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Global Health Econ Sustain Neuroinclusive workplaces and biophilic design

The concept of biophilic design continued in the fin de
siècle and from modernist trends in art and architecture,
such as Art Nouveau, which aimed to reconnect individuals
with the natural world (Grady, 1955; Joye, 2011). Since then,
research has confirmed that by incorporating elements
such as water, light, and plants, as well as emphasizing
botanical forms and curvilinear shapes, biophilic design
principles are able to create an immersive and multisensory
environment that enhances human health and well-
being (Gierbienis, 2019; Gillis & Gatersleben, 2015). In
fact, the impact of biophilic design on various aspects of
human health and performance, including life expectancy,
productivity, mental health, absenteeism, and eye fatigue,
as noted in findings from studies from the German Figure 2. Guest seating and planter boxes inside an office, Filmnagar,
Institute of Global and Area Studies, Cardiff University, Hyderabad, India, 2020.
and Stanford University (Blackhurst, 2022; Jones, 2012).
Table 2. Mental and physical health benefits of biophilic
One important aspect of these design elements Joye design
(2011) noted is the use of visual contrasts to enable
gradual transitions between light and shadow, which can Mental health benefits Physical health benefits
cater to the needs of diverse occupants in workplaces. For Stress reduction: Exposure to Improved air quality: Incorporating
example, high-placed windows can allow natural light to nature and natural elements plants and natural ventilation systems
penetrate into the space while limiting distracting views in the built environment helps improve indoor air quality,
promotes relaxation, reduces
reducing the presence of pollutants
outward, and the use of shading devices can control the stress, and enhances overall and enhancing respiratory health.
amount and direction of sunlight to create a comfortable well-being.
visual environment, notably for a neurodiverse workforce Enhanced mood: Interacting Increased physical activity: Access
(Marchi, 2013). Such design principles have also with nature and natural to green spaces and nature-inspired
been found to reduce stress and anxiety levels among elements elevates mood, designs encourages physical activity,
occupants, as well as increase productivity and creativity reduces negative emotions, leading to improved cardiovascular
(Kellert et al., 2008). and increases positive feelings. health and reduced sedentary behavior.
Cognitive restoration: Views of Lower blood pressure: Being in
In addition to the visual elements, the inclusion of nature and exposure to natural environments with biophilic design
natural materials such as wood, stone, and water can also elements in the environment elements has been associated with
have a positive impact on human well-being (Gillis & improve attention, lower blood pressure levels, promoting
Gatersleben, 2015). The use of natural materials not only concentration, and cognitive cardiovascular health.
function.
enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space but also provides
a connection to nature, which has been found to have a Increased creativity: Biophilic Improved sleep quality: Exposure to
design stimulates creativity and natural light and outdoor views helps
calming effect on individuals. Furthermore, the presence enhances cognitive flexibility, regulate circadian rhythms, leading to
of indoor plants has been found to reduce stress levels supporting innovation and better sleep quality and overall sleep-
and improve air quality, contributing to a healthier and problem-solving. wake patterns.
more comfortable indoor environment (Lee et al., 2011) Improved mental well-being: Faster healing: Studies have shown
(Figure 2). Research has only recently, however, begun to Biophilic design elements that exposure to natural elements in
focus on the workplace with these organic additions and contribute to a sense of healthcare environments can promote
connection with nature, fostering faster recovery rates and reduce the
has previously looked at the benefits of other types of a positive mental outlook and length of hospital stays.
structures and the benefits of both mental and physical overall psychological well-being.
health (Table 2).
For instance, the physical health benefits of biophilic by nature, including emotional, social, cognitive, and
design have been investigated in studies such as that by spiritual dimensions. Results indicated that biophilic
Zare et al. (2021), where a use case in hospitals to promote design improved individual patient recovery time and
patients’ well-being and recovery had positive results. treatment efficiency and promoted overall health and well-
In the study, the designs of five hospitals in Australia, being. Thus, the physical health benefits of biophilic design
Singapore, and the United States were compared and have been well-documented in several studies in various
considered the significant health dimensions influenced fields adjacent to the work environment and confirm a

Volume 1 Issue 1 (2023) 5 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.0549