Imagine a workplace with natural light, incorporating elements of nature, accommodative of differing work styles of employees, well equipped with amenities and brimming with positive energy, colleagues discussing ideas, teammates celebrating each other’s wins; A place where natural elements are woven into its fabric! Wouldn’t you wish to work in such a place?
As Paul J Meyer once said “Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of commitment to excellence, intelligent planning and focussed effort.”
Biophilic Design used in architecture incorporates the elements of nature into the built environment of a commercial space. The concept has gained prominence and validation with research studies. World renowned Architects and Architecture firms have realised the importance of productivity of employees linked to natural elements. There have been various studies to prove that commercial offices with Biophilic design leads to reduced stress in employees, improved health, better morale and enhanced creativity.
Here are 3 Commercial office spaces that have incorporated Biophilic design:
Microsoft Headquarters, Redmond, USA:
Initially, built over 30-acre, Microsoft Headquarters was equipped with six buildings and a pond that came to be called “Lake Bill,” after Bill Gates. In 2017, Microsoft announced plans for a major renovation for accommodation of 8000 more employees by adding 17 new buildings and 6.7 million square feet office area.
The Microsoft headquarters is a prime example of Biophilic design by equipping itself with variety of natural elements:
Abundant Natural light: The office maximizes natural light and includes floor-to-ceiling windows for infusion of fresh energy and leading to uplifted moods.
Indoor Greens- The office integrates indoor plants, greenery to bring about peace and tranquility.
Water Features- The outer landscape of the campus has many fountains and ponds, with one being named after Bill Gates.
Biomorphic patterns- The workspace incorporates nature-inspired patterns such as leaf shapes thereby, establishing connection with the natural world.
Googleplex, Mountain View, California:
Googleplex is known for it’s innovative and employee-friendly design. The office design integrates highly focussed software workspace with learning, meeting, recreational and food facilities. Most building materials in the complex are either cradle to cradle products or contain highly recycled content. The ‘Glass Tent’ system satisfies the need for concentrated work without cutting off access to light and views.
Biophilic Elements at Googleplex:
Outdoor spaces: The Googleplex Mountain view office has extensive outdoor spaces, such as gardens, courtyards, and walking paths, thereby, providing employees with an opportunity to connect with nature while taking an outdoor break.
Sustainability: The complex has been designed with attention towards environment-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting systems etc.
Biomorphic Design elements: Googleplex has nature-inspired shapes and designs such as, organic shaped furniture, nature inspired artwork, etc.
Access to views: In line with the Biophilic design element feature of ‘Nature of Space’, Googleplex offers views of natural landscapes whether an employee is present in a lounge or workspace or in communal areas.
Pasona Urban Farm, Tokyo, Japan:
Pasona Group, a recruitment agency based in Tokyo challenges the usual corporate culture and workspace design by putting nature and wellbeing through agriculture at the core.
Out of the 2,15,000 square foot office building there are 43,000 sq feet dedicated to green space. Built in 2010 after renovation of a 50-year-old building, Pasona Headquarters is 9 stories high and adorned with more than 200 varieties of plants, ranging from almond trees to blackberry bushes and hydroponically grown tomatoes. The office allows employees to grow and harvest their own food at work, making it the largest farm-to-table scheme in Japan.
The office houses auditorium, cafeteria, rooftop garden and urban farming facilities.
The extensive green space and urban farm creates a living green wall thereby, giving a dynamic identity to the employees and the outside community.
Biophilic Elements in Pasona Urban Farm:
Living Façade: The vertical garden enhances the air quality in the vicinity, provides an opportunity to connect with nature and enhances the look of the building in the nearby area.
Access to Natural Light: The design incorporates large windows to incorporate healthier and more vibrant environment.
Educational spaces: The office holds educational workshops on agriculture for employees and community members thereby, raising awareness about sustainable lifestyle in an immersive environment.
Biophilic artwork: The office hosts nature-inspired and natural surroundings for employees that bring about peace and tranquillity.
While Biophilic Design has captured the attention of Global CEO’s and world renowned architects, the concept is capturing imagination of Indian architects as well.
About Vanguard Design
Established in 2010, Vanguard Design is a firm that focuses on urban design, architecture, and interior design. Our expertise lies in crafting inspirational, functional, and sustainable designs with a futuristic touch for a wide range of projects, encompassing product design, architecture, and urban planning. Our creations are guided by a blend of aesthetic and functionalist innovation.
Sources:
https://officesnapshots.com/articles/the-googleplex-and-the-rise-of-the-corporate-university-campus/
Wikimedia
wonderful designs. I do think they were made to have a better life.
These are some lovely designs.
This is the first time I hear about Biophilic design but it is amazing...I love that it is all about natural light and positive energy, this is awesome...
I love the Microsoft Headquarters. That is my fave of the ones that you shared. There is something so peaceful about bringing nature inside.
I completely agree with you! A workplace that allows for natural light, incorporates elements of nature, and accommodates different work styles of employees is vital for not only productivity but also employee well-being. I believe that incorporating Biophilic Design into commercial spaces is crucial for achieving this goal. It is great to see that renowned architects and architecture firms have realized the importance of employee productivity linked to natural elements. The Microsoft Headquarters in Redmond, USA is a great example of a commercial office space that has incorporated Biophilic design. It's amazing to see how incorporating natural elements into the workplace can lead to reduced stress, improved health, better morale, and enhanced creativity.