Bringing Biophilic Design to Offices This Spring
Spring is the season of renewal, and itâs the perfect time for businesses to refresh their office spaces. At Meridian Interiors Limited, we are passionate about creating inspiring and productive work environments, and this spring, we are excited to focus on biophilic designâan approach that integrates nature into the built environment. In this blog, weâll explore how elements like greenery, living walls, and nature-inspired textures can transform your office into a healthier, more engaging workplace.
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is an approach to interior design that seeks to connect people with nature in the spaces where they live and work. The term “biophilia” refers to the inherent human affinity for nature, and biophilic design incorporates elements of the natural world to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and improve creativity and productivity. Itâs about bringing the outside in.
As businesses are recognising the importance of mental health and employee well-being, biophilic design has gained popularity as an effective way to foster a positive work environment. In the context of an office, itâs all about integrating natural elements like plants, timber, and textures inspired by nature, into the workspace.
Greenery: The Power of Plants in the Office
Plants are one of the most effective and simplest ways to introduce biophilic elements into an office environment. Greenery not only improves air quality but also adds a sense of calm and tranquility. Studies have shown that incorporating plants into the workplace can increase productivity, reduce stress, and enhance overall job satisfaction.
For offices in Milton Keynes and beyond, a variety of plants can be strategically placed to bring life to different areas of your workspace. From small potted plants on desks to larger statement plants in communal spaces, greenery is a versatile way to promote well-being.
Meridian Interiors recently created a stunning office design for a local client, incorporating several biophilic design features, including these beautiful planters:
Popular plants for offices include low-maintenance options like:
Snake Plants â These are ideal office plants as they tolerate most light conditions and are a great size to have on your desk or place on a shelf.
Marble Queen Pothos â These can be kept compact to brighten up your desk and will even tolerate erratic watering.
Jade Plant â Is a fuss-free succulent that only needs occasional watering. It likes a bright spot to thrive.
Aloe Vera â There is no need to water this plant throughout the winter, so it couldnât get any easier!
Living Walls: A Bold and Stunning Biophilic Feature
For businesses looking to make a bold statement, living walls are an innovative and eye-catching way to introduce biophilic design. These vertical gardens can be designed to cover entire walls or specific sections of the office, offering a lush, green backdrop that is both visually appealing and calming.
Meridian Interiors enjoyed creating this feature wall for a Milton Keynes client recently, incorporating both timber slatting with biophilia, to create a natural living wall.
Living walls not only act as beautiful focal points but also provide functional benefits such as improved acoustics, temperature regulation, and air purification. They create a dynamic environment where employees can feel more connected to nature, and their presence can boost creativity and collaboration.
At Meridian Interiors, we specialise in creating customised living wall solutions that seamlessly integrate into your office space. Whether youâre looking for a large, full-wall design or a smaller feature in a breakout area, we can help you choose the right system to meet your needs.
Nature-Inspired Textures and Materials: Bringing the Outdoors In
In addition to greenery, nature-inspired textures and materials are another powerful way to create a biophilic office environment. Incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone, cork, and bamboo into office furniture, walls, flooring, and decor can help evoke the calming qualities of nature.
Our design team developed a scheme for a Buckinghamshire client that integrated timber dividers, a nature-inspired feature wall, and planters, creating an appealing workspace for employees.
Wooden slatted panels, natural feature walls, or textured fabrics inspired by natural patterns, can all contribute to a more organic, inviting space. These materials not only have aesthetic appeal but also have a positive impact on the mood and productivity of employees. The tactile experience of natural textures can foster a sense of comfort and well-being.
At Meridian Interiors, we work with our clients to carefully select materials that align with both their design vision and sustainability goals. Whether you want to create a rustic, earthy feel or a sleek, contemporary look inspired by nature, we can bring your biophilic vision to life.
The Benefits of Biophilic Design
The integration of biophilic design elements into your office space offers numerous benefits, including:
- Improved Air Quality: Plants and living walls help purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They can also reduce the presence of harmful toxins and pollutants, creating a healthier indoor environment.
- Enhanced Productivity: Studies have found that biophilic design boosts employee productivity and focus. Natural elements like greenery and light help to reduce stress and mental fatigue, leading to better concentration and creative thinking.
- Increased Employee Well-Being: Incorporating nature into the office fosters a positive work atmosphere that supports mental health. Employees are more likely to feel relaxed, energised, and inspired when they work in a space that includes natural elements.
- Stronger Company Culture: A biophilic office environment reflects a companyâs commitment to employee well-being, sustainability, and innovation. It shows that the business values both the health of its employees and the planet.
- Attractive Design: Beyond the functional benefits, biophilic design is aesthetically pleasing. A well-designed office with natural elements creates a welcoming and comfortable space that clients and employees alike will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your office environment, and biophilic design is a wonderful way to do just that. At Meridian Interiors Limited, we are dedicated to creating workspaces that prioritise the well-being of employees while fostering creativity and collaboration. Whether youâre looking to introduce more greenery, install a living wall, or use nature-inspired materials, we can help you design a healthier, more engaging office space.
Browse through our case studies to explore how we’ve incorporated biophilic design into various office spaces we’ve created for our clients.
If youâre ready to bring the outdoors in and transform your office this spring, contact us today to learn more about our biophilic design solutions and how we can create a space that works for you and your team.
Sustainability: Green Office Refurbishments Lead the Way
Another area showcased outdoor seating options, incorporating solar charging and an electric bike charging stand.
Sustainability was highlighted at the show and as a designer, Ali is always looking for ways to add more sustainability into his Meridian Interior project designs, so finding unique acoustic wall products crafted from biomaterials or upholstered rPET materials and furniture that was made from re-used textile waste, that was visually appealing, was inspiring.
And finally, who doesnât like a feature wall adorned with Chupa Chups lollipops! As you can imagine, this attracted quite a crowd to their stand!
Ali is looking forward to the next Workspace Design Show and the opportunity to explore more innovative designs and solutions.
