Biophilic design : impact of the work environment on one’s well-being and productivity

Abstract

Biophilic design is understood from the perspective of environmental psychology in order to expand the knowledge about the relationship between humans and their surroundings. The fundamental need for harbouring a human-nature connection in architecture is highlighted by delving into the realm of the work environment and exploring the psychological impacts that the physical factors within the workplace have on the employees. The purpose of this study is to investigate the adequacy of workplaces in Malta in response to biophilic design and evaluate whether there is a relationship between its physical components and the employees’ well-being. It was undertaken with respect to the public service and public authorities via a questionnaire. The employees’ self-rated health-related topics were compared to the physical aspects of their work environment. The employees’ reactions to the presence, or lack thereof, of nature and natural factors in their work environment – namely, daylighting, natural ventilation, plants and views – were analysed. The presence of windows was found to have the most substantial influence on the employees’ mental well-being, health and mood. Employees working in naturally lit and naturally ventilated workspaces benefited from higher rates of productivity and experienced less fatigue feelings. This study concludes by a number of architectural recommendations which could easily be implemented in order for all employees to connect with nature and benefit from it.