The Positive Impact of Biophilic Design on Workplace Well-being

Imagine stepping into an office that breathes life where natural light filters through lush greenery, and the soothing presence of nature blends seamlessly with the workspace. This is the heart of biophilic design: a concept that's not just about aesthetics but about nurturing our deep-seated connection to the natural world to enhance well-being and productivity in the workplace.

‍

Understanding Biophilic Design in Corporate Environments

Biophilia refers to our innate human connection to the natural world and our inherent desire to engage with nature, which is deeply ingrained in our DNA. It encompasses the unexplainable sense of well-being that accompanies exposure to the natural environment. In today's increasingly urban world, where employees spend over 90% of their time indoors, biophilic design serves as a bridge reconnecting us to nature.

‍

Biophilic design integrates natural elements into built environments to create spaces that not only look beautiful but actively enhance human wellness. This approach goes beyond merely placing a few plants around the office; it encompasses thoughtful incorporation of natural light, materials, patterns, and preserved gardens to create multisensory experiences that resonate with our evolutionary programming.

‍

The Science Behind Nature’s Impact on Workplace Well-being

The positive effects of biophilic design on workplace well-being are backed by robust scientific research, particularly in the fields of neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture. Studies have consistently shown that exposure to natural elements, even in preserved form, can have profound physiological and psychological benefits.

‍

Research in neuroaesthetics has identified three key psychological dimensions that influence our response to spaces: coherence (the degree of organization and orderliness), fascination (the curiosity a space arouses), and hominess (comfort, security, and belonging). Natural elements effectively address all three dimensions, creating environments that our brains find inherently pleasing and restorative.

‍

The benefits of incorporating nature into workplaces include:

• Stress Reduction: Exposure to natural elements reduces cortisol levels, lowering stress and anxiety.

• Improved Cognitive Function: Nature-inspired environments enhance focus, concentration, and mental clarity.

• Enhanced Creativity: Biophilic elements stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Greater Productivity: Employees in biophilic workspaces demonstrate up to 15% higher productivity levels.

• Reduced Absenteeism: Healthier, more satisfying work environments contribute to fewer sick days and better attendance.

‍

Preserved Gardens: The Optimal Biophilic Solution for Modern Workplaces

While living plants offer many biophilic benefits, they present significant maintenance challenges in commercial environments. This is where preserved gardens and moss walls emerge as the ideal solution for bringing nature into corporate spaces.

‍

Garden on the Wall^®, the pioneer and undisputed leader in the U.S. preserved garden industry, offers a unique approach to biophilic design with their maintenance-free, all-natural preserved plant installations. These stunning botanical creations provide all the psychological and aesthetic benefits of connecting with nature without the ongoing care requirements of living plants.

‍

What sets Garden on the Wall^® apart from other providers is their unmatched commitment to quality, sustainability, and longevity:

• Industry-Leading Longevity: Garden on the Wall^® installations maintain their vibrant appearance for 10–12 years, with their exclusive rejuvenation program extending the lifecycle to 20+ years.

• Unparalleled Safety Standards: As the only preserved garden provider with comprehensive third-party testing, Garden on the Wall® offers published Health Product Declaration (HPD v2.3) with disclosure for their whole system up to 100 ppm, compliance with CDPH VOC standards, Class 1 and Class A flame spread ratings per ASTM E-84 Test, and Red List Free certification for the entire garden system.

• Superior Craftsmanship: With over 1,850 projects and 178,000+ square feet of installations, their team of skilled artisans creates seamless, carpet-like moss canvases that avoid the patchy, discontinuous appearance common in lower-quality installations.

• Sustainability Leadership: Their 100% bio-based carbon content certification, industrial composting of unused materials, and take-back program demonstrate a genuine commitment to environmental responsibility.

‍

Strategic Implementation of Biophilic Design in Workplaces

Implementing biophilic design through preserved gardens can transform corporate environments in numerous ways:

• Creating Distinct Functional Zones: Preserved garden, moss wall, and planter insert installations can define different areas within open-plan offices, creating visual distinction between collaborative spaces and areas for focused work. These natural dividers provide acoustic benefits while maintaining visual connectivity throughout the workplace.

• Enhancing Brand Identity: Custom-designed preserved gardens can incorporate company colors, logos, or themes that reflect brand values, particularly for organizations focused on sustainability, innovation, or wellness. Garden on the Wall's team of four graphic designers works directly with architecture and interior design teams to create unique and aesthetic plant art pieces tailored to each client's vision.

• Fostering Connection in Common Areas: Reception areas, break rooms, and gathering spaces enhanced with preserved gardens create inviting environments that encourage interaction and community building. These biophilic elements provide natural conversation starters and create memorable impressions for both employees and visitors.

• Supporting Focus and Restoration: Smaller preserved plant installations near workstations or in quiet areas provide visual respite during intensive work, helping to reduce eye strain and mental fatigue. These elements support microbreaks that can refresh cognitive resources throughout the workday.

‍

Real-World Impact: Success Stories in Workplace Transformation

Major corporations across diverse industries have experienced the transformative power of Garden on the Wall's preserved garden installations:

TripAdvisor World Headquarters in Needham, Massachusetts features six large-scale preserved garden installations that have been enhancing the workplace experience for over 950 employees since 2015. These gardens create natural landmarks throughout space, improving wayfinding while providing the psychological benefits of biophilia.

‍

Fortune 500 Technology Companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft have all incorporated Garden on the Wall® installations in their offices, recognizing the competitive advantage of creating environments that support employee well-being and productivity. These carefully designed biophilic elements align with their commitment to innovative workplace solutions.

‍

Financial Institutions have implemented preserved gardens to create calming environments that help reduce workplace stress in high-pressure settings. The acoustic benefits of moss walls provide the additional advantage of improving sound quality in busy office environments.

‍

The Future of Workplace Well-being Through Biophilic Design

As workplace expectations continue to evolve, particularly in the post-pandemic era, biophilic design has moved from luxury to a necessity. Employees now expect environments that support their overall well-being, not just their professional needs. Forward-thinking companies recognize that investing in nature-inspired workplaces is not just about aesthetics but about creating spaces that nurture human potential.

‍

By incorporating Garden on the Wall^®'s preserved gardens into workplace design, companies can create environments that operate at the intersection of neuroaesthetics, biophilia, neuroarchitecture, and biomimicry, while they still enjoy the lowest cost of ownership for these Biophilic Oases. These human-centric, transformative spaces help occupants not only survive but thrive, fostering environments where creativity, collaboration, and well-being naturally flourish.

‍

In a world where the competition for talent is fierce and productivity demands are high, biophilic design offers a powerful strategy for creating workplaces that support both business objectives and human needs. Through the innovative use of preserved gardens and moss walls, companies can create lasting connections to nature that enhance workplace well-being for years to come.

‍

For more information on this subject and other related information, please visit our website: www.gardenonthewall.com

‍