In an era where the built environment often isolates us from nature, Biophilic Design emerges as a powerful tool to restore our connection to the natural world, as a means to reduce stress and improve connections to space and place – so by improving building performance and reducing negative costs.

It enables us to create places where people and business can thrive with improvements in productivity, building occupation and staff wellbeing, along with a greater sense of community.

Described as the ‘love of life’, Biophilia is the innate and inherited need we all have, to connect to nature in the spaces we inhabit. To explore this concept in depth, we spoke with Oliver Heath, a leading advocate for human-centered, nature-inspired design and founder of Oliver Heath Design.

Biophilia: Bringing Nature into the Workplace
According to Oliver, Biophilic Design is delivered in three key ways: direct connections to nature, indirect connections to nature, and the experience of space and place.

“The first: direct connections,” Explains Oliver “aims to use real forms of nature such as enhancing natural light, planting or water to create connectedness. The second, Indirect Connections, looks to mimic or evoke nature using natural materials, colours textures and technologies. The last, experience of space and place, explains the way in which we inhabit space, through layout, zoning, and connections to site or place.”

In workplace design, taking a holistic approach to these three dimensions can be the most effective way to create a strong connection to nature, reinforce community bonds, and promote overall wellbeing. By integrating direct and indirect natural elements while also considering how spaces are experienced, designers can craft environments that are both functional and restorative.

For Oliver, wellbeing is not an add-on but a fundamental aspect of good design. “After all, if you aren’t designing for the wellbeing of building occupants - what are you designing for, and how do you expect people to perform at their best?”

Biophilia for Circularity, Sustainability and Regeneration
Beyond wellbeing, Biophilic Design plays a crucial role in sustainable workplace design. Oliver explains that its impact is both immediate and far-reaching.

“There are primary and secondary ways that biophilic design impacts sustainable and regenerative practices in the workplace. In the first instance, it creates tangible change in the design - from the inclusion of greenery (what many associate with the design ethos) to the equally important sourcing and specification of materials, fixtures, furnishings and layout. Secondary impact can include an increased sense of governance or stewardship of the natural environment, as a result of inhabiting spaces with connections to the latter.”

Although the influence of the workplace is sometimes downplayed, the average office-based employee can spend 90,000 hours in a workplace, meaning the influence of how it is designed and what directives are upheld are far-reaching. As businesses strive to create more responsible workplaces, circular design principles and living interiors become essential elements in contributing to a cross-environment, worldwide effort.

Biophilia:  Beyond Aesthetics to Create Sensory Experience
While greenery is often included for visual appeal, Oliver highlights the need for a deeper sensory approach to design. “One of the most overlooked aspects of design, particularly in workplace where ‘obey the grey’ is often the norm, is the understanding of sensory experiences.”

This includes two key aspects: multi-sensory design and sensory thresholds. The former incorporates tactile materials, scent, sound scaping, and visual richness. The latter acknowledges that people experience environments differently - some require more stimulation, while others seek calm. “By considering sensory inputs and offering a diversity of spaces, we can create spaces that have depth, richness, versatility and enhanced use, enough to tempt anyone back from their Work From Home life.”

Biophilia: Measuring its Tangible Impact
A recent project with Knight Frank illustrates the power of Biophilic Design in action. Faced with a workplace that was functional but lacked space for social interaction and restoration, Oliver’s team set out to create a healthier, more engaging environment.

“To quantify impact, we undertook a pre- and post-occupancy evaluation to understand where our Biophilic approach was successful, and the results were really enlightening. Individual productivity increased by 18%, wellbeing rose by 28%, use of breakspaces by 38%, use of private spaces by 29%, sense of pride in the office by 20%, productivity in meetings increased by 22%, and most impressively, positive sensory stimulation by 48%.”

This project proved that meaningful change is possible even on a conservative budget - reinforcing that Biophilic Design is both scalable and impactful.

Biophilia: Light, Shadow and Circadian Rhythms
Light profoundly affects our biological rhythms, yet most office environments fail to consider its impact on productivity and mood. Oliver recommends strategies that align with natural circadian rhythms, maximizing both natural and artificial light sources.

“We consider light and shadow from two perspectives: direct natural light via glazing and simulated natural (or artificial) light. Obviously, natural light is preferable, while trickier to deliver consistently in a country where city urban building densities are high, plus many are arriving and leaving the office in the dark during the winter months.”

To compensate, adaptable lighting systems are key. “When it comes to artificial lighting - this is particularly important at either end of the day - to stimulate in the morning with energising blue light and relax in the evening with warm yellow and orange light.” For workplaces, investing in lighting that mimics natural daylight cycles can have profound effects on employee wellbeing and performance.

The Future of Biophilic Design: Trends and Innovations
As workplaces evolve, new innovations in Biophilic Design continue to emerge. Oliver notes three key trends shaping the future:

1. ‘Phygital’ Nature Experiences – Integrating technology with nature, such as livestreams of landscapes and LED screens that mimic natural materials.
2. A Return to Craft and Traditional Materials – Using sustainable materials like lime or rammed earth type rendered walls to create spaces that feel naturally grounded.
3. Micro-Restorative Workspaces – Spaces designed for brief moments of restoration, from high-backed chairs with views to dedicated rooms for privacy and reflection.

As Biophilic Design continues to gain traction, its benefits become increasingly clear. By integrating nature into the built environment, workplaces can cultivate healthier, happier, and more productive teams.

Find out more about how to create a thriving workplace at www.oliverheathdesign.com.