Biophilic architecture for a healthy and productive workplace in the tropics

Abstract

Biophillia, defined as the inborn pull of humans to nature, is an idea which has already been acknowledged by scientists and designers for the past several decades and subconsciously for thousands of years by humanity itself. In the workplace however, nature inclusive design has always been deemed a luxury for bosses’ intent on creating the ideal employee workplace, or those who desire to show off their inclinations towards environmental responsibility. In the real world, biophillia can in fact improve work production and financial costing through the improvement of the community’s well-being. By inserting elements of our natural environment into the built environment, it is not just a luxury, but rather, a comprehensive asset in production and well-being, as proven by neurological and physiological research. In the research case studies presented, samples of minor investments concerning little to no up-front costs, for example, presenting staff access to plants, views towards the outdoors, natural daylighting and other biophilic design outlines. Based on these case studies, backed by scientific evidence, it is proven that the financial feasibility for the implementation of biophilic design in larger scale projects, be it in hospital settings where the healing processes in patients are accelerated, increased productivity in offices, improved test results in academic institutions, or increased sales in retail outlets, the research carried out proves the practicability for integrating biophilic design into out working and living spaces and in fact it is able to improve workplace wellness and productivity of the office users significantly.