper design

Whether you are looking to create calm in a waiting room, need a low-cost way to inject a huge splash of nature into your home, or want an office that promotes both health and productivity, a botanical print wallpaper and murals are a cost-efficient solution.

They’re also fairly easy to install, long-lasting, and require zero maintenance, making them especially useful for underground spaces with limited or no natural light to support plant life.

Health Benefits of botanical Wallpapers design

Botanical wallpapers and murals can be a great way to infuse a room with color, create a focal point, or change a room’s ambience, but did you know that this simple wall covering can also have a positive impact on your mood? 

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 wallpaper botanical design that aimed to connect people with nature through potted plants, furnishings made from natural materials, and a colorful plant print wallpaper and animals in a Savannah-like setting.

The result? A significant decrease in stress and aggressive behaviour among patients. 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 in a plant print wallpaper, which brings us neatly back to the wallpapers and murals again!

Biophilic botanical Wallpaper deisgn in Workplaces and Residences

Both wallpapers and murals are suitable for home and the workplace but which one is right for you?

Botanical wallpapers tend to be cheaper, more widely available, and have more designs to choose from, they are also more representative or suggestive of nature than explicitly a scene of nature.

Wall murals on the other hand depict nature in a deliberately photorealistic way—which can arguably lead to greater health benefits.

Whichever option you choose, these outside of the box solutions are guaranteed to introduce a regular dose of nature back into any urban lifestyle. 

If you want to know how we can help you create a biophilic interior with wallpaper botanical prints contact us via email on design @ biofilico . com

The Health Benefits of Biophilia Plants in Interiors

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:

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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

1. 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.

2. Improved Mood: Indoor plants have been shown to boost mood and promote well-being. Their presence can create a more pleasant and positive atmosphere.

3. Enhanced Creativity: Some studies suggest indoor plants stimulate creativity and problem-solving, making them valuable in workspaces and creative environments.

4. Increased Productivity: Indoor workplace plants have been associated with increased productivity and concentration. They can help reduce mental fatigue and improve focus.

5. 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

1. Air Purification: Many indoor plants can remove pollutants and toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, contributing to improved indoor airflow.

2. 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.

3. Noise Reduction: Some large, leafy plants can absorb sound, reducing noise levels in interior spaces. This can create a more peaceful and comfortable environment.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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:

1. High Light: These plants require direct or bright indirect sunlight for several hours each day. Examples include succulents, cacti, and many flowering plants.

2. 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.

3. 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

1. 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.

2. Optimize Window Placement: Position furniture and shelving to allow natural light to reach as many plants as possible. Avoid blocking windows with large obstructions.

3. 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.

4. Keep Windows Clean: Regularly clean windows to ensure maximum light transmission.

5. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Choose Full-Spectrum Lights: Full-spectrum LED grow lights closely mimic natural sunlight and provide a balanced spectrum for photosynthesis.

5. Consider Light Reflectors: Reflective materials around plants can help maximize the use of artificial light by directing it back toward the plants.

6. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Boston ferns effectively remove pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. They require regular moisture and indirect light to thrive.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii): Bamboo palms effectively remove indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and benzene. They also thrive in low-light conditions.

8. 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.

9. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii): Gerbera daisies are known for removing trichloroethylene, a common indoor pollutant. They also add vibrant color to your indoor environment.

10. 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.

11. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): Chinese evergreens purify indoor air effectively. They’re also low-maintenance and thrive in low light.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Philodendron: Philodendrons purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Their beautiful foliage adds aesthetic appeal while improving indoor air quality.

15. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Active design - definition and perspective

The concept of ‘active design’ comes up a lot in contemporary debate around how to design interiors, buildings and communities that prioritise human health and wellbeing, and therefore - how to get healthy by active design.

Active design strategies exist to aid a healthy lifestyle and can include dedicated bicycle pathways, bike sharing schemes, and micro-parks designed to reduce air pollution levels. 

Here is a short introduction to this innovative new approach that combines elements of fitness, design and architecture in one.

Active design definition and why do we need it?

Unless you have been living under a duvet for the last decade you’ll have heard mention of the lifestyle disease epidemic affecting the western world. 

Physical inactivity, poor diet and smoking are one side of the coin while obesity, Type 2 diabetes and chronic heart disease the other. 

Together they are putting unprecedented pressure on state healthcare systems that are already close to buckling with limited resources.

As governments have sought for ways to improve the situation, active design has become a rallying cry for health conscious city planners, architects and interior designers aiming to prevent ‘rather’ than ‘cure’.

Active design definition

As a set of building and planning principles, active design exists to aid healthy lifestyle - the principles of active design exist to promote physical activity, by immersing them into everyday activities.

Healthy placemaking through active building design

Examples of creating a healthy community or healthy city include dedicated bicycle pathways and bike sharing schemes to reduce car use and lower pollution levels while encouraging physical activity. 

The difference between passive and active design can be clearly seen in strategic use of landscaping that helps create attractive walkways that encourage walking and interaction outdoors - New York’s now legendary  Highline being one obvious example, unlike passive design that is mainly focused on building orientation in a way that takes advantage of the climate the most.

Active design building encourages physical activity

One of the significant benefits of active designs is that it encourages physical activity.

Stairwell prompts in office and residential buildings can make the difference between using an elevator 20 times per day to go from ground to first floor vs burning an additional 200 total calories taking the stairs. 

Something as simple as a notice adjacent to a stairwell entrance can be enough to encourage greater stair use, such prompts need to be easily visible and graphically engaging.

Incorporating showers, changing rooms, lockers and bike racks in office buildings for workers also encourages cycling to work as well as lunchtime jogs or workouts.

Nature contact thanks to active building design

Active building design mainly refers to public landscaping, city centre micro-parks designed to reduce air pollution levels and other opportunities to connect with nature in an urban environment have all been shown to help reduce anxiety, promote a sense of vitality and restore nature-connectedness for improved mental wellbeing even in relatively short periods of time.

A series of micro-parks in London UK were designed to offer small doses of nature in a densely urban context surrounded by office high-rises, but also to encourage active sustainable design in natural surroundings.

How did we get here?

In the last half-century, the nature of work has fundamentally shifted. No longer are the majority of people toiling in fields, or doing manual labour in factories, the new normal is to be in an office all day, at a desk, in front of a screen, with or without a natural light source nearby.

From a meta history perspective, this is a long way from an evolutionary correct norm that our bodies were built for. ‘Active design’ is a way to incorporate activity prompts and hacks into the built environment as a way to combat the risk of endless hours of sitting.

Active design & ‘the sitting problem

A ‘nature knows best’ health philosophy gives a clear set of guidelines when addressing lifestyle issues such as whether sitting is truly the new smoking, as the media have dubbed it. 

Here we combine evolution-based thinking with active design principles to explore the topic of 21st century sedentary living.

Less physical activity at work

Physical activity, once so intimately connected with our daily lives going all the way back to hunter gatherer times, is no longer a fundamental part of work for many of us, let alone home life, which is something the rise of active design is about to change.

One recent study shows that this equates to a reduction in calorie consumption of around 100 calories / day  in the US and can therefore be linked to a ‘significant portion’ of the increase in mean body mass across the US population in the past 50 years. In other words, the US population is getting more obese because it spends less time moving.

Physical inactivity at home

The dominance of televisions and computers during free time at home is another contributing factor to the total amount of time the average person spends sitting down, not expending any energy each day.

Overall this equates to a massive problem of physical inactivity in both junior and adult populations in the western world and that, put simply, is bad news for obesity levels, diabetes and heart disease.

Lower back pain in office workers

Prolonged periods of sitting have a direct impact on hip mobility while also being a major cause of lower back pain, which is why active design perspective has introduced sit- stand desks in offices, to help with the pain. Even sitting for shorter stretches of time is an improvement, which is where ‘active design’ tactics that encourage small movement snacks during the day can provide a solution.

Sit-stand desks in healthy offices - products of active design

Sit-stand desks are the real example of what active design perspective can do for your health, especially in the workplace. Products such as the Human Scale desk converter help encourage a combination of sitting and standing at work, giving the desk owner the option to adjust desk height at will throughout the day. 

Most people will find the afternoons tiring after a full morning on their feet, so a mobility ball under the desk can help, as can the option to move elsewhere in the office to change position for a while. It is all about mixing things up according to the type of work taking place.

A Cochrane review of existing research showed that the main benefit of investing in one of these desks, or an extension for an existing desk, is to reduce the total amount of time an office worker spends sitting down during their work day as well as to reduce the number of sitting bouts over 30 minutes in duration. 

Our own anecdotal evidence of using them for the past six years or so is that they make a massive difference for lower back pain sufferers, quite literally removing the issue from the equation for as long as one can stay off the chair. Mix that with a program of core strength and mobility exercises and it is a winning formula. We’ve tried it, changed our habits and will never go back!

Lifestyle exercise at work - more active design applications

Lifestyle exercise is also part of active design perspective, and it encourages office workers to integrate short periods of low to moderate activity into their day, the idea being to cumulatively piece together a meaningful amount of movement through a combination of trips to the water cooler, up and down stairs, for a walk around the block, and so on over the course of the day. Think of the often quoted “10,000 steps” concept.

Signage prompts in office active  design

Simple signage prompts are a seemingly obvious yet remarkably effective way of encouraging office workers to stay active, use the stairs and say no to the elevator, assuming a reasonable number of floors are required!

We hope that by learning more active design, you’ll manage to garner a clearer insight and wish to incorporate it into your lifestyle or your workplace. Active design concepts have numerous positive effects not just on your body, but your overall health, not to mention the productivity and focus felt positive effects.

To Conclude

Active Design Strategies to Promote Physical Activity and Wellness

In today's sedentary world, active design has become increasingly relevant in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

Active design strategies aim to integrate fitness and wellness into the built environment, including buildings, interiors, and communities.

By incorporating active design principles such as bike paths, stair prompts, and sit-stand desks, designers and architects can encourage physical activity and combat the risk of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and chronic heart disease.

By promoting more active and healthier lifestyles, active design is an essential step towards improving public health and well-being.

The Importance of Active Design in All Design Projects

Active design is not limited to fitness and wellness-oriented projects, but should be considered in all design projects. It's important for designers and architects to recognize the impact that the built environment has on human health and well-being.

Incorporating active decoration and design principles such as natural light, ventilation, and access to green spaces can improve mental and physical health, productivity, and overall well-being.

As we continue to face challenges with sedentary lifestyles and lifestyle diseases, active design is a vital aspect of modern design practices, and should be a fundamental consideration in all projects.

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If you would like to know more about how we can help you design a healthier, more active office, contact us via email on design @biofilico.com.

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