The most important workplace trend is biophilic design, which places natural elements such as plants, daylight, and natural ventilation at the heart of office design. This design trend focuses entirely on employee health and well-being to reduce stress and improve performance. By integrating natural shapes and patterns, a healthy, active, and productive working environment is created.

The evolution of the working environment: from open spaces to cellular offices

Office designs change constantly due to technological advances, economic growth, and the need for new resources. To understand current trends, it is important to look at how our modern working environment originated. Below, you can read how office layout has developed since the 1950s.

The open-plan office of the 1950s

De open kantoorruimte

In the 1950s, buildings were designed to be completely self-sufficient and separated from the outside world. Fluorescent lighting and air conditioning replaced natural sunlight and fresh outdoor air. This era also saw the development of the open-plan office; a foundation that is still widely used today.

The rise of cellular offices in the 1980s

De cellenkantoren

In the 1980s, technology took a massive leap forward, leading to a new layout for the working environment. The focus shifted toward open communication, profitability, and lean procedures. This resulted in the well-known cubicle or cellular offices.

Spaces from this era were characterised by a grey, sterile appearance where efficiency came first. Lines were rigid. Furthermore, office plants or murals were barely used. Although these cellular offices were partly replaced by renewed open-plan layouts in the 1990s, they continue to play a role in office environments worldwide.

What does biophilic design involve?

Today, the market is undergoing a shift into the era of biophilic design. This trend goes beyond a mere arrangement of furniture; it has a major influence on contemporary architecture and commercial building practices.

Introductie van het ‘Biophilic Design’

Biophilic design revolves around the total experience of the space, the working environment, and the building. It is about how you experience the space, what you see, and how it makes you feel. Because humans are naturally closely connected to nature, this design brings those natural connections back into the building. This includes the following aspects:

  • Daylight: There is a sufficient influx of natural light into the space.
  • Planting: You enjoy the presence of office plants and views of greenery.
  • Natural ventilation: The supply of fresh air ensures an optimal climate.
  • Mobile workplace: The design encourages movement, such as walking and using the stairs.

When you are exposed to these natural shapes and patterns in the working environment, your body and mind respond as if you were in real nature.

Why biophilic design creates healthy people

The rise of biophilic design aligns with the green architecture trend of the late 1990s and early 2000s, which delivered environmentally friendly and energy-efficient buildings. Biophilic design is the next step in this movement, focusing specifically on a healthier future for employees.

Traditional working environments have often had a negative impact on the human body. This brings various health risks that lower productivity and efficiency. Associated risks include:

  • Sick building syndrome.
  • An increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.
  • Disruptions to the circadian rhythm.
  • An increased risk of depression.

By applying biophilic elements, the way you work changes. Large and small companies worldwide use this method to increase the well-being and happiness of their employees.

Duurzame gebouwen en gezonde mensen

The benefits of a green working environment

Biophilic design offers both psychological and physiological benefits. The presence of natural elements delivers major positive effects on the office floor. Below, our experts explain the practice and the key advantages.

Insights from our experts

We often see that a well-thought-out office layout with living greenery directly contributes to vitality on the office floor. From experience, we notice that the presence of plants improves air quality. This positively transforms the overall atmosphere for employees and visitors alike. During maintenance and care, such as watering, our service technicians ensure that the planting always remains in peak condition. Should a plant show a decline in quality, we will replace it to maintain the aesthetic appeal.

Psychologische en fysiologische voordelen biophilic design

The main advantages of natural design

When organisations choose a green working environment, it delivers immediate results. These are the main benefits at a glance:

  • Stress reduction: It ensures a demonstrable decrease in general stress.
  • Positive mood: Employees experience a better frame of mind.
  • Increased focus: There is greater attention and better concentration.
  • Mental recovery: It reduces mental fatigue and promotes recovery.
  • Better performance: Cognitive performance and productivity increase.
  • Reduced absenteeism: It leads to a drop in sick leave within the organisation.