Boost creativity and concentration with the help of nature
Would you like to increase productivity, concentration, and creativity? Or perhaps reduce employee turnover, absenteeism, and stress? Bring nature into the office and promote well-being.
Useimmilla ihmisillä on paikka, johon he mielessään palaavat, kun tarkoituksena on ajatella jotakin miellyttävää hetkeä. Lähes jokaisella tuo paikka liittyy tavalla tai toisella luontoon, ehkä metsään tai veden äärelle. Tämä ei ole sattumaa, sillä tutkimusten mukaan luonto rauhoittaa ja rentouttaa, jonka vuoksi sen merkitystä ihmisten hyvinvoinnille myös rakennusten sisätiloissa on alettu tutkia ja hyödyntää yhä enemmän.
Bringing nature into interior design is called biophilic design. Biophilia means a love of nature and living things, and in biophilic design, nature is brought inside through light and various natural materials such as wood or stone, and of course, plants.
Natural light
Biophilic design makes the most of natural light, as it has been found to reduce fatigue, improve mood, and support the circadian rhythm. In office biophilic design, natural light is considered in the placement of workstations, aiming for as many people as possible to see natural light during the workday.
Dynamic lighting solutions complement natural light, especially during dark seasons and in spaces where natural light from windows is limited. Adjustable color temperature and light intensity can adapt to the time of day, promoting alertness and well-being among employees. The combination of natural light and smart lighting helps create spaces that reduce eye strain, increase concentration, and promote overall well-being.
Materials and tones
The use of natural materials and tones is an essential part of biophilic space design. They echo the tones of nature, calm the mind, and bring a sense of authenticity to the space. Wood, stone, wool, and clay are pleasant to the touch, and their surface forms—such as wood grain patterns and the unevenness of stone—strengthen the connection to nature.
Over time, materials patinate and wear beautifully, adding layers and a sense of natural rhythm to the space. This organic change makes the environment more vibrant and human, which can increase comfort and reduce stress.
The use of natural materials is perceived differently in different cultures, as their symbolic and practical significance varies by region. For example, in Northern Europe and Japan, wood and stone are strongly associated with traditional building methods, which creates a sense of familiarity and dignity in spaces.
Plants
The effects of plants on human well-being have been studied extensively, and the results are impressive: greenery has been found to reduce stress, improve concentration, and even boost morale. In work environments, plants serve not only as elements that increase comfort but also as factors that improve air quality, as they bind impurities and increase air humidity, which could reduce, for example, respiratory problems and headaches.
Invest in design
Biophilic design is not just visually pleasing, but it also has concrete benefits for both employees and the employer. Numerous studies have shown that adding natural elements to office spaces can increase productivity by up to 15 percent. In addition, employees who work in a nature-oriented environment report being more satisfied with their work and experiencing less stress.
How can you implement biophilic spaces?
Utilize natural light
✓ Position workstation areas near window walls for natural views and natural light
✓ Meeting rooms should be designed in the interior parts of the building, so that natural light can be utilized primarily in work areas
✓ Complement the lighting with smart and adjustable lighting solutions that adapt to the time of day and support alertness
Introduce natural materials into the space
✓ Utilize wood, stone, wool, and other natural materials in furniture, room surfaces, and textiles. Also, remember nature-inspired design language – organic shapes and irregular surfaces bring naturalness and harmony to the space
✓ Choose muted, nature-inspired tones for wall, floor, and ceiling surfaces, furniture, and textiles
Add plants and greenery
✓ Choose low-maintenance or easy-care green
elements that bring nature into the space without
the need for major maintenance. For example, lichen and moss walls do not
require any watering at all.
✓ Utilize green walls and plant groups as room dividers. You can
create a lush green path between workstations and corridors,
which divides the space naturally and adds comfort.
✓ Add natural elements also through prints and acoustic
solutions.
✓ Utilize plant rental services if you want an easy
green interior solution.
Utilize diversity
✓ Use a variety of materials. Wood surfaces, stone countertops, and wooden
or felt wall panels bring depth and invite
you to touch them. Rough clay surfaces and matte
paints create contrast and increase the naturalness of the space.
✓ Soften the space with textiles. Carpets feel pleasant
underfoot, textile curtains calm the room's acoustics,
and upholstered seats provide seating comfort.
✓ Avoid strong scents. Instead, natural
scents, such as those from a small and mildly fragrant herb garden
growing under a lamp in the work café,
can add a calming atmosphere and make the space
more experiential.
✓ Water elements, such as small indoor water features or a
background soundscape designed with nature, can reduce
stress and support focus.
Connect the work environment to outdoor spaces
✓ Organize break and work spaces outside or in courtyards,
where employees can spend time surrounded by nature.
✓ Hold walking meetings in Kupittaa Park.
✓ Create spaces with the opportunity to see nature or its
elements, such as trees, water, or green areas.