Our environment and lifestyle have changed so rapidly that we, as a species, have not had time to adapt to them: our biology is not designed for urban environments, let alone modern indoor spaces. Our current living environment is far removed from what we as a species have adapted to, and this has consequences for our health and well-being.
The biophilia hypothesis, popularized by evolutionary biologist Edward O. Wilson, describes humans’ innate and biological need to connect with nature. Modern, sterile “aquarium offices” and constant artificial lighting strain our brains without us even realizing it, leading to premature exhaustion, brain fog, and cognitive fatigue.
We can improve our overall well-being by making our indoor spaces better suited to our biological needs. When individuals thrive, work communities and companies also thrive.
According to research, the most effective way to harness nature’s positive effects is through authentic natural elements: natural light, real plants, landscapes, and natural materials are more effective than artificially created elements, such as mere photographs or green paint.
Would you like to learn more about the effects of biophilia in the workplace and get the best tips for putting it into practice?
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Article author: Siru Heiskanen (MSc), biologist and biophilia expert.
The website’s imagery consists of authentic, human-taken photographs and hand-drawn illustrations.
Answer: Microbes in plant roots purify indoor air —a houseplant significantly purifies the air only if its roots are exposed to the air.
Answer: Perceiving plants and other natural elements activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers blood pressure, resting heart rate, and the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol. Studies show that even just a few minutes of visual contact with live plants calms the nervous system and promotes physical recovery during the workday.
Answer: The effects are based, among other things, on the Attention Restoration Theory (ART, Kaplan & Kaplan) and research on biophilic design. These studies show that natural forms and plants provide the brain with “soft fascination,” which gives cognitive performance time to recover from demanding knowledge work.
Answer: Yes. According to studies, incorporating elements of nature into the work environment can increase employee productivity by up to 6% and creativity by 15%. A green environment reduces brain fog and cognitive load, leading to better concentration and more effective problem-solving.
Answer: Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) manifests in employees as headaches, fatigue, eye and throat irritation, and skin symptoms. Plants—and active green walls in particular—release natural moisture into the air and improve air quality, which alleviates symptoms caused by dry indoor air and reduces the incidence of illness.
Answer: Plants and dense green walls act as natural sound absorbers. They scatter and dampen high-frequency sounds, such as speech and the hum of equipment, reducing echoes in open-plan offices. A calmer soundscape reduces cognitive strain and improves the peace and quiet of the workplace.
Answer: Although artificial plants can provide a visual effect reminiscent of nature, they do not offer the same health benefits. Live plants alter a space’s microclimate by increasing humidity, and the touch, scent, and tangible realism of living biological material stimulate the human nervous system more deeply than plastic imitations.