(Quartz) The productivity science behind biophilia is about much more than plants | The Locke Group

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(Quartz) The productivity science behind biophilia is about much more than plants

  • Dec 03, 2019
  • Thomas Hudson

https://qz.com/1756001/plants-make-people-more-productive-because-of-biophilic-design/

This article from Quartz (QZ.com) explores the idea that biophilic design – design which mimics nature or exposes people to nature in a literal way – is good for companies and their employees. It is capable of improving focus, productivity, and otherwise helps to reduce mental fatigue and increase employee emotional satisfaction.

As per the article, Americans spend 93% percent of their time indoors (home, commuting, work, etc.) and one third of their time at work. Despite those figures, humans have biophilia, meaning we have an innate need for contact with nature – it’s essentially to our wellbeing. In short, we’re in conflict.

Feeling inspired? Keep it simple by adding greenery to your work-space – potted or hanging plants, even living walls or ceilings – or to increase natural lighting. Pushing past the basics, try hanging photos of natural settings or incorporating nature in your office space design – wood, stone, earth, and flowing water, etc. Circadian lighting or artificial lighting which mimics natural light should work, too.