Most people think biophilic design means plants, plants and more plants. BUT, in the office spaces we’ve created, we’ve seen that nature can impact your team’s behaviour and wellbeing in many different forms.
From natural light streaming through windows to earthy textures, calming water features, and even scenic imagery, the presence of nature in all its wonderful forms can work wonders on morale and motivation. We’ve seen firsthand how these thoughtful touches create a happier, healthier and more energised environment.
What is Biophilic Design?
The phrase biophilic design may have become a buzzword, but not many people actually understand what it means and the positive impact it can have. The key is very simple. It’s all about reconnecting people with nature in the spaces we live, work and think.
Biophilic design isn’t just good for the soul, it’s great for business. Studies have shown that workplaces incorporating natural elements can lead to:
- A 15% increase in productivity (Human Spaces report)
Up to a 12% improvement in employee well-being
And even a reduction in stress levels by 37% (University of Queensland)
Simply put: a happy space leads to a happy team, and a happy team does brilliant work. This is especially important in an age where burnout is real, attention spans are short and talent retention is crucial. It’s a powerful performance driver. Business owners and leaders who embrace it are not just following a trend, they’re investing in a workplace that focuses on potential.
From clever use of materials and lighting to spatial layouts that mimic the flow of natural environments, the possibilities are endless, and it’s also much easier to implement than many people realise! There are four key elements to consider: plants, movement, texture and sound. Let’s take a closer look..
1. Plants: A Classic Starting Point
We know it’s not all about plants, but we might as well start there as it’s such a simple, cost-effective and easy way to bring the outdoors in! There are two routes you can go down – preserved and live.
Live plants give a dynamic energy to a space as they grow and change over their lifetime. They also have the added benefit of purifying the air by reducing carbon dioxide levels. However, you do need someone to look after them in order for them to look good for a set period of time.
Preserved plants, on the other hand, need minimal maintenance as they give a lush natural feel but without the upkeep. They’re ideal for low light offices or busy workspaces, and you can even get them in wall art features!
Although plants add a little extra style to the office, they also have lots of additional benefits, like promoting stress relief, giving acoustic comfort, improved air quality and are mood boosting.
Take one of our recent office fit outs in Cheltenham, where we mixed planting styles to create a vibrant space and atmosphere.
2. Movement: Designing for Natural Flow
Nature never stays still and neither does your workforce! Movement throughout your office design is a subtle way to keep your employees energised day-to-day. At Gravity Office Interiors, we use visual cues and thoughtful transitions to create a feeling of gentle flow. This can include elements like subtle changes in flooring textures or colours, zoned pathways, and open-plan layouts with intuitive routes.
Movement-driven design also makes it easier for people to find their way around. Instead of rigid signs and awkward corners, the flow of the space itself guides you, like following a trail through a forest. Whether it’s finding your favourite meeting pod or heading toward the coffee machine, your journey feels natural and smooth.
Our project in the centre of Cheltenham for business, Signal, is a great example of where we have used different types of flooring to define work zones.
Helping to encourage movement in this way also means employees are more likely to stretch their legs, meaning they stay more alert, focused and engaged. It helps break up the monotony of sitting all day, which we all know isn’t great for the body or mind.
Small changes in layout and flow can spark big improvements in circulation and posture, mental clarity and creativity for employees, plus overall mood and motivation.
3. Textures: The Power of Natural Materials
Texture is the magic ingredient, bringing nature right to your fingertips. Whether it’s wood, stone or other natural materials, you’ll feel more connected to nature within the comfort of your office.
And there’s a real reason why textures make us feel good, psychologically they reduce stress and sensory fatigue, create a sense of familiarity and calm and help us feel more grounded, focused, and at ease.
In short? When your surroundings feel more human and less plastic, your mind and body respond with a big sigh of relief.
For one of our Cheltenham projects we had some fun playing with texture, right down to incorporating actual rocks! Yes, you read that right. Stones were used as a feature element, adding both visual intrigue and a grounding, earthy energy to the space. It was bold, brilliant and beautifully biophilic.
4. Sound: Nature-Inspired Soundscapes
Often not considered is sound. It has the potential to have a huge impact – if all you can hear is harsh echoes and constant chatter, this can become stressful. But soft, nature-inspired sounds, that’s instantly calming!
You can easily implement this too – think about playing soundtracks which feature natural soundscapes, like birdsong, rainfall, or gentle wind through trees. It’s like giving your ears a holiday, without ever leaving your desk!
These subtle sound elements don’t just sound nice, they actually help improve cognitive performance, focus, and presence. Instead of being distracted by phones ringing or conversations in the background, people feel more at ease and better able to concentrate.
In fact, some studies have shown that biophilic soundscapes can boost productivity, lower blood pressure, and create a more positive overall experience at work. All from just a little background magic!
It’s a simple win that ensures we’re always present in the real world.
Get in Touch
With numerous studies showing how biophilic design directly impacts employee performance, focus and wellbeing, it’s something we definitely think business owners should be considering. At Gravity Office Interiors, we can help advise you on what and where these elements would fit best. Just get in touch here.
