Imagine this : a lush green setting, a ray of sunlight warming your face, and the gentle sound of flowing water in the background. Yet you’re not out in nature, you’re at the office. Yes, the office!
Welcome to a workplace where biophilic design brings nature into the heart of the fit-out and interior design process, transforming the working environment into a place where people genuinely enjoy spending time.
At ECOOR, we’ve already embraced this approach. And trust us: once you’ve tried it, there’s no going back. Still not convinced? Let us show you why you might want to bring a little more nature into your workplace too.
Why Bring Nature into the Office? (Spoiler: It Works!)
Gone are the days when offices looked like endless mazes of dull partitions. Today, openness, flexibility and biophilic design have become key trends in the design of professional workspaces. But it’s not just about aesthetics. Around fifty studies have explored the subject, and they all point in the same direction: a lack of nature in the workplace can negatively affect employee well-being. Surprising ? Perhaps. But the research speaks for itself.
By bringing nature into our workspaces, we can create a more pleasant environment, reduce stress and improve employees’ overall quality of life. The result? More engaged teams, lower staff turnover, easier recruitment and increased productivity. Worth thinking about, wouldn’t you say?
How Can You Bring Nature into Your Office?
And no, sorry to spoil the mood, but placing three succulents on the reception desk isn’t going to cut it. If you really want to embrace biophilic design, transform your workplace into a space that genuinely connects people with nature, and enjoy the full benefits, it takes a little more thought.
Here are a few ideas to help you create your own office oasis.
1. Managing Natural Light :
Catch the Sun (Yes, Even in Brittany)
Natural light is your best ally. Position desks close to windows, where employees can benefit from the changing daylight throughout the day. And what about darker areas? Use them for spaces that are occupied less frequently, such as meeting rooms or phone booths.
If your building doesn’t get enough natural light, don’t worry: carefully designed lighting solutions can help compensate, at least in part, for the lack of daylight.
2. Office Greenery :
Plants, Plants and More Plants !
Forget the couple of lonely cacti sitting on a shelf or the sad-looking ficus in the break room. We’re talking living walls, green partitions, planted patios… the real deal.
And if you’re one of those people whose plants somehow end up either dried out or drowned, don’t worry: preserved plants are a great alternative. They require no maintenance and stay looking good for years.
For spaces where adding real greenery is more complicated, nature-inspired murals and visual effects can also bring that outdoor feeling inside, and do the job surprisingly well.
3. Water: A Natural Source of Calm
Here again, science has spoken: the sound of flowing water has a calming effect. Apparently, it takes us back to our Homo sapiens roots, when finding water was essential for survival.
So go ahead, embrace your inner Cro-Magnon and install a fountain. (Don’t worry, animal skins as office décor won’t be making it onto our list of recommendations.)
4. Natural Materials and Softer Shapes
Have you ever seen a cube-shaped rock or tree ? Neither have we. To create a more natural environment that complements your office greenery, embrace curved lines, particularly when choosing furniture. Right angles are great for maths, less so for creating a sense of calm !
Natural materials are just as important, so opt for raw finishes such as wood and stone wherever possible.
Let’s Talk Budget
By this point, you’re probably wondering: “How much does an office biophilic design project actually cost ?” Don’t worry, there are options for every budget. Whether you’re dreaming of a full indoor garden or considering simpler solutions such as preserved plants or nature-inspired murals, there’s something to suit every style and every budget.
And if the budget is particularly tight, the work can always be phased over time rather than tackling everything at once. After all, little by little, nature finds its way in.
Where to Start ?
By this point, you’re probably wondering: “How much does an office biophilic design project actually cost ?” Don’t worry — there are options for every budget. Whether you’re dreaming of a full indoor garden or considering simpler solutions such as preserved plants or nature-inspired murals, there’s something to suit every style and every budget.
And if the budget is particularly tight, the work can always be phased over time rather than tackling everything at once. After all, little by little, nature finds its way in.
Nature: A Long-Term Investment That Pays Off
Bringing nature into your office and embracing biophilic design isn’t just about putting a couple of palm trees by the entrance. It’s a much broader approach aimed at improving your teams’ quality of life, increasing employee retention and turning your workplace into somewhere people genuinely enjoy spending time.
At ECOOR, we believe that working in an inspiring environment isn’t a luxury or an unnecessary expense, it’s a genuine long-term investment.
So, are you ready to bring a little more nature into your working day ? Embrace biophilic office design and watch your workplace become somewhere everyone can breathe a little easier… both literally and figuratively.
