FOCUS WORKPLACE DESIGN
OFFICE JUNGLE Biophilic design is all about reconnecting human beings with nature. So why not get creative
with your offi ce planting and enjoy a walk on the wild side? says Kirsty Jones of Plant Designs
There’s a growing body of research suggesting the contribution of
plants to the workplace is much more than aesthetic. Satisfying the
human need to connect with nature (biophilia) makes people happier and
more productive. Research by leading universities, including Washington
State and Exeter, has shown that workers who can see greenery from their
desks complete work up to 12 per cent faster and are less stressed than
those in a ‘lean’ o ice environment. This in turn leads to an improved
bottom line.
Plants also contribute to health by helping to improve indoor air quality.
Indoor air is o en more polluted than outdoor air due to the chemicals
32 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2019
released from cleaning products, furniture and even flooring. However,
according to NASA, plants in the right quantities and combinations can remove
up to 87 per cent of indoor air toxins in just 24 hours. Plants can absorb
chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde and ammonia that are linked to
headaches, eye irritation and minor respiratory conditions. More plants mean
fewer sick days.
Plants have the potential to reduce energy bills by providing insulation and
shade and helping to regulate indoor temperatures. They can be used to create
attractive natural partitions in an open-plan o ice, absorb noise and help
people to concentrate. And there’s a growing appetite for wilder, more creative