Benefits of Biophilic Design in Offices
Incorporating nature into office design isn’t just a trend—it’s a proven way to boost well-being, productivity, and sustainability. This blog explores how biophilic design, particularly through urban rooftop farms, transforms offices into healthier, more connected, and more energy-efficient environments. Discover how bringing the outdoors in can elevate your workplace.
What is Biophilic Design?
As defined by the Oxford Dictionary of Construction, Surveying and Civil Engineering ("The use of the natural environment," n.d.), Biophilic Design is the use of the natural world to contribute directly to design, engineering, landscapes, communities, and construction. This design technique encourages taking inspiration from the natural world to bring improvements in performance. The principle being that species have evolved, survived and thrived and therefore can offer design benefits if they are considered. Complimentarily, there is a growing trend of research supporting the correlation between biophilic design and health and well-being of the occupants ("Ways biophilic design promotes," 2021) ("The financial benefits of biophilic design," 2019) (Kim, 2021).
Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into the built environment to enhance human health, well-being, and productivity. Urban rooftop farms, as a form of biophilic design, can offer multiple benefits:
Mental Health Improvements: Access to green spaces and nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Urban rooftop farms can provide a serene retreat in busy urban settings, allowing individuals to reconnect with nature.
Air Quality Enhancement: Plants improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen. Urban rooftop farms can contribute to cleaner air in densely populated areas.
Temperature Regulation: Green spaces can reduce the urban heat island effect, leading to cooler urban environments. This can decrease the need for air conditioning, promoting energy efficiency.
Promotion of Social Interaction: These spaces can serve as communal areas for social interaction, fostering a sense of community among residents or employees.
Encouragement of Healthy Lifestyles: By providing access to fresh produce, urban rooftop farms can encourage healthier eating habits and lifestyle choices.
“A Japanese study on the practice of “forest bathing” compared subjects in multiple field experiments as they walked through both forests and urban landscapes. In the forest setting, individuals’ pulse rates decreased by 3.9-6.0%, systolic blood pressure levels were lowered, and salivary cortisol (a hormone released during periods of stress) decreased by 13.4-15.8%. Not only were isolated aspects of human physiology affected by being close to nature, but major bodily systems demonstrated significant improvement in the forest scape. Parasympathetic system activity, which serves to relax the body, increased by 56.1% in study participants while in the natural environment. Sympathetic system activity which stimulates the body when we feel stressed decreased by 19.4% while walking through the forest.” (Park, Tsunetsugu, Kasetani, Kagawa, & Miyazaki, 2010)
Conclusion
Urban rooftop farms stand at the intersection of sustainability and well-being, offering a holistic solution to urban challenges. They can enhance air quality, moderate urban heat, foster community, and promote healthful living, encapsulating the essence of biophilic design. This innovative approach not only supports environmental goals but also elevates the quality of urban life, marking a stride towards more resilient and harmonious cityscapes.
