Short answer

When designing or redesigning workplaces, designers should prioritize biophilic elements that have demonstrated strong positive effects on occupant well-being, such as greenery, natural views, and daylight.

Field: Human Factors
Source: Intelligent Buildings International (2023)
Method: Systematic Review
Evidence: Strong effect

Incorporating natural elements such as plants, views of nature, and ample daylight into workplace design can lead to measurable psychological, physiological, and cognitive improvements for occupants. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Intelligent Buildings International. Using Systematic review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing or redesigning workplaces, designers should prioritize biophilic elements that have demonstrated strong positive effects on occupant well-being, such as greenery, natural views, and daylight.

Study

Human FactorsRecentStrong effect

Biophilic elements like greenery and natural light significantly boost workplace well-being.

Incorporating natural elements such as plants, views of nature, and ample daylight into workplace design can lead to measurable psychological, physiological, and cognitive improvements for occupants.

Intelligent Buildings International · 2023

Key Findings

01Greenery, window views of nature, and daylight & visual comfort showed the largest effect sizes for restorative benefits.
02Simulations of nature, multisensory experiences, water features, and natural materials had smaller effect sizes.
03Some biophilic design patterns had negligible impacts on outcome measures.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing office spaces, ensure ample natural light, incorporate indoor plants, and maximize views of outdoor natural scenery. For existing spaces, consider adding these elements where feasible.

Project actions

01When researching user needs, consider asking about preferences for natural elements in the workspace.
02If your design project involves a workplace, explore how biophilic design principles can be integrated.

Method & Evidence

AimTo systematically review and synthesize the evidence on the restorative benefits of biophilic design in workplace settings.

MethodSystematic Review

ProcedureA systematic literature search was conducted using PRISMA guidelines across Scopus and Web of Science databases. 74 peer-reviewed papers were selected and analyzed. An Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to assess the impact of various biophilic design patterns on psychological, physiological, and cognitive outcomes.

ContextWorkplace environments

Variables

IV["Presence and type of biophilic design elements (e.g., greenery, window views, daylight, simulations of nature, water features, natural materials)."]

DV["Psychological benefits (e.g., stress reduction, mood improvement).","Physiological benefits (e.g., reduced heart rate, blood pressure).","Cognitive benefits (e.g., improved attention, creativity, productivity)."]

CV["Workplace setting, type of work, participant demographics, existing building features."]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Comprehensive systematic review methodology.
+Use of AHP for analytical rigor.

Limitations

The effectiveness of biophilic elements can depend on the specific context, culture, and individual preferences of the users.

Reliability & validity

The systematic review process, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, enhances the reliability and validity of the synthesized findings. The use of AHP adds a structured analytical approach.

Think critically

How might the effectiveness of these biophilic elements differ across various work cultures or job types?

Design Principles

"Integrate biophilic design elements strategically to maximize restorative benefits for occupants."

This research highlights the tangible benefits of biophilic design, moving beyond aesthetics to demonstrate its impact on human performance and health. Designers and architects can leverage these findings to create more restorative and productive environments, directly addressing user needs for well-being.

What This Means for Your Design

Putting plants, windows with nature views, and good natural light in offices makes people feel better and think clearer.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the psychological or physiological benefits of design choices in your design project's rationale.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The integration of biophilic design elements, particularly greenery, natural views, and daylight, has been shown to yield significant psychological, physiological, and cognitive benefits in workplace settings, enhancing occupant well-being and productivity (Yıldırım et al., 2023).

Source

Intelligent Buildings International

Investigating restorative effects of biophilic design in workplaces: a systematic review

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about biophilic elements like greenery and natural light significantly boost workplace well-being?: When designing or redesigning workplaces, designers should prioritize biophilic elements that have demonstrated strong positive effects on occupant well-being, such as greenery, natural views, and daylight. Evidence: Intelligent Buildings International (2023).
Why does "Biophilic elements like greenery and natural light significantly boost workplace well-being." matter for design?: This research highlights the tangible benefits of biophilic design, moving beyond aesthetics to demonstrate its impact on human performance and health. Designers and architects can leverage these findings to create more restorative and productive environments, directly addressing user needs for well-being.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing or redesigning workplaces, designers should prioritize biophilic elements that have demonstrated strong positive effects on occupant well-being, such as greenery, natural views, and daylight.
What were the main findings?: Greenery, window views of nature, and daylight & visual comfort showed the largest effect sizes for restorative benefits.. Simulations of nature, multisensory experiences, water features, and natural materials had smaller effect sizes.. Some biophilic design patterns had negligible impacts on outcome measures.
What research method was used?: Systematic Review.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Intelligent Buildings International.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing office spaces, ensure ample natural light, incorporate indoor plants, and maximize views of outdoor natural scenery. For existing spaces, consider adding these elements where feasible.
What are the limitations?: Effect sizes varied across different biophilic design patterns and outcome measures; some patterns showed negligible impacts.