Page 35 - GHES-1-1

Global Health Econ Sustain Neuroinclusive workplaces and biophilic design

relaxation, allowing individuals to readjust their sensory sensory gardens or quiet spaces can provide a respite
and social control over their surroundings. Biophilic for individuals overwhelmed by the visual and auditory
design concepts such as prospect and refuge, enticement stimuli of biophilic spaces. Overall, effective wayfinding
and peril, and sensory gardens are all used to create spaces and thoughtful design that accommodates diverse needs
that promote relaxation and reduce stress (Tekin et al., are crucial elements of successful biophilic design, enabling
2023). The use of green spaces as a primary recalibration individuals to reap the benefits of interacting with nature
zone is a common approach in biophilic design. Access in built environments.
to green spaces from common areas, such as a courtyard Effective wayfinding design is a critical component
or rooftop garden, can provide a sense of relaxation and of biophilic design, as it facilitates navigation and
rejuvenation for occupants (Parsaee et al., 2019). Sensory comprehension of one’s surroundings. Design elements
gardens, which may include edible plants and herbs, can such as curved edges that gradually reveal can be more
also provide a calming effect and offer an opportunity for effective than sharp corners in guiding individuals
tea-making or other sensory experiences (Wilkinson & through a space. In addition, carpets with patterned ways
Orr, 2017). and colored zones can help direct visitors toward safety
When it comes to the output of oxygen, trees are more and desired areas. To be successful, wayfinding design
effective than plants. Trees produce more oxygen and have should be intuitive and nonverbal, allowing individuals
a greater impact on the overall air quality in a space. In to quickly understand where they are and how to get
addition to using natural elements such as plants and trees, where they want to go (Jiang & Verderber, 2017). It is also
using boundaries and nooks can also create a sense of safety necessary for companies to develop mapping systems to
and privacy within a space (Sieghardt et al., 2005). For assist individuals in knowing where they are and where
example, trees can act as boundaries that divide up zones they should be in the physical space. Intensification of
of space within an atrium instead of using walls. Overall, signage and visual communication can aid in wayfinding,
spacemaking with biophilic design is about creating and strategic use of color, lighting levels, signage, and art
environments that promote relaxation, rejuvenation, can act as landmarks to assist our brains in innovating a
and a connection with nature. Whether through the use positioning system. These design elements are particularly
of green spaces, sensory gardens, or natural boundaries, important for the neurodiverse population, who thrive on
the biophilic design aims to create spaces that promote repetition, predictability, and clear boundaries to feel “safe”
emotional and mental well-being. and “in control” (Crawford & Wu, 2011).

5.2. Wayfinding Movement is a significant element of biophilic design
and can be accomplished by incorporating subtle changes
Navigating through spaces that incorporate natural in air temperature, airflow, and surface temperatures,
elements can be a complex task, and biophilic design which can provide a calming effect by simulating a
recognizes that effective wayfinding is essential to maximize natural environment. The use of thermal zones, similar to
the benefits of such spaces. By providing clear visual those found in butterfly houses, can also create a shifting
cues and intuitive paths, wayfinding can help individuals sensory experience for individuals. This approach has
navigate and understand their surroundings, contributing been supported by research, such as a study by Ryan and
to an overall positive experience. Effective wayfinding not Browning (2020), which emphasizes the importance of
only improves the usability and accessibility of spaces but movement in biophilic design. By integrating natural
also promotes social interaction and gatherings, leading to movements into the built environment, organizations
increased personal relationships among individuals within can further enhance employee well-being, productivity,
the space. creativity, and motivation, ultimately improving the overall
However, it is important to recognize that some workplace experience.
individuals may find certain features of biophilic design
overwhelming or distracting. As such, it is essential to 5.3. Natural design
provide countermeasures that can accommodate the Incorporating natural design elements into a space can
diverse needs of users, including neurodiverse individuals, significantly enhance the biophilic experience. Materials
to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of biophilic and elements from nature, when used in their raw or
design. A study by Fidan et al. (2021) emphasizes the minimally processed state, can reflect the local ecology
need for balance in biophilic design by recognizing the or geology and create a distinct sense of place (Beatley,
importance of providing supportive measures for those 2011). For instance, using local timber and xeriscaping,
who may find certain aspects challenging. For example, which involves using native, drought-tolerant plants to

Volume 1 Issue 1 (2023) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.0549