In an age where the modern workplace is rapidly evolving, a growing chorus of designers and workplace strategists are championing a radical new approach - one that reconnects us with the natural world. At the heart of this movement is the principle of biophilic design, which seeks to infuse our built environments with the rejuvenating power of nature.
We speak with Collin Burry, design director at global architecture firm Gensler and Allison English, co-founder of workplace experience consultancy Aéto Strategy, who are both speaking at the Workspace Design Show in London on 26-27th February 2024. https://workspaceshow.co.uk
"We are sensory beings," explains Collin. "Designing for the full range of human senses - sight, sound, touch - is crucial if we want to create spaces that truly nourish and inspire people." Collin, who has transformed the interiors of iconic brands like Apple and Dolby, believes the workplace of the future must move beyond bare functionality to address our deep-seated need for connection with the natural world.
Allison agrees. "Sometimes we forget that we, as humans, are not designed to be sitting at desks staring at screens all day," she reflects. "We evolved to be in nature, to thrive in environments that stimulate all our senses." Allison's work has shown how biophilic design - from verdant living walls to soothing natural soundscapes - can have a profound impact on employee wellbeing and productivity. The benefits are backed by a growing body of research. Studies have found that exposure to natural elements can lower stress levels, boost cognitive function and even reduce absenteeism.
"It's about creating spaces that make people feel cared for," says Collin. "When you walk into a workplace that's infused with natural materials, textures and greenery, it communicates the organisation's values in a powerful way." Yet, as both Collin and Allison acknowledge, driving this shift requires overcoming entrenched mindsets. "For too long, workplace design has been driven by the bottom line, not the human experience," laments Bury. "We need to get past this idea that sustainability and wellbeing are at odds with good design."
Encouragingly, pioneering companies are leading the way. Allison cites the example of Standard Chartered Bank, which has used data-driven insights to create "the world's healthiest building" - complete with vertical farms, outdoor terraces and carefully curated natural elements. As we emerge from the upheaval of the pandemic, the designers believe this biophilic revolution is just getting started. "This is about reconnecting with our roots, with what it means to be human," says Collin. "The workplaces of the future won't just be efficient - they'll be truly life-enhancing."
To find out more about both Collin and Allison’s practices, visit
https://www.gensler.com/people/collin-burry
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aéto-strategy/
To meet them in person register and come to the Workspace Design Show in London on 26-27th February 2024. https://workspaceshow.co.uk. Hope to see you there!
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Did you miss the Biophilic Design Conference? Did you know you can buy a catch up ticket here and watch anytime you like on demand? www.biophilicdesignconference.com
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