The modern organisation is a complex entity, constantly evolving to adapt to the changing demands of the business environment. One such evolution is the increasing recognition of the built environment’s impact on employee productivity and wellbeing. Biophilic design, which integrates elements of nature into the workplace, has emerged as a promising approach to boost employees’ cognitive performance.
It starts with an understanding of our inherent affinity for nature. Biophilia, a term coined by biologist E.O. Wilson, describes the instinctive bond between humans and other living systems. This innate connection with nature, when translated into the design of our workplaces, helps foster an environment that stimulates cognitive functioning.
Biophilic design is not just about adding plants to the office or having a garden view. It is a holistic approach that goes beyond aesthetics to create a sensory experience that resonates with our natural affinity. It can include visual elements like natural light and views of nature, auditory elements like the sound of water, and tactile elements like natural materials.
A series of studies have shown that exposure to nature, even in indirect forms, can have a profound impact on cognitive performance. For example, employees working in environments with natural elements reported a 15% higher level of well-being, had a 6% higher productivity rate, and a 15% higher level of creativity.
The cognitive benefits of biophilic design are evident across different cognitive domains. Attention restoration theory suggests that natural environments can replenish our depleted cognitive resources, enhancing our attentional capacity. This is particularly beneficial in today’s information-saturated workplaces, where attention is a scarce resource.
Moreover, biophilic design can also influence our mood and emotions, which are closely linked to our cognitive performance. Research has shown that positive emotions can broaden our thought-action repertoires and build our enduring personal resources, leading to superior performance.
However, the implementation of biophilic design is not without its challenges. It requires a shift in mindset from viewing nature as a ‘nice-to-have’ to an ‘essential’ element of workplace design. It also involves balancing the need for privacy and concentration with the need for openness and collaboration, which can be facilitated through nature.
The potential of biophilic design in enhancing cognitive performance underscores the need for organisations to rethink their workplace design. It calls for a departure from the traditional, sterile office spaces to environments that are more in tune with our natural inclinations. It is not just about creating a ‘green’ office, but about fostering a work environment that is cognitively enriching and psychologically restorative.
In the journey towards building cognitively healthy workplaces, biophilic design offers a compelling proposition. The evidence so far suggests that it is not just beneficial for individuals, but also for organisations as a whole. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, the role of biophilic design in shaping our cognitive experiences will undoubtedly become increasingly crucial.
References:
Berman, M., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207–1212.
