10 must-haves for biophilic office design
Biophilic office design blends the natural environment with the built environment to help people feel better and more connected to nature in their workspaces. From natural light to living walls, these features look great, but they also contribute to better air quality, reduced stress, and a more inspiring place to work.
Below, we’ll cover what biophilic office design is, why it matters, and 10 must-haves to bring nature into your workplace.
What is biophilic office design?
Biophilic office design brings natural elements such as indoor plants, water features, natural light, and organic materials into the workspace.
This translates to human-centric design that improves comfort, creativity, and engagement. Biophilia is part of a wider movement towards sustainable construction that integrates environmental features into the built environment.
Did you know? The term comes from the ‘biophilia hypothesis’ coined by Edward O. Wilson in 1984, which suggests humans have an innate connection to the natural environment.
10 ways to bring biophilic design into your office
Here are 10 must-have features to help you create a healthier, more inspiring office environment that blends nature with design.
1. Maximise natural light
- Large windows
- LED skylights
- Glass partitions
- Open-plan layouts
Keep in mind: Use adjustable blinds, sheer curtains, or UV-filtering films to reduce any intense sunlight and glare. Position workstations at an angle to windows so natural light fills the space without causing eye strain or screen reflections.
2. Bring in natural materials
- Wood (for desks, meeting pods, and screens)
- Stone (for flooring, reception areas, or feature walls)
- Bamboo (for partitions, furniture, and decorative elements)
- Wool (for rugs or upholstery)
- Cotton (for curtains, cushions, and soft furnishing)
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3. Add indoor plants and greenery
- A living wall or vertical plant wall as a statement feature
- Air-purifying plants (e.g. peace lilies, spider plants, or snake plants)
- Small potted plants on desks and window ledges
- Aromatic plants for natural scents (e.g. lavender or rosemary)
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4. Create water-inspired features
- A water wall
- An indoor fountain
- Tabletop water feature in breakout spaces
- Water elements in outdoor office areas
5. Improve air quality and ventilation
- Natural ventilation from open windows and vents
- Air monitoring tech to track air quality
- Energy-efficient, regularly maintained HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
6. Use natural patterns and shapes
- Ergonomic office furniture with organic shapes instead of sharp, angular lines
- Natural patterns in carpets, rugs, and walls inspired by leaves, water, or stone
- Curved walls and arches, and rounded corners
- Visible wood grain or stone veining on flooring materials
- Woven and naturalistic textures on any decorative elements
7. Engage all the senses
- Natural sounds (e.g. birdsong, flowing streams)
- Essential oils to calm or energise
- Acoustic screens for focus and calm
- Layer textures with organic materials (e.g. linen, bamboo)
8. Layer lighting for ambience
- Ambient lighting (e.g. soft overhead fixtures or recessed lights)
- Task lighting (e.g. adjustable desk lamps or under-shelf LEDs)
- Accent or feature lighting to highlight certain details, plants, or artwork.
- Decorative lighting that doubles as design features (e.g. pendant lamps, sculptural lights)
9. Design for human connection to nature
- Seasonal decor changes to reflect the natural environment
- Pathways and seating arrangement to mimic outdoor movement patterns
- Frame outdoor views with intentional views of greenery or the sky
- Nature-focused art, murals, and other decorative installations
10. Consider the wider environment
- Choose materials and suppliers that reduce transport distance and support local businesses
- Position outdoor seating and meeting areas to make the most of nearby greenery
- Use landscaping to create natural buffers against noise and pollution
- Plan parking, cycle storage, and access routes to encourage low-impact commuting
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What are the benefits of biophilic office design?
Biophilic office design supports mental health and employee well-being by increasing focus and boosting mood. Research shows that offices with natural lighting, air-purifying plants, and naturalistic aesthetics can even lead to a more productive workforce.
Other benefits of biophilic office design include:
- Greater comfort during the workday with natural materials and organic shapes that are softer on the eyes.
- Stronger brand identity through sustainable materials and upcycled furniture.
- Long-term workplace health benefits thanks to better environmental features, such as improved air quality, natural lighting, and soundproofing elements.
Create a biophilic workspace with DBI Furniture Solutions
At DBI Furniture Solutions, we help businesses bring their dream offices to life. With nearly three decades of experience, we know how to create workspaces that balance style, functionality, and well-being. Our full range of high-quality office furniture and accessories supports focus and comfort, featuring leading UK-based brands like Senator, Identity, and Orn – explore the full range now!