The Importance of Biophilic Design in a Post-COVID World
DCS Design is continually striving to create spaces which embody wellness, health, and safety for employees, while at the same time maintaining an uncompromising standard of design. As people return to the workplace, it is now more critical than ever to create spaces which inspire a feeling of wellbeing.
What is Biophilic Design?
Humans have an affinity for the natural world and thrive in environments where nature is prevalent. Biophilic design is the idea of reimagining the workplace by incorporating nature-inspired solutions and materials. This can include the use of wood, stone, and a variety of greenery, along with exposure to natural light, outdoor views, and imagery of nature throughout the space.
There are of course many benefits to Biophilic Design. Using live greenery inside helps improve indoor air quality, which in turn promotes health and wellness. Bringing natural light into a space by maximizing views increases productivity and mood. And being surrounded by plants, water and nature-inspired flooring, walls, and ceilings can be calming and rejuvenating for employees. Finally, enhancing outdoor space which connects to the indoors can also result in the same benefits.
As designers focused on bringing people back to the office, as well as wellness, DCS Design incorporates a variety of biophilic attributes to our spaces — from green walls made of moss, to featuring organic shapes within our designs to reflect nature.
“We are all navigating new ways to think about the workplace and tools to bring people back,” explains Wendy Feldman Block, Executive Managing Director for Savills, a commercial real estate advisory firm. “Incorporating biophilia is a key means of achieving this. Many folks during the pandemic, including myself, got used to being able to see outside while working from home. I felt calmer and more productive. Now I look for similar attributes when searching for buildings and spaces for my clients. The biggest challenge with biophilia? The word – which is unfamiliar to most. To me, it is nature at its best – incorporating it into design and material selection and complementing the building selection process.”
See how DCS’ biophilic designs is helping bring people back to the office.
Caywood at Woodland Park
The reimagining of the outdoor amenity space at Caywood at Woodland Park inspires and motivates people to return to the office. The activated outdoor patio and meeting/gathering spaces serve as a visual connection and landing space for tenants in the office campus’ two buildings and throughout the property. The space features a landscaped patio area with gathering tables which connects to the interior through a large movable wall; a walking path; and individual meeting pavilions fully wired with Wi-Fi and other technology connections. The large outdoor space is also ideal for community gatherings and events, creating local brand recognition and good-will within the larger community.
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
The live moss wall at AOTA brings nature into the space and connects staff to the outdoors.
The Ellipse at Ballston
At The Ellipse at Ballston, a fully activated outdoor fitness area and yoga studio features movable equipment, large, mounted TVs for interactive virtual and in-person classes, turf workout areas, and a large open-air trellis lounge. When not in use, moveable exercise equipment can be stored away, and the outdoor area can transform into a tenant event or lounge space – a unique experience unlike any other in this office submarket.
