Biophilic design is a concept worth paying attention to. It’s the practice of viewing architecture through a more biological perspective, and adding natural elements to not just improve how a space looks but also how it feels to those who work in it. Though the benefits are widely accepted, the science supporting such spaces is still emerging, and workplaces from offices to schools and healthcare facilities are increasingly embracing it.

There are undeniable health and wellness benefits when the natural world is incorporated into everyday spaces. Architect Chris Haedt is a champion of using biophilic design to improve work environments. “Humans originally built shelter to protect ourselves from the environment,” says Haedt. “But now we’ve become so insulated from it, we’re disconnected. We’ve lost the benefits to our health and wellness. Biophilic design helps restore that balance.”

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Environmental psychologist Dr. Judith Heerwagen also supports the approach and is a leading advocate for the balance at the heart of biophilic design. “We have an innate desire to associate with nature,” Heerwagen explains.“ Whether it’s for physical health or our social and emotional well-being, we understand the benefits associated with being connected to the natural environment.”

Stress reduction, says Heerwagen, is just one benefit of biophilic design. “There’s also the experience of more positive moods, which affect our physical and social health, as well as our general sense of well-being,” she says. “These are powerful and consistent results across studies. We know that many aspects of nature can elicit these responses.”

1. Sunlight Increases Employee Productivity.

A study by Dr. Alan Hedge, a professor in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell University, found compelling correlations between natural light and productivity. Improved sleep facilitated by natural cycles of sunlight reduced daytime fatigue and boosted performance. The study found that even a mere 2% increase in productivity provided organizations the equivalent of an additional $100,000 of annual value for every 100 workers earning an average yearly salary of $50,000.

“Natural light is among the most studied areas of biophilic design, from exterior views improving mood to the science of daylight and vitamin D and its effects on productivity,” explains Haedt. “But adding natural lighting to an environment also reduces energy costs and creates the opportunity to incorporate plant life into a space, which improves the quality of the air we breathe.”

2. Fresh Air Improves Employee Health.

More than a century ago, it was another pandemic that disrupted businesses and daily life for millions. Facilities like Brigham Hospital in Boston were so short on beds, they were forced to treat influenza patients outside—and something seemingly miraculous occurred. Patients treated outdoors recovered more quickly and at higher rates than those treated indoors. In hindsight, improved air circulation and the antiseptic benefits of sunlight seem obvious. Yet today, many office and institutional settings are even more densely occupied than they were a century ago.

“The benefit of bringing the outdoors in isn’t just about treatment. It’s about prevention. A lot of the detrimental impacts of our daily environments are man-made, specifically air quality,” notes Haedt. “The concept of ‘sick building syndrome’ [exists] because offices are organized so tightly. There’s potential for interior green spaces to filter and purify those environments. We need to start thinking about office workers as inhabitants, and design spaces that serve them.”

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3. Color and Imagery Alone Can Help.

Studies have shown that introducing colors in otherwise stark environments like hospitals improves patient outcomes. “You can also use nature murals and photographs when you can’t put in real plants or other natural elements,” Heerwagen says. “If the only thing you do is color in the furnishings and the walls, that alone can make a big impact. Our homes aren’t all beige and gray. Color helps make [environments] more home-like.”

HON’s design studio and partners pay close attention to color and its potential to create emotional connections. This human-centered approach is evident in our range of nature-inspired options, including rich earth tones, leafy greens, sunny yellows and sky blues, found in our task chairs, lounge chairs and other products.

4. Natural Spaces Can Be a Smart Investment.

When Amazon opened its new Seattle headquarters in 2018, among the most stunning additions were the Spheres—three enormous glass domes encompassing 4,000 sq. ft. with 40,000 plants from around the globe. Microsoft similarly designed three massive, high-tech tree houses on the 500 acres of woodlands surrounding its Redmond campus.

Not all biophilic design projects need to be as expansive or expensive. Even modest efforts create a measurable impact. In fact, Terrapin Bright Green, a sustainability consulting firm, discovered a California call center that invested $1,000 per employee to ensure everyone had access to outdoor views, and it reaped a three-fold return on the investment.

“There are products for all price points. It doesn’t have to be a significant investment to be a meaningful one,” Haedt added. “Employees are increasingly mindful about their company’s commitment to the environment. Making these decisions at the right time and taking a more integrative approach will lead to more benefits and create the most impact.”

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How Hon Brings the Outdoors In

Blending interior and exterior spaces doesn’t have to be a compromise, and HON offers thoughtful options for every office. The open and airy design of our Voi® compact L-workstation combines a desk, credenza and hutch for ample workspace and efficient storage. But look deeper. The white desktops help spread natural sunlight throughout your office while the harvest wood finish echoes the outdoors.

HON’s low-back West Hill™ lounge sofas and club chairs, available in natural tone fabrics complemented by Arrange™ and Between™ tables and bases, likewise create comfortable gathering places to commune with colleagues or for less formal client engagements.

From the early card files made of scrap metal we introduced in 1947 to our latest furnishings, HON has always considered the materials we choose and their greater impact. We examine every stage of our product lifecycle for improvements and incorporate recycled material into our designs. Pursuing zero waste to landfills and sourcing 100% renewable electricity extend our commitment to a sustainable future for our company and our industry.

From nature-inspired colors, to greater use of plants, to allowing more light into a workspace—all these efforts help make a workplace feel more comfortable and send a strong signal to those who use the space: Your health and wellness matters.

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