Page 33 - GHES-1-1

Global Health Econ Sustain Neuroinclusive workplaces and biophilic design

the significant impact of incorporating biophilic design in 4. Recommendations
the workplace, promoting both the mental and physical
well-being of employees. With the growing inorganic urban world, biophilic design
has emerged as an essential element in creating spaces that
Given that biophilic design is rooted in the promote well-being, reduce stress, and enhance productivity
understanding that humans have an innate desire for (Zhong et al., 2022). By incorporating elements of deep nature
connection with nature, incorporating nature into and multisensory immersion, biophilic design has been
the built environment can improve psychological and shown to significantly increase positive feelings compared
physiological functioning, ultimately enhancing well- to typical urban environments (Aristizabal et al., 2021). This
being, productivity, and performance. As such, these approach to design not only appeals to our visual and tactile
and other studies highlight the substantial benefits of senses, such as through oval atriums with native trees and
implementing biophilic designs in office environments. mesh walls but also positively impacts our physiological
By incorporating multisensory connections with nature responses. Moreover, studies have shown that forest
through architectural and interior concepts, biophilic environments can increase parasympathetic nervous system
design seeks to improve the physical, emotional, and activity, which helps restore a sense of calm and safety while
cognitive well-being of individuals in dense urban settings. suppressing sympathetic activity associated with stress
In addition to the benefits mentioned, biophilic design responses (Lee et al., 2011). By integrating natural elements
can also promote sustainability in smart cities. Integrating into our surroundings, we can decrease nervous energy and
natural elements into the built environment can reduce lower cortisol levels, improving overall well-being (Beute
the carbon footprint of buildings by increasing energy & de Kort, 2014). Interestingly, research suggests that the
efficiency through the use of natural lighting, ventilation, immune-boosting effects of nature immersion may differ
and passive heating and cooling techniques. Green roofs between genders, with men experiencing increased immune
and living walls can also help reduce urban heat island function for up to 30 days after a forest walk, while women
effects, provide insulation, and improve air quality. These show improvements for only 7 days (Antonelli et al., 2022).
benefits contribute to the creation of sustainable urban The finding implies that workplace interventions targeting
environments that prioritize the well-being of inhabitants. female populations may need to prioritize indoor nature
Research from various institutions, including the experiences or facilitate more extended outdoor nature
Harvard Center for Health and the Global Environment, experiences. The following section will first introduce
the American Psychological Association, and the industry examples of biophilic design that demonstrate the
University of Exeter, consistently demonstrates the measurable impact of connecting with nature and promoting
positive impact of biophilic design on cognitive functions, multisensory immersion in our daily environments,
disease symptoms, quality of life, employee engagement, followed by more specific elements that comprise them.
productivity, and motivation (Browning & Ryan, 2020;
Depledge et al., 2011; Van den Bosch & Bird, 2018). 4.1. Industry examples
Furthermore, a 2010 study by the University of British Amazon is nearing completion of plans for PenPlace, the
Columbia investigated the stress-reducing effects of next phase of its HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia. While the
wood and plants in an office environment, while a project was just put on hold, it focuses on sustainability,
2-year study from the Plants and Indoor Environmental with HQ2 operations powered by 100% renewable energy
Quality Research Group at the University of Technology from a combination of off-site and on-site solar projects
Sydney found that green walls could reduce CO levels (Day, 2023). PenPlace will provide more than 100,000 sq ft
2
and improve productivity by reducing headaches and of retail space, multimodal pathways, and over 2.75 acres
lethargy among workers (Fell, 2010; Fleck et al., 2020). of public park space. The development aims to prioritize
Another study from the University of Queensland’s access by foot, bike, and public transportation, while also
School of Psychology concluded that offices enriched with providing an open-air amphitheater and dog run for the
plants could boost productivity by 15% (Nieuwenhuis community. Amazon has committed to leadership in
et al., 2014). Overall, the scholarship supports the energy and environmental design Platinum certification,
significant benefits of biophilic design in workplace low-flow fixtures, and bird-safe glass, among other
settings. By integrating elements of nature into the built sustainable design elements. Over 26,500 sq ft of space
environment, organizations can enhance employee well- will be dedicated to Arlington County Community High
being, productivity, creativity, and motivation, ultimately School, and the Helix, a spiral-shaped building, will offer
improving the overall workplace experience and fostering meeting spaces, living walls, and an artist-in-residence
positive relationships among colleagues. program.

Volume 1 Issue 1 (2023) 8 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.0549