Biophilic Design: The Future of Workplace Design

Biophilic design is an innovative approach to sustainable design that seeks to foster a deep connection between humans and the natural environment. It recognises the inherent human inclination to affiliate with nature, known as biophilia.

This design philosophy aims to create spaces that enhance well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life by incorporating elements of nature into the built environment. This can include natural materials, natural light, views of nature, and even the sounds of nature.

Biophilic design is gaining popularity as people become more aware of the benefits of spending time in nature. Studies have shown that biophilic design can improve mental and physical health, reduce stress, boost creativity, and increase productivity.

In this blog post, we will explore the future of sustainable design through biophilic principles. We will discuss the role of living walls in boosting workplace well-being and how green infrastructure can be a cost-effective solution to enhance community well-being.

How living walls boost workplace welfare

Living walls, also known as green walls, are vertical gardens that can significantly enhance workplace welfare. Research has shown that exposure to nature and greenery in the office environment can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase productivity.

Living walls offer a number of benefits for employees, including:

Reduced stress: Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress levels. Living walls provide a calming and relaxing environment that can help employees to de-stress and focus on their work.
Improved mood: Living walls can also improve mood and boost energy levels. The sight of greenery can be uplifting and energising, which can help employees to feel more positive and productive.
Increased productivity: Employees who work in environments with living walls have been shown to be more productive. This is likely due to the reduced stress levels and improved mood that living walls can provide.
Improved air quality: Living walls act as natural air purifiers, filtering out harmful substances and improving air quality. This can help to reduce sick building syndrome (SBS), a condition that can cause headaches, fatigue, and other health problems.

Living walls are becoming increasingly popular as businesses look for ways to improve employee well-being and productivity. As more research is conducted on the benefits of living walls, it is likely that they will become even more widespread in the workplace. At Branded Biophilia, we aim to design living walls which are not only beautiful to be around, but portray your brand.

When choosing a living wall for your workplace, there are a few factors to consider, such as the size of the space, the type of plants you want to use, and the maintenance requirements. Our low maintenance living walls are perfect to add a small touch of hassle-free biophilia. Work with us to enhance your space, we can even design your company logo in sustainable materials!

Green Infrastructure: A Cost-Effective Solution for Boosting Community ESG

Green infrastructure is a term used to describe natural features that provide a variety of benefits to communities, such as improved air quality, reduced flooding, and increased biodiversity. Living walls, green ivy screens, and extensive green roofs are all examples of green infrastructure.

These solutions can help to decarbonise the construction industry in a number of ways. First, they can help to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool buildings. Living walls, for example, can provide shade in the summer and insulation in the winter. Second, they can help to improve air quality by filtering out pollutants. Third, they can help to reduce stormwater runoff, which can help to prevent flooding.

In addition to these environmental benefits, green infrastructure can also provide a number of social and economic benefits. For example, living walls can help to improve the aesthetic appeal of a building, which can boost property values and green ivy screens can provide privacy and security, creating spaces for people to enjoy.

The Benefits of Green Infrastructure

Improved air quality: Green infrastructure can help to improve air quality by filtering out pollutants.
Reduced stormwater runoff: Green infrastructure can help to reduce stormwater runoff by absorbing rainwater and preventing it from flooding streets and sidewalks. This can help to prevent flooding and erosion, and it can also improve water quality by reducing the amount of pollutants that enter waterways.
Increased biodiversity: Green infrastructure can help to increase biodiversity by providing habitat for plants and animals. This can help to improve the overall health of the ecosystem and it can also provide people with opportunities to connect with nature.
Reduced energy costs: Green infrastructure can help to reduce energy costs by providing shade in the summer and insulation in the winter. This can save businesses and homeowners money on their energy bills.
Boosted property values: Green infrastructure can boost property values by making a building more attractive and by improving the overall quality of the surrounding environment. Green infrastructure can create new public spaces for people to enjoy. This can improve the quality of life for residents and it can also provide a space for people to connect with nature.

Choosing the Right Green Infrastructure for Your Needs

Green infrastructure is a versatile and effective way to improve the environment and the quality of life in communities. By choosing the right green infrastructure for your needs, you can create a sustainable environment that is both beautiful and beneficial. When considering green infrastructure options, it is essential to assess specific requirements and select the most suitable solutions.

Some factors to consider include:

The size and location of the project: The size and location of the project will determine the type of green infrastructure that is most suitable. For example, a small project in a high-traffic area may be better suited for a living wall, while a larger project in a more rural area may be better suited for a green roof.
The desired benefits: The desired benefits of green infrastructure will also help to determine the type of solution that is most appropriate. For example, if the goal is to improve air quality, then a living wall or green roof may be the best option. If the goal is to reduce stormwater runoff, then a rain garden or bioswale may be a better choice.
The budget and maintenance requirements: The budget and maintenance requirements will also need to be considered when choosing green infrastructure. Some green infrastructure solutions, such as living walls, require more maintenance than others.