Going Green in your Workplace

The term ‘biophilia’ was popularised by the American biologist E.O. Wilson in the 1980s. He defined it as the ‘urge to affiliate with other forms of life’. The concept of biophilic design then emerged in the 1990s, pioneered by architects and designers aiming to satisfy this innate human affinity for the natural world. A leading UK based architect on the subject is Oliver Heath and more can be found on his site Design for the wellbeing of people and planet | Oliver Heath.

The principles of biophilic design are rooted in nature. They aim to incorporate organic shapes, materials, patterns and processes found in the natural world into the built environment. The key principles include:

• Natural Light and Air: Maximising natural light and ensuring good air quality to create a healthier, more comfortable workspace.
• Organic Forms and Materials: Incorporating elements like wood, stone, and fibres that evoke the natural world.
• Nature Views and Landscapes: Bringing in views of the outdoors or creating indoor landscapes to provide visual connections to nature.
• Environmental Variability: Introducing changes in light, shadow, and temperature that mimic natural environments.
• Sensory Richness: Engaging multiple senses through textures, sounds, and scents reminiscent of nature.

By adhering to one or more of these core principles, biophilic design creates spaces that connect with innate human tendencies and foster productivity, creativity, wellness and overall satisfaction in the workplace. 

Read the latest The Times article on behalf of Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The impact of bringing biophilic elements into office spaces is profound. More than just visually appealing, biophilic design delivers benefits for employee health, satisfaction, and performance.

Studies show that offices with natural light, airflow, views of nature, and organic patterns can decrease stress and enhance cognitive function. 

Specifically, biophilic offices have been shown to:

• Reduce stress and increase happiness among employees.
• Improve workplace comfort, making spaces more enjoyable to inhabit.
• Increase productivity by up to 15%, according to a Human Spaces report.
• Foster creativity, focus and motivation.
• Decrease sickness and absenteeism rates.
• Aid mental restoration from fatigue and mental burnout.

The reasoning is that because humans are innately drawn to nature, bringing natural elements indoors fulfils this need for connection, resulting in uplifted moods and improved job performance.

Creating a biophilic workspace is easier than you may think. With some simple changes, you can infuse any office or communal workspace with natural elements for a healthier, happier environment. Here are some tips to get started:

• Start With Plants: The easiest way to bring a touch of nature indoors is with plants. From small succulents and potted plants on desks to hanging gardens and living walls in communal areas, greenery instantly rejuvenates any space.
• Harness Natural Light: Where possible, arrange your workspace to make the most of natural light. Large windows, sheer curtains, or strategically placed mirrors can brighten up the space and create a more open, airy environment.
• Add Water Elements: If space allows, a small indoor fountain or an aquarium can add a soothing element to the office, providing a calming sound and visual appeal.
• Create Varied Spaces: Mimic the diversity of natural landscapes by creating different zones in your office for various activities – quiet areas for focus, open spaces for collaboration, or cosy corners for relaxation.

• Choose Organic Materials: Incorporate furniture and decor made from natural materials like wood, stone, or bamboo. For instance, the Relish Side Chair or the Nova Wood Desk offer both functionality and a natural aesthetic.
• Favour Earth Tones: Select colours and patterns for walls, upholstery, and accessories that reflect the natural world. Oceanic or Earth tones, floral patterns, or landscape art can work well. Opt for greens, blues, browns and natural hues rather than bold tones.
• Allow for Flexibility: Create modular, moveable office layouts and prioritise ergonomics. This free-flowing nature will support a healthier and more organic workflow, further bolstering employee productivity and well-being.

With some strategic changes, any company can easily adopt biophilic principles for a workspace that feels connected to nature. You can find many products to help you achieve this on the Wagstaff shop, browse our full range today or get in touch to engage with our design team at: Office Interior Design Service

Wagstaff offers a wide selection of furniture and accessories to help you implement biophilic design in your place of work, with products that align with core biophilic principles to connect any space with the natural world.

Take the ÖKOFORM Heated Desk, for example, a Dragon’s Den-featured innovation, with infrared radiant heat technology that provides a personal warmth reminiscent of natural sunlight, while maintaining energy efficiency and low running costs. This desk aligns with biophilic principles by creating a micro-environment that feels natural and comforting.

Pieces like the Carmen Grey Fabric Chair incorporate organic shapes and natural wood materials, perfect for nature-inspired environments.

For communal spaces, the circular Area High Drum Stools and Rae Barstools, upholstered in environmentally sustainable Camira Era fabrics, embrace biophilic values through their use of natural materials and designs that promote comfort and well-being.

In addition, storage solutions like the Choice Bookcases and Cupboards are not only functional but also aesthetically aligned with biophilic design, offering clean, modern lines and efficient organisation, akin to the orderly yet dynamic structure of nature.

With the Impulse Meeting Table and matching Impulse Cantilever Desk in matching, neutral swatches, paired with the ergonomic Sedus se:motion task chairs, you can ensure your workspace complements bright green foliage without being visually distracting.

Wagstaff has extensive experience incorporating these biophilic elements into office spaces to create uplifting and productive workplaces. Here are a few standout projects:

This university project features lush greenery and light wooden elements, blending biophilic touches with Scandinavian modernism. The integration of plants, natural light, and organic textures transformed the educational spaces into vibrant areas, conducive to both concentration and relaxation.

During the pandemic, Wagstaff was tasked with creating a post-Covid workplace that balanced individual workspaces with shared areas for virtual meetings. The design included open-plan flexible meeting spaces with natural elements like wood and plants, contributing to a calm yet dynamic environment

The aim was to create a space that reflected the ethos of the organisation while adhering to a net-zero carbon commitment. The inclusion of super-efficient LED lights, electric heating systems, and increased ventilation aligned with the company’s sustainable principles. The use of bespoke joinery and locally manufactured furniture added a unique touch, marrying functionality with a domestic feel, blurring the lines between home and office.

This expansive café, situated in the University of Leeds, uses several biophilic fixtures and bright timber elements to cultivate a welcoming environment. A living wall and ample windows create a relaxing and restorative space for customers and staff to enjoy.