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Global Health Econ Sustain Neuroinclusive workplaces and biophilic design

nature within indoor spaces. One example of digital art is et al., 2023). Moreover, VR has been widely used in
a digital waterfall wall that can be programmed to mimic architectural studies to simulate and manipulate important
local weather patterns, providing insight to those working parameters that are crucial for evaluating design elements
in basement areas without windows and for individuals and their impact on occupants. In these studies, VR serves
who dislike unexpected weather changes (Fox, 2016). as a tool to modify variables such as window size, daylight,
Simulated aquariums can also be used to teach about and spatial arrangements, enabling researchers to assess
endangered marine life and ecosystems (Lachenmyer & the effects of these factors on occupant satisfaction and
Akasha, 2022). Natural analogs, which are materials and well-being (Banaei et al., 2020). While VR has been shown
patterns that evoke nature, can also be used as a biophilic to have potential mental health benefits, it is important to
design element. Examples of natural analogs include clarify that its primary purpose in architectural research
building elements that resemble shells and leaves, furniture is not solely focused on mental health but rather on
with organic shapes, and visible wood grain. While they providing a controlled environment for investigating
may not have the same impact as dynamic types of nature, design parameters. By utilizing VR technology, researchers
artworks and murals depicting scenes from nature have can gain valuable insights into the effects of different design
been proven to reduce anxiety and discomfort. The act of choices on occupant experiences, allowing for informed
viewing natural scenes stimulates a larger portion of the decision-making and the creation of more user-centered
visual cortex compared to non-nature scenes, triggering an and biophilic design solutions.
increased activation of pleasure receptors in our brain and
facilitating faster recovery from stress (Tharim et al., 2022). AI-powered tools can also provide valuable support for
neurodiverse individuals in the workplace. For example, AI
Bioart, which uses nature as an artistic medium, can chatbots can provide personalized coaching and support,
also be incorporated into biophilic design. Artwork that helping individuals manage stress, regulate their emotions,
helps filter air quality, such as moss walls, can be used to and stay on task (Luo et al., 2022). In addition, AI-powered
purify indoor air (Moslehian et al., 2023). Other examples sensory systems can adjust real-time lighting, temperature,
include lanterns with filtered air and living façades that and sound levels to create a more comfortable and calming
support bird and insect habitats (De Wilde & de Souza, work environment (Patel et al., 2022). By combining
2022). In addition to digital and bioart, plants can also be biophilic design with XR and AI technologies, employers
used to enhance the biophilic experience. Certain plants, can create a workplace environment that is not only
such as the bamboo palm and pothos, have been shown visually pleasing but also supportive and accommodating
to aid in the removal of harmful elements such as benzene for neurodiverse individuals. The combination can lead
and formaldehyde from indoor air. Plant names can also be to improved job satisfaction, productivity, and overall
displayed to educate individuals on the types of plants used well-being for employees while also benefiting employers
in the space (Peng et al., 2022). Incorporating bird feeders, through reduced turnover rates and increased job
butterfly gardens, and koi ponds can also help bring performance.
nature into the indoor environment. Thus, incorporating
elements of digital and bioart, natural analogs, and plants To effectively implement biophilic design principles
can help create a more immersive biophilic experience in in workplace environments, it is crucial to consider
indoor spaces. the following key recommendations (Table 4). First,
organizations should prioritize the integration of natural
5.7. Extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), elements, such as plants, natural light, and views of
and biophilia nature, to create a visually appealing and soothing
XR and AI offer promising tools for assisting neurodiverse atmosphere. Second, attention should be given to the
populations in the workplace (Hutson, 2022). These selection of materials that mimic natural textures and
technologies can provide personalized and adaptive patterns, fostering a sense of connection with the natural
support for individuals with unique needs, allowing them world. Thirdly, incorporating elements of nature in
to better acclimate to a new work environment and manage communal areas and gathering spaces can promote social
their stress levels. Virtual reality (VR), in particular, has interactions, collaboration, and a sense of community
been studied extensively for its mental health benefits, among employees. In addition, providing opportunities
including reducing anxiety and improving self-regulation for physical movement and access to outdoor spaces can
(Wang et al., 2022). VR simulations can help individuals further enhance the benefits of biophilic design. Finally,
practice and prepare for real-life workplace scenarios, it is essential to ensure that the design accommodates the
allowing them to feel more comfortable and confident diverse needs of all employees, including those who are
when faced with similar situations in the future (Birkheim neurodiverse, by considering factors such as acoustics,

Volume 1 Issue 1 (2023) 12 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.0549