Bhoomika Mehta, 01606142015
Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies by Bhoomika Mehta Faculty Guide: Dr Anjali K. Sharma Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Architecture in the Department of Architecture and Planning Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women Kashmere Gate Delhi 110 006
© (Bhoomika Mehta), 01606142015, BAP 511 Semester IX IGDTUW 2019 Copyright in this work rests with the author. Please ensure that any reproduction or re-use is done in accordance with the relevant national copyright legislation.
Bhoomika Mehta, 01606142015
December 03, 2019
Declaration This dissertation has been submitted in partial fulfilment of requirements for B.Arch. degree at Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women and is deposited in the Department of Architecture and Planning to be made available to borrowers under rules of the Library. This report has been prepared on the basis of my own work. Where other published and unpublished source materials have been used, these have been acknowledged.
Word Count: 7628
Student Name: Bhoomika Mehta
Date of Submission:18.112019
Name & Signature of Guide: (Dr. Anjali Sharma) Name and Signature HoD, Department of Architecture and Planning: (Ar. Vishal Rai) Name and Signature of Dissertation Coordinator for (Aug-Dec 2019): (Ar. Jahanabi Kalita)
Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Table of Contents Acknowledgement............................................................................................................. 4 Dissertation Abstract ......................................................................................................... 5 Plagiarism Check Report .................................................................................................... 6 List of Tables .................................................................................................................... 7 List of Images ................................................................................................................... 8 Chapter 1:
Introduction ............................................................................................... 10
1.1
Need to study ........................................................................................................................... 10
1.2
Aim .......................................................................................................................................... 10
1.3
Objective .................................................................................................................................. 11
1.4
Research methodology ............................................................................................................. 11
1.5
Limitation................................................................................................................................. 11
1.6
Scope........................................................................................................................................ 11
Chapter 2:
Literature study .......................................................................................... 12
2.1
Biophilia and Biophilic Design ................................................................................................ 12
2.2
Biophilic design and the office occupant environment ............................................................ 17
2.3
Building Standards ................................................................................................................... 20
Chapter 3:
Case Studies .............................................................................................. 21
3.1
Case Study 1- CookFox Architecture Studio ........................................................................... 21
3.2
Case Study 2- Glumac Shanghai Office (Commercial Office) ................................................ 23
3.3
Case Study 2- Kickstarter Commercial Headquarters .............................................................. 25
3.4
Case Study 4- Titan Integrity Campus ..................................................................................... 27
Chapter 4:
Analysis and Inferences .............................................................................. 31
Chapter 5:
Suggested Design Strategies ........................................................................ 34
Chapter 6:
Survey Analysis ......................................................................................... 36
Conclusions .................................................................................................................... 40 Appendix ....................................................................................................................... 41 References...................................................................................................................... 42
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Acknowledgement I would like to thank those who have made this dissertation possible. Thank you to my advisory committee: Dr Anjali Sharma, (primary advisor) and Ar. Venus Kashyup (internal advisor) at Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University whose patience, guidance and encouragement were invaluable. This research paper has been an experience of learning regarding a subject that has fascinated me for quite a long time.it has been a result of labour, help and support from large number of people. The success and final outcome of the research required a lot of guidance and assistance and guidance from many people and I am fortunate enough to have got all this to complete my dissertation. I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to Ar. Venus Kashyup for exemplary guidance, monitoring and all support and also for providing me the required book and research papers required for theoretical research. Thank you to my parents who were not only supportive but at times, almost insistent on supporting my work, to my friends and office colleagues who helped me in conducting my BUS survey. And last, but most certainly not least, the dissertation committee for encouraging and allowing me the time to complete this work.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Dissertation Abstract Approximately 57 per cent of full-time workers reported psychological distress. Stress affects the productivity, health, and well-being of individuals. A new study suggests that exposure to nature, components of design, and biophilic architecture can provide a way to relieve work stress. This dissertation draws together a broad range of information from neuroscience and environmental psychology, including Attention Recovery Theory (ART), psycho-evolutionary theory, Kellert's biophilic design elements, and four case studies, to propose important nature-based indoor architecture solutions to occupational stress reduction. It suggests that direct and indirect access to nature has the greatest impact on stress reduction. The importance of the Integrated Design Process (IDP), Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) and implementation issues for biophilic-centred design processes are design strategies are suggested accordingly.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Plagiarism Check Report
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
List of Tables Table 1 Cognitive Impacts of Fragrance On Humans ...................................................................... 17 Table 2 summary of case studies...................................................................................................... 29 Table 3 Suggested Biophilic design properties for office spaces. .................................................... 34
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
List of Images Figure 1 The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, painting by Ferdinand Knab. (Cartwright, 2019) ....... 12 Figure 2 (The prefrontal cortex controls executive functions such as attention, regulation of behaviour and our emotional responses, 2019) ................................................................................ 13 Figure 3 Dimensions elements and attributes of biophilic design (Sayuti, 2019) ........................... 14 Figure 4 Kellert’s Biophilic Principles, elements and attributes.( Teimrra Epviann bsroignh /t Fglircekern,2019) ............................................................................................................................. 15 Figure 5 Interior design focused biophilic strategies.(Callaghan, 2019).......................................... 16 Figure 6 Connection with Natural Systems is the awareness of natural processes, especially seasonal and temporal changes characteristic of a healthy ecosystem ( Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) ......... 18 Figure 7 Dynamic & Diffuse Light leverages varying intensities of light and shadow that change over time to create conditions that occur in nature ( Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) ........................ 18 Figure 8 Above: The Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore by RMJM Architects uses fresh air and sunlight to increase thermal comfort. (Jui-Yong Sim/Flickr,2019) ................................................. 18 Figure 9 A Material Connection with Nature is material and elements from nature that, through minimal processing, reflect the local ecology or geology to create a distinct sense of place. ( Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) ......................................................................................................................... 19 Figure 10 CookFox studio ( Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) ............................................................. 19 Figure 11 : Expansive windows curve around the eastern wall overlooking the green roof. The windows allow day light into the office and provide 90% of occupants with views of dramatic sunsets reflecting off the city skyline. (P1 P2 P3 P5) ( Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) .......................... 21 Figure 12 Plan: Illustrating examples of prospect within the space, and the green roof, showing the accessibility of direct views to natural stimuli. (P1 , P11) .............................................................. 22 Figure 13 Left: Tall seasonal grasses on the periphery of the green roof provide non-rhythmic sensory stimuli. (P1, P3)................................................................................................................................ 23 Figure 14 The Kvadrat cloud climbs playfully across the walls and ceiling of Glumac’s light-filled bistro, dampening the sound that reverberates from the exposed concrete floor. (P1, P6, P8,P9) (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) ......................................................................................................... 23 Figure 15 Floor Plan: The spine of the office is a long hallway, flanked on the north side by private and open plan office spaces and on the south by meeting rooms with adjustable partitions and the bistro. Daylight floods the office through the light well adjacent to the open office, large windows along the entire north wall, and glass with adjustable transparency on the south wall bordering the terrace. .............................................................................................................................................. 24 Figure 16 .......................................................................................................................................... 25 Figure 17 The rooftop garden includes Refuge spaces off the main path for occupants to use. The garden has edible plants, as well as species that support migratory birds and butterflies. (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) ......................................................................................................................... 25 Figure 18 Plan: The office includes many patterns of biophilic design. The courtyard and green roof are significant architectural design strategies that promote both visual connection with nature and dynamic and diffuse light within the interior. .................................................................................. 26 8
Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Figure 19 Left: The courtyard and second-floor terrace provide a setting for Non-rhythmic Sensory Stimuli including migratory birds, tall flowing grasses, and conditional water capture.[ P1, P3, P5, P6, P11] ............................................................................................................................................ 27 Figure 20 Titan integrity office, Bangalore (Nikhanj,2019 )............................................................ 27 Figure 23 Post occupancy evolution results. (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) ................................... 31 Figure 24 Selected questions from a post-occupancy survey, in which Glumac employees were asked to reflect on heir experience in the Shanghai Office. (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) ...................... 32
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Chapter 1: Introduction "The relationship between humans and nature is of interdependency…The outcome...can be made, satisfying, and lastingly made, however, given that every human and nature area unit changed by their association for higher tailored to every different...With our information and sense of responsibility, …we will produce new environments that area unit ecologically sound, aesthetically satisfying, economically rewarding…This method of reciprocal adaptation occurs…through minor changes within the folks and their atmosphere, however, an additional aware method of style can even come about.” “René Dubos, the courting of the world”
The need to improve health, efficiency and well-being in office spaces has evolved as we spend more time inbuilt offices. Most modern firms are pursuing a concept of 'biophilia' as it affects their position within the sector, but there has recently been a change to concentrating on the advantages that can come from introducing biophilic design the workplace environment. Stress does have a negative effect on the efficiency and well-being of employees as well as on their' performance. According to a Canadian survey of 25,000 full-time employees, 57% reported high-stress levels. Due to stress-related disease, Canadian employees are supposed to lose $20 billion annually. Stress can cause loss of productivity and long-term health problems. Office space costs’ basic metric–rupees per square foot. But in a given design, metrics appear to be unreliable and difficult for gauging employee performance. As per the report by World Green Building Council, Fitness, Wellbeing & Productivity in Office spaces, employee wages and benefits account for 90% of typical office expenditures. Space rental (9%) and energy costs (1%) are far behind employee costs. A working environment in the office that boosts productivity can harness a huge rate of return. An emerging body of evidence shows exposure to nature and nature-based characteristics can provide a solution to occupational stress reduction. This research brings together a comprehensive set of neuroscience-based information, environmental psychology, green building rating systems applications, and design practice to identify strategies that would provide practitioners with a cost-effective and straightforward way to integrate nature-based features into workplace design to improve well-being and reduce stress.
1.1 Need to study Studies show that the stress of work can negatively impact the efficiency and productivity of the employees. In order to counter these problems, the companies are investing huge amounts of money to provide its employees with a suitable environment needed. The infrastructure of the office plays a significant role in this pursuit. This poses a demanding challenge for the architects to design a workplace that does not help increase the productivity of the employee but also ensure comfort and mental stability. Therefore, this study helps to determine which design strategies can be incorporated into workplaces to help eliminate stress, increase productivity and improve the well-being of the employees.
1.2 Aim To use biophilic design strategies to improve productivity and reduce the stress of occupants in workplaces.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
1.3 Objective • • •
The objective of this study is to find out the effect of biophilic design strategies on office occupants. To study the amount of daylight and greenery required in order to increase the efficiency of the workers. To study the indoor environment quality and standards defined by various building standards.
1.4 Research methodology The study is divided into three main parts: • current theory and analysis, the office work environment, building standards and biophilic development • post-occupancy survey of an office building • design techniques for architects to incorporate biophilic design principles into experience workers ' workspace architecture. Part 1 includes a reference of nature-based features to reduce stress in employees at workplaces. Starting with the nature of stress and its impact on workers, the dissertation traces the history of biophilia in relation to health enhancement and stress reduction and presents research literature on workplace use of biophilia. Specific applications and examples of interior design strategies are identified. Part 2 includes analysis from the BUS survey conducted Part 3 incorporates analysis into action and discusses case studies (Chapter 3 and 4) as well as suggested approaches to include nature-based elements in workplaces for employees. (Chapter 5).
1.5 Limitation •
The study is limited to the factors which affect the occupant’s productivity in an office environment through biophilic design strategies to help improve the efficiency of the workers.
•
The study criteria have been limited to the only direct and indirect experience of nature in biophilic design.
1.6 Scope The study is conducted to improve the productivity of people in office space by introducing biophilic design strategies. The aspects considered are the indoor environment quality, daylight, thermal comfort, and the effect of biophilic elements on occupants.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Chapter 2: Literature study Biophilia is a 'love of nature' or 'living system'. "The innate tendency [in human being] to focus on nature and natural processes" . (E.O. Wilson) Biophilic Design is about creating good habitat for people as a biological organism in the modern building and construction that advance people health. Good habitat means ecologically sound and productive settings where people function to their optimal potential. (Dr. Stephen Kellert)
2.1 Biophilia and Biophilic Design Biophilia proponents say that the combination of nature into the workplace can serve to alleviate the reaction to human pressure and help improve fitness, memory and attention. The following section provides an overview of biophilia and new theories of nature-based functionality, stress reduction, and literature-based biophilic development. 2.1.1 History of Biophilia and Biophilic Design In 1973 (Britannica) the term biophilia was first used by Erich Fromm and later developed by Edward. O. Wilson. Wilson defined biophilia as nature's innate need and attachment. There's no new concept of biophilia. Human beings have been inhabiting in and with nature for most of our evolutionary time on earth. Our ties to nature suggest that humans have evolved on the savannahs, so we have a genetic memory to prefer similar places. Although its name has been coined in recent history, architecture has seen indicators of biophilic design from as far back as Babylon's Figure 1 The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, painting by Ferdinand Knab. (Cartwright, 2019) Hanging Gardens. The stress response is in our biology, as research suggests the restorative properties and associated health benefits of nature-based attributes such as the specific biophilic interactions of forests, plants and views in reducing tension. Biophilia's potential role as a health benefit or healing source is also not new. Although the 12
Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
term biophilia was not introduced until 1973, and the term biophilic design, the translation of biophilia to the built environment was not introduced until 2008, historically nature and biophilia have been a part of daily living and even healing practices for centuries. Nature has been an important part of daily life; we have only become more isolated from nature over the last few centuries. Many workers migrated from rural areas to cities to seek new employment prospects with the Industrial Revolution onslaught. From the 1870s onwards, the trend was to move to the "new" suburbs in Britain and the U.S. The shift to suburban living, with its larger gardens, suggests a desire to restore a connection with nature and a reaction to the densely built urban environment. According to Wright, the new suburbs in the United States provided "picturesque site planning and natural building materials" that "reflected a return to nature, lost innocence and earlier stability." A growing body of design research encourages designers to reintroduce the connection between nature and health care. Due to growing evidence of the benefits, therapeutic gardens have been re-introduced in hospital layout and long-term care facilities over the past two decades. After surgery, biophilic work in health care settings shows reduced recovery times, better pain management and anxiety. The Planetree model is a good example of the nature-related healthcare environment design. A patient Angela Thierot developed the Planetree model in California in the early 1980s, named after the Hippocrates tree, taught his students below. In the Planetree model, the hospital experience is refocused on the patient including: unrestricted visiting hours, welcoming family members, including children at all hours, encouraging family members to cook, to stay overnight, but also create a more homelike environment including plants, fish tanks and connecting to the outdoors through views and gardens. The Planetree model “brought nature and gardens back into focus as important elements of a healing environment and a healthy workplace”. Healing and therapeutic gardens have been planned for patients and their families, but based on the evidence provided so far, as researchers have found health benefits from gardens in hospital settings, the same benefits could also be recognized for employees in office settings. 2.1.2 Environmental psychology and biophilic design theory There are two key psychological theories on nature’s ability for restoration. 1. Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Psycho-Evolutionary Theory-The two psychological theories that provide historical research on restorative settings are Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Psycho-Evolutionary Theory. ART and psycho-evolutionary theory provide a potential explanation of why nature is regenerative. All place emphasis on nature, specifically trees, water, and other natural resources to encourage regeneration based on evolutionary assumptions.
Figure 2 (The prefrontal cortex controls executive functions such as attention, regulation of behaviour and our emotional responses, 2019)
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
2. Kellert's biophilic design and characteristics of survival-advantage-Theorist and research scholar Stephen Kellert translated biophilia, ART, and psycho-evolutionary theory into a biophilic design framework (see Figure 3). The biophilic design principles of Kellert, consisting of two dimensions, six elements and 70 attributes, provide guidance in applying biophilia theory to the design of the built environment.
Figure 3 Dimensions elements and attributes of biophilic design (Sayuti, 2019)
In the relationship between the built environment and nature, Kellert's work provides an important pioneering theory. The work of Kellert is only a theoretical framework, not a strategy or application of design. His frame has two dimensions that are based on organic and location. The organic aspect is "described as forms and shapes representing the inherent human affinity to nature in the built environment." The organic dimension is broken down into: 1. Direct experience refers to contact with a natural environment such as daylight, plants, and animals. This type of natural environment is one nature that can survive without human input. 2. Indirect experience requires the natural element to have “ongoing human input” for the element to survive such as potted plants or interior gardens that require human input to survive i.e. watering, heat, fertilization. 3. The symbolic experience involves no contact with real nature, but only the representation of nature through images or symbols
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Figure 4 Kellert’s Biophilic Principles, elements and attributes.( Teimrra Epviann bsroignh /t Fglircekern,2019)
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
2.1.3 Focusing on four of Kellert’s Biophilic Elements Based on the literature review, four attributes appear to provide the most potential impact on stress reduction in the design of the workplace for employees. 1. Environmental features 2. Light and space 3. Place-based relationship 4. Evolved human-nature relationship These elements focus on being exposed to nature, either directly or indirectly. “Environmental features” includes attributes involving direct contact such as sunlight (or natural light), plants, natural materials, views and vistas and will briefly touch on-air (operable windows) and animals. “Light and space” focuses on the qualities of light and spatial relationships. The research and case studies will focus on natural light which will be tied into views and vistas noted above. “Place-based relationships” reflect and combine the culture and geography to fulfil “locational familiarity – the yearning for home - remains a deeply held need for most people.” This element consists of eleven attributes: geographic connection to place, historic context to place, ecological relation to place, a cultural connection to place, indigenous materials, landscape orientation, landscapes that define building form, landscape ecology, a combination of culture and ecology, spirit of a place and finally avoiding placelessness. “Evolved human-nature relationships” attributes focus on the “underlying aspects of the inherent human relationship with nature”: order and complexity, curiosity and enticement, prospect and refuge, and fear and awe.
Figure 5 Interior design focused biophilic strategies.(Callaghan, 2019)
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
2.2 Biophilic design and the office occupant environment The following section discusses biophilia and nature-based features in relation to the employees in the workplace using case studies to create work environments for stress reduction in knowledge workers. 2.2.1 Site Selection As discussed earlier restorative and healing gardens have made a return in the health care system. The research provides evidence of restorative gardens s increasing health and well-being for patient recovery from surgery or other ailments; preliminary findings indicate positive cognitive benefits for office workers. In addition to gardens, research also shows the benefits of walking in nature, on paths and in urban parks and forests, versus walking in urban settings without green infrastructure. The reduction in stress participants experiences while in the forest, not only improves the mood but also, enhances the functioning of their immune system. The essential oils emitted by evergreen trees are linked with improvements to the immune system and production of natural killer cells. Women report higher stress levels than men and are less likely to use outdoor nature during the workday, thus including access to indoor nature becomes even a greater priority for female knowledge workers. Outdoor nature is defined as "natural elements such as trees, shrubs, flowers and other vegetation in the workplace's outdoor environment." These natural elements that are brought indoors are indoor nature. 2.2.2 Aromas Nature, urban gardens, and forests can be brought into the interior spaces through natural aromas. It has recently been discovered that the reduction in stress and improvements to the immune system produced by forest visits can be replicated when evergreen oils are removed from trees, aerosolized, and infused into hotel rooms. These are important findings and have significant, positive implications for businesses, knowledge workers and the health care system including enhanced performance, improved health and well-being, lower health care costs and reduction in sick days. Table 1 Cognitive Impacts of Fragrance On Humans
S.No. Aroma
Findings
1
Evergreen Oils
Stress Reduction and Improvements to Immune System
2
Lemon and Jasmine
Improvements in Mental Tasks
3
Peppermint
Completion of Tedious Task and Increase Alertness
4
Cinnamon-Vanilla
Improved Creativity
5
Rosemary
Enhanced Memory
6
Lime, Marjoram, Rose, Bergamot, And Cypress
7
Lavender
Lavender, Reduce Anxiety
Promote Relaxation
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
2.2.3 Natural settings and movement
Figure 6 Connection with Natural Systems is the awareness of natural processes, especially seasonal and temporal changes characteristic of a healthy ecosystem ( Terrapin Bright Green, 2019)
Interaction with nature might best be made unavoidable as opposed to being “tucked away” in parks, as people are unable to predict the importance of nature and its positive benefits, they are unlikely to seek it out. Combining the need for movement with the connection to nature could be a win-win scenario increasing placebased relationships, creating greater cultural and ecological connections. Thus, alternative and varied working spaces that encourage movement, interaction with nature and potentially increase place-based design could be beneficial, possibly rethinking the office and surrounding environment. Encouraging knowledge workers to move, to relocate to alternate locations; and considering planning that encourages movement could all be beneficial. 2.2.4 Daylight and views
Figure 7 Dynamic & Diffuse Light leverages varying intensities of light and shadow that change over time to create conditions that occur in nature ( Terrapin Bright Green, 2019)
The stress-reducing benefits of providing daylighting and natural views in work environments are supported by Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (ART), and various workplace research studies. Artificial views of nature such as photographs or plasma screen images also produce cognitive benefits, although not as strong as with an actual view to nature. Green building rating systems encourage views to the exterior, however, they do not specify that the view contains nature. The benefits of having a view through a window are strengthened if the view contains natural elements. Thus, when workers cannot be in nature, research suggests designers may consider views with natural content. Even views of nature during the commute to the office can be beneficial. Although being in direct nature is optimal but not all
Figure 8 Above: The Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore by RMJM Architects uses fresh air and sunlight to increase thermal comfort. (Jui-Yong Sim/Flickr,2019)
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
workplaces have access to natural views therefore it would be beneficial to bring nature indoors to most interior design projects. 2.2.5 Natural materials
Figure 9 A Material Connection with Nature is material and elements from nature that, through minimal processing, reflect the local ecology or geology to create a distinct sense of place. ( Terrapin Bright Green, 2019)
It has been shown that natural materials such as wood minimize stress levels and enhance occupants ' safety and well-being in indoor spaces. Researchers suggest the ideal proportion of wood, as an interior finish on walls and floors, is between 30 to 45 per cent of the combined surface area of the space. The 30 to 45 per cent ratings lead to the greatest amount of relaxation and thus lower stress level. 2.2.6 Plants Considerable research suggests plants can have significant positive effects on workplace environments. It has been noted that plants have been shown to reduce noise levels, increase privacy, improve air quality, absorb carbon dioxide, improve humidity and absorb particles in the air. Workers with indoor plants in proximity to their desks took fewer sick leaves. It is suggested that office spaces benefit from the introduction of plants. Memory recall and complex proofreading skills were improved when testing was conducted in individual Figure 10 CookFox studio ( Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) offices containing four plants: two small flowering plants located on a windowsill, a one-foot-high plant located on a desk, and a four-foot-high floor plant. 2.2.7 Summary Stress stimuli cause memory and productivity losses. Continuous chronic stress causes health problems and can lead to mental health issues. The examined literature indicates the psychological and physiological advantages of integrating nature into the development of the workplace. Finding suggests that exposure to nature mitigates stress stimuli and thus has restorative effects on health, well-being and productivity benefits for memory and attention (Kaplan, 2008). It appears that providing direct and indirect exposure to nature has the strongest impact on mitigating the response to stress. According to the literature examined incorporating nature and nature-based features that have potential application into workplace design includes the following: site selection, locating in or near direct or indirect nature, maximizing daylight and views to nature, incorporates natural scents, encouraging movement in natural settings, and including natural materials such as wood and plants when direct nature is not possible. The case studies in Chapter 3 provide examples of the application of these strategies.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
2.3 Building Standards Given the increasing evidence that supports the advantages of biophilic design organizations are beginning to integrate the definition into their requirements and rating systems to promote the use of biophilia in their projects by building professionals. The WELL Building Standard and the Living Building Challenge are now the most influential proponents of biophilic design 2.3.1 WELL Building Standard As a qualitative and quantitative criterion, the International WELL Building Institute uses biophilic architecture in its WELL Standard. The qualitative measure must include design (environmental elements, natural lighting, and spatial qualities), natural phenomena, and communication of nature within and outside the building; these efforts must be recorded for certification by the professional narrative. Projects must have outdoor biophilia for the quantitative part (25 per cent of the project must have open landscaped grounds and or rooftop gardens and 70 per cent of which 25 per cent must have plantations), indoor biophilia (plant beds and pots must cover 1 per cent of the floor area and plant walls must cover 2 per cent of the floor area) and water characteristics (projects over 100,000sqft must have a water feature that is either 1.8m in height or 4 m2 in floor area). Verification is enforced by the architects and owners by letters of assurance, and by spot checks on site. In general, the WELL Standard addresses can be applied to both metric types of buildings, with two exceptions: core and shell construction need not include quantitative interior biophilia, and existing interiors need not include qualitative interaction of nature. 2.3.2 Living Building Challenge The International Living Future Institute is the founder of the living building challenge – a comprehensive building standard that aims to optimize construction quality. This norm recognizes the use of a biophilia atmosphere as an essential element in its area of health and happiness. The task of living buildings includes the design of a structure that shows how the project involves nature through characteristics of the environment, space and light, natural forms and shapes, natural patterns, and site-based connections. The role also needs the tenants to be able to directly communicate with nature by interaction in the interior and exterior of the house. These are also checked through a formal process of inspection.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Chapter 3: Case Studies This chapter presents a review of examples of strategies used in current practice for the design of biophilic workplaces. Such methods include the sub-set of development solutions defined from the theoretical framework of Kellert and backed by empirical evidence found as part of the literature review. The aim of these development approaches is to provide direct and indirect biophilic interactions and relationships centred on locations. The case studies collection was driven by three main parameters. The case studies must include one or more of the empirically supported biophilic development approaches established through the study of literature, provide office space for knowledge workers, and provide examples from both India and the world.
3.1 Case Study 1- CookFox Architecture Studio Location: New York, USA Project Address: 641 Avenue of the Americas (6th Ave) New York, NY Project Type: office, commercial Area: 12,1212 ft office space and 3,6002 ft green roof Year of Completion: 2006 Occupant: COOKFOX Architects LLP Design Team: COOKFOX Architects LLP Biophilic Patterns: Visual Connection with nature, Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli, Biomorphic Forms and Patterns, Prospect As a renovation project, the COOKFOX studio at 641 Avenue of the Americas began to occupy the entire 12,121 square foot penthouse of the former Crawford Simpson department store in the Ladies ' Mile Historic District. As COOKFOX leased the building for the first time in 2006, some key features of the office were underused and in poor condition. Much of the initial ceiling and features of the Corinthian pillar were either destroyed or Figure 11 : Expansive windows curve around the eastern wall overlooking the green roof. The windows covered up, and the allow day light into the office and provide 90% of occupants with views of dramatic sunsets reflecting building was deeply off the city skyline. (P1 P2 P3 P5) ( Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) separated and split into separate office sections. What would transform into a high-profile green roof"[ was] a tar beach with outdated mechanical equipment," according to Rick Cook. 641 Americas Avenue is unique in that the reconstruction of the building was directly influenced by biophilic architecture. Recognizing the importance of the workplace environment in employee and visitor well-being, COOKFOX integrated biophilic construction techniques into the renovation early in the process.The early adoption of trends is evident in the size and engagement to visual and non-visual interactions to nature, non-rhythmic tactile sensations, and shelter, and is marked with the installation of a green roof of 3,600 square feet by the department. Product choices and historical conservation 21
Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
are leveraged to support nature in the interior space. Overall, the internal and external atmosphere is designed to promote improved office productivity, employee well-being, and work innovation, as well as better worker retention rates and decreased absenteeism.
Figure 12 Plan: Illustrating examples of prospect within the space, and the green roof, showing the accessibility of direct views to natural stimuli. (P1 , P11) Section: Refuge space (conference room) highlighted, showing unimpeded prospect view to visual connection with nature. P1, P3, P11, P12)
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Figure 13 Left: Tall seasonal grasses on the periphery of the green roof provide non-rhythmic sensory stimuli. (P1, P3) Centre: Existing detailing with new office fit-out partitions, preserve the biomorphic forms and patterns in the coffered ceiling. (P8) ( Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) Right: Circulation is pushed to the exterior wall, preventing overhead glare and increasing access to views for the office. (P1¸P3, P11) ( Terrapin Bright Green, 2019)
3.2 Case Study 2- Glumac Shanghai Office (Commercial Office) Location: Shanghai, China Project Address: 753 Yuyuan Rd., Building C, 3/F Shanghai, 200050 China Project Type: office, commercial Area: 10,0002 ft Year of Completion: 2014 Occupant: Glumac Design Team: Glumac, Gensler, Shimizu, GIGA, Terrapin Bright Green Biophilic Patterns: Connection with Natural Systems, Visual Connection with Nature, Biomorphic Forms & Patterns, Dynamic & Diffuse Light Glumac, a technology and consulting firm dedicated to costeffective, sustainable development, views its offices as a testing ground for new high-performance design innovations. As their Shanghai subsidiary extended their office, Glumac saw a chance to build a facility that would meet environmental targets beyond and above anything that was developed up to date in China. The selected site Figure 14 The Kvadrat cloud climbs playfully across the walls and ceiling of Glumac’s light-filled bistro, dampening the sound that reverberates from the exposed concrete was a historic low-rise building floor. (P1, P6, P8,P9) (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) located in a lush garden courtyard in the middle of busy downtown Shanghai. A desire to honour the cultural value of the site flourished in a drive to create an office space in which people would like to work. Glumac employees enjoy views of the courtyard 23
Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
from their desks in a spacious open plan office. Organic models and indoor plants carry the relaxed atmosphere of the field into storage. The design builds on the attributes of the existing structure and uses creative solutions to the challenges associated with Glumac's ambitious goals. This innovative project was a partnership between Glumac, Terrapin Bright Green, Gensler, Shimizu, Japanese building advisor, and Shanghai-based green materials consultancy GIGA. Glumac hopes that a "seed of change" will be planted in China in this space and encourages others to design for human and environmental health.
Figure 15 Floor Plan: The spine of the office is a long hallway, flanked on the north side by private and open plan office spaces and on the south by meeting rooms with adjustable partitions and the bistro. Daylight floods the office through the light well adjacent to the open office, large windows along the entire north wall, and glass with adjustable transparency on the south wall bordering the terrace. Elevations: Daylight filters into all three of the spaces pictured in the above elevations. The kvadrat cloud adds visual interest to the bistro, and carpet with organic patterning creates a calm atmosphere in the private office. The corridor, which is adjacent to open office area, features a wall of air filtering Sansevieria trifasciata. (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019)
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Figure 16 Left: An exposed section of the radiant heating system allows employees and guests to engage with the office’s utility systems. (P1, P6, P7) Right: The entryway to the office features a glass wall etched with abstract swirls of Chinese lucky clouds, a symbol of good fortune and happiness, and a meter that displays indoor and outdoor air quality indicators. (P6, P8, P9, P11) (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019)
3.3 Case Study 2- Kickstarter Commercial Headquarters Location: New York, USA Project Address: 58 Kent Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222 Project Type: office, commercial Area: 29,000 sq ft Year of Completion: 2014 Occupant: Kickstarter Design Team: Ole Sondresen Architect Biophilic Patterns: Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli Material Connection with Nature Connection with Natural Systems Prospect & Refuge Kickstarter is a global platform for crowd crowdfunding whose mission is to help bring creative projects to life. Kickstarter selected a former pencil Figure 17 The rooftop garden includes Refuge spaces off the main path for plant in Brooklyn, NY while looking occupants to use. The garden has edible plants, as well as species that support for a new building that catches the migratory birds and butterflies. (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) essence of the company's culture. Built by local designer Ole Sondresen, the retail office occupies the whole 29,000 ft2 area including a large green roof. "The existing building is deep, gloomy and partly below ground, which means that it had very little sunlight or fresh air capacity." Ole Sondresen explained, "The plan was to cut out a courtyard, a very' renaissance ' concept, as this building was surrounded by industrial buildings. It needed a sense of interior relief for the user to connect to the outside.” 25
Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Ole Sondresen Architect built a dynamic, atmospheric commercial office and headquarters with sunshine, natural materials and textures, and views of outdoor gardens by intuitively using several principles of biophilic layout. With curtain walls from floor to ceiling, high ceilings, a two-story central courtyard with a rain forest, and a rooftop landscape of 8,500 square feet imitating the natural ecosystem of the city, space was redesigned to promote a healthy, flexible working environment with a close connection to nature. A case study discusses the techniques used to construct a biophilic environment, including product options, improvements to the external form of the house, and mindful green spaces outside. The design creates an engaging space that supports the strengths and culture of Kickstarter while at the same time promoting its employees ' creativity, productivity and well-being.
Figure 18 Plan: The office includes many patterns of biophilic design. The courtyard and green roof are significant architectural design strategies that promote both visual connection with nature and dynamic and diffuse light within the interior. Section: A central courtyard cuts through the building and provides dynamic and diffuse natural light and access to the outdoors. (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019)
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Figure 19 Left: The courtyard and second-floor terrace provide a setting for Non-rhythmic Sensory Stimuli including migratory birds, tall flowing grasses, and conditional water capture.[ P1, P3, P5, P6, P11] Right: The 2nd-floor library offers both Prospect views and Refuge conditions. Reclaimed heart pine used for interior doors throughout the office provides Material Connection with Nature. [P1, P6, P11, P12] (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019)
3.4 Case Study 4- Titan Integrity Campus Location: Bangalore, India Project Address: 193, Veerasandra Electronic City, Banglore-560100, Karnataka, India Project Type: Corporate Office Area: 3900002 ft Year of Completion: 2017 Occupant: Titan Company Design Team: Mindspace Architects Biophilic Patterns: Visual Connection with nature, Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli, Biomorphic Forms and Patterns, Prospect, Connection with Natural Systems, Dynamic & Diffuse Light. The corporate office building is located on a 6.5-acre site with an east-side lake and north-facing lane. The model has an incredibly special connection to the site and the lake next door. The idea is to take advantage of every view on the lakeside and render every client a spectator of this serene environment. A bio lake is designed to the east side of the site that responds to the existing lake and looks like an extension of it. Around this bio, the lake is a planned office building with all its ancillaries. The tower is shaped to longer sides facing north-south in order to bring natural light free from glare. The porosity of structure and form allows constant breeze flow through wind tunnels. Figure 20 Titan integrity office, Bangalore (Nikhanj,2019 )
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
The structure on three floors has a terrace garden at all levels. Free-flowing Cascading green terraces, reminiscent of rice fields, are connected through external staircases, giving each of these floors a feeling of elevated ground. Such terraces also provide protection to office spaces below, thus increasing the resonating heat / AC load to the concept of green design. Green terraces not only enable one to work outdoors, stimulate interaction between the flora and fauna, but also offer trails for those who want to enjoy relaxing walks. A walk along the proposed green walk path covers around 650 meters. Over the year, the greenery on both sides of the lake's receding terraces will welcome the constructed rendering it a non-building. A green wall on the building's western side shields the usable spaces from the harsh western sun. The green buffer zone between green wall and spaces that can be used further cuts off the radiation. Space Planning– Unifying Diversity of departments
Figure 21 Ground floor plan (Archdaily,2019)
Figure 22 Sectional view of the office (Archdaily,2019)
Planning of the program is in such a way that each of the departments like Watches, jewellery, eyewear, accessories etc has its own zone but are yet connected to the other departments through voluminous atriums which bring in light and allows hot air to escape and houses lifts and staircases. The depth of office space is conceived in such a way that entire office space is enveloped with daylight if there is light outside thus minimizing the use of artificial light. Artificial lighting is planned with light sensors and occupancy sensors.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.) Table 2 summary of case studies
CASE STUDY SUMMARY S.no. Name 1
2
3
4
CookFox Studio
Description
Key considerations
Architecture Nature in The Space
Glumac Office
• •
Visual connection with nature. Non-Visual Connection with Nature Non-Rhythmic sensory Access to thermal and airflow variability dynamic and diffuse light Connection with natural systems
Natural Analogues
• • •
Biomorphic forms and patterns Material connection with Nature Complexity and order
Nature of the space
• •
Prospect refuge
• • •
visual connection with nature dynamic and diffuse light connection with natural
Natural Analogues
•
Biomorphic forms and pattern.
Nature in The Space
• •
Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli Connection with Natural Systems
Natural Analogues
•
Material Connection with Nature
Nature of the space
• •
Prospect refuge
Nature in The Space
• •
Visual connection with nature. Non-Visual Connection with Nature
Shanghai Nature in The Space
Kickstarter Commercial headquarters
Titan Integrity Campus
• • • •
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
• • • • •
Non-Rhythmic sensory Access to thermal and airflow variability Presence of Water dynamic and diffuse light Connection with natural systems
Natural Analogues
• • •
Biomorphic forms and patterns Material connection with Nature Complexity and order
Natural Analogues
• • • •
Prospect Refuge Mystery peril
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Chapter 4: Analysis and Inferences The case studies selected represent a few successful and viable applications of biophilic nature-based features for inclusion in office workplace design. Key nature-based features include locating in and near nature whenever possible, maximizing the use of nature, encouraging movement in nature through the creation of usable outdoor spaces, making nature unavoidable, incorporating natural scents and maximizing views to nature and daylight. When locating in nature is not possible, bring nature indoors in the form of plants and natural materials such as wood. In addition, place-based design and evolved-human nature relationships are illustrated in the case studies. 4.1.1 Case Study 1- CookFox Architecture Studio Using U.C, an independent post-occupancy evaluation was performed. The occupant rate study for Berkeley's Institute for the Built Environment. To find correlations between spatial conditions and occupant health and well-being, on a zone map, respondents self-reported their location. Comparing self-reported levels of stress and workload with office location, a stress map shows where stress is highest and allows designers and office managers to respond and improve surrounding conditions to reduce stress and increase productivity and well-being. The findings suggest that levels of stress are both site-specific and conditional on the workload. Just as people are diagnosed with chronic or acute health problems, a building can also be assessed in this way. Chronic conditions like no sunlight exposure require major repairs and development changes. Acute situations, such as temporary high workload, can be combated by keeping the room interactive and versatile, shifting water and plant features and/or enabling people to travel around the area. There is a strong correlation in the case of the COOKFOX office between lack of visual connection with nature and increased reported stress levels. One of the stronger results from the post-occupancy survey shows a need for improved refuge environments throughout the workplace, with only some region indicating "satisfied" and two high-traffic regions showing "extremely unsatisfied." Refuge conditions have been shown to enhance focus, awareness and sense of protection while also decreasing frustration and exhaustion. Additional associations are available in the workplace between occupant reactions and situational environments and can be used to enable architects and office management to make better use of and appreciate the capacity of layouts to meet their needs. Thermal airflow variability has been shown to increase comfort, productivity, improve concentration, and improve the perception of temporal and spatial pleasure. There is a prominent level of thermal comfort in the COOKFOX department. Just two places were unhappy with the inhabitants. Thanks to their Figure 21 Post occupancy evolution results. (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019) proximity to printers, bathrooms, and kitchen, one place may be. In order to determine dissatisfaction, the other area needs further study. All areas near working windows show positive thermal satisfaction points. 31
Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
4.1.2 Case Study 2- Glumac Shanghai Office (Commercial Office) The redesign of Glumac converted the drafty 3rd floor of a traditional residential building into an example of contemporary green engineering solutions. This space not only meets the highest environmental standards, but it also exhibits strong biophilic design elements that can provide numerous health benefits. Most people are spending most of their time at work in urban areas. Office environments, however, often have a limited connection with the natural world. In June 2015, Glumac conducted a survey to find out how their employees were affected on a daily basis by the design choices they made during the renovation. 82 per cent of the employees surveyed reported that their productivity was facilitated by the design elements of the office space, and 91 per cent said the design elements lightened their mood during work. Moreover, 73 per cent of respondents in the employee survey reported feeling more physical comfort within the renovated office space, and 73 per cent reported feeling more mental comfort within the renovated office space. Glumac created a working environment by integrating access to nature and natural processes that promote the wellbeing of both workers and the community.
Figure 22 Selected questions from a post-occupancy survey, in which Glumac employees were asked to reflect on heir experience in the Shanghai Office. (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019)
4.1.3 Case Study 3- Glumac Shanghai Office (Commercial Office) The intuitive implementation of biophilic patterns by Sanderson has the potential to provide occupant health and well-being with the following benefits. During the day, people and groups have unique styles of practice and different needs in the workforce. Prospect and shelter spaces are popular, and for good reason, in work environments. Research shows refuge spaces increase safety concentration, attention, and perception, while prospect spaces reduce stress, boredom, and fatigue, and enhance comfort and perceived safety. It is proposed that providing a compromise between the two trends is more important than the characteristic size or intensity. In integrating both shelter and hope areas into their new headquarters, Kickstarter means that their workers have a convenient and productive environment to do a range of work activities.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
4.1.4 Case Study 4- Titan Integrity Campus The location of the site, as well as the architectural design, are intentional choices, says Bhaskar Bhat, longserving managing director of Titan. "This office is for the people, and the connection with nature was to give an enjoyable experience to the employees because that's what they said they wanted when we surveyed them. It is the house of a nation. They were involved in creating the design brief. This model has been displayed in our old office. No one thought it was going to turn out this way, "he says. With their new home, Titan workers were unsurprisingly delighted. Revathi Kant, chief design officer, notices that "everyone feels comfortable in a natural environment, thinks differently, leads to more constructive discussion, better insights. The energy, vibe, levels of motivation have all risen. It also addressed the issue of collaboration and privacy. In most workplaces, juggling "us" and "me" space is a task that often spills out of conference rooms, but here the "me" area is particularly special— each worker is free to find their own ideal outdoor location. "There are days where our Monday morning conferences take place with our shoes off and we move on the lawn. I only go out into a foyer and put on my headphones when I need my private time.” Many love the feeling of well-being fostered by working in a biophilic environment. "I was prone to cold and had to wear sweaters at all times. I would have to figure out how to avoid the air conditioning assault on my face in the old office in conference rooms. The correct temperature is controlled by natural fans, "says Ruchika Sharma, marketing manager for the fragrance company. Titan is one of India's most innovative companies — constantly experimenting with new product categories and, through its ads, also creatively tackling social issues. It has now sparked our imagination, reinventing its physical avatar, and rewriting the map on biophilia. Let's see where the vessel is going.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Chapter 5: Suggested Design Strategies Table 3 Suggested Biophilic design properties for office spaces.
Biophilic Design Strategies for Office Spaces Windows should be designed and placed to afford easy viewing of natural, outdoor scenes.
1
Provide views to nature
2
Blur the transition between interior and Where feasible, extend living and working spaces into the surrounding landscapes through terraces, exterior spaces courtyards, balconies, covered porches, gazebos and benches situated along pathways. Create transitions to these spaces that invite their use.
3
Avoid interference with key sightlines
In designing glazing systems, deck railings and other features that could interfere with the views of nature, carefully plan the sightlines and avoid interference whenever possible.
4
Provide high levels of daylighting
Where practical, glazing should be vision glass, offering views to the outdoors and creating rhythmic patterns of living light, shadows and sparkle that vary throughout the day. Even skylights should be vision glass so that clouds and weather patterns can be seen; to avoid glare use tinted glass for skylights.
5
Provide operable windows
Providing building occupants with control over their own immediate environments can expose them to the smells, temperature fluctuations and feels of nature, including the smells of flowers in the spring and summer.
6
Provide green roofs.
Incorporate green (vegetated) roofs onto low slope roofs and provide both visual and physical access to those roofs.
7
Incorporated vegetated atria and interior Bringing nature inside buildings is the idea planting beds behind atria and planting beds.
8
Decorated with potted plants
Using potted plants and small gardens as a part of an interior design strategy will put building occupants in closer contact with natural features. With creativity, nature can be woven in throughout an interior space, even with furniture.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
9
Provide natural materials and nature art in Especially where actual views to nature are not feasible, natural building materials (wood grain, buildings patterned stone, etc) and artwork of nature scenes can be used to elicit a biophilic response.
10
Configure offices spaces to enhance views of Workstations should be positioned so that workers can see out windows and benefit the nature most from natural lighting, interior gardens and other biophilic features.
11
Provide interpretation as part of the interior Use signage and other interpretive features to explain biophilic features and functions so that design they will be appreciated, managed and understood.
Reworked from S. Kellert, Building for life: Designing and understanding the human-nature connection, citing J. Heerwagen & B. Hase. (2001). “Building biophilia: Connecting people to nature,” Environmental Design + Construction , (3), 33.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Chapter 6: Survey Analysis The survey was done of 75 people of different age category and work category. 6.1.1 Gender category
6.1.2 Duration of stay in the building
6.1.3 Rating of the general layout of their office
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
6.1.4 Does building meet your daily needs?
6.1.5 Does building meet your daily needs?
6.1.6 Views from inside to outside the building
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
6.1.7 How would you like to have planters/natural elements in or around your office?
6.1.8 How would you describe the number of green spaces in the overall building?
6.1.9 How would you describe the summer and winter indoor temperature? Summer Indoor temp. Winter Indoor temp.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
6.1.10 How would you rate the overall quality of the following-?
6.1.11 How would you rate the overall quality of the following-?
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Conclusions Stress is a natural part of human response to dangerous or threatening situations, but in today's work environments, the human biological response has not adequately adapted to sources of stress. Office workers were subject to rising levels of stress stimulation today working longer than workers did during the industrial revolution. Stress causes memory loss and performance loss. Long-term chronic stress can lead to more serious health and mental health issues. Initial research indicated that characteristics of nature-based and biophilic architecture may help mitigate sensations of environmental stress and provide restorative periods of focus. This research thesis, therefore, addresses the following research questions: (1) What nature-based features can interior designers incorporate in workplace design to help reduce stress and improve the health and well-being of office knowledge workers? (2) How in design practice can such character-based features be implemented? Research on literature has revealed that nature and nature-based features can have a very significant impact on human health and well-being. It has also been revealed that direct and indirect nature exposure has the greatest impact on experiences of symbolic nature. The implication of this finding is that designers should endeavour to locate workspaces in or adjacent to nature, maximize the use of nature through paths and movement, optimize the provision of daylight and views, and consider the spatial design and evolved-human elements of nature. Exposure to indirect nature, such as wood and potted plants, can also be effective where direct contact is not possible. The case studies show how practically the theory can be applied in a viable way. Despite the benefits identified by biophilic workplace design, several barriers have been identified including lack of knowledge, evidence-based design, and the current limited scope of interior design practice. Therefore, it is suggested that interior designers need to adopt a more proactive approach and advocate for more direct and indirect nature-based features in and around the knowledge workers ' workspaces. The process is also important in addition to design strategies. IDP (Integrated Design Process) is a process involving more experts, early in the design process and thus provides an opportunity to ensure that all elements of development, including landscape, form, structure and interior, are assisted by biophilic architecture. It is also necessary to generate awareness and to include stakeholders through preferential programming and POE (post-occupancy evaluation). Not only will these knowledge generation tools assist with efficient customer approval and decision-making processes, but they will also increase customer satisfaction, increase the professional knowledge base and further develop EBD (Evidence-Based Design) in the interior design profession. Additional research is needed to determine the precise difference in the amount of stress reduced by exposure to various nature-based characteristics, i.e., indirect versus direct. Is there a cumulative factor in reducing stress by combining several indirect and direct biophilic elements, i.e. wood plus other nature-based features like plants? There is also a need for additional research on wood finishes and stress reduction, particularly in and at the office. Interior designers have a greater influence on building occupants ' safety and well-being than they or others believe. While conducting research and activism at all stages of the design process, increased use of naturebased technologies can help in the future to strengthen and mitigate safety, well-being and pressure of office workers.
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Enhancing Productivity of Employees in Workplaces Through Biophilic Design Strategies (01606142015, B.Arch.)
Appendix Biophilia incorporates elements of nature and is defined as our innate need or love of nature (Wilson, 1984). Biophilic design is the translation of biophilia to the built environment (Kellert & Wilson, 1993). This dissertation will also use Kellert’s (2008) biophilic design principles as a framework for the nature-based features discussed. These principles consist of two dimensions: • organic and • place-based dimension described respectively as our built environment that reflects our innate need or love of nature and “buildings and landscapes that connect to the culture” and location (Kellert, 2008, p. 8). Organic dimension is further subdivided into three biophilic experiences: direct, indirect and symbolic. Direct biophilic experience includes nature's self-supporting characteristics such as trees, woods, gardens daylight sights, landscapes and scents. Such interactions may not be included in a typical work setting, but this is the point of this study-they should be focused on reality. It is appropriate to include indirect biophilic interactions if the direct biophilic experience is not possible. Indirect biophilic experience is described as nature which needs ongoing human intervention to survive, such as potted plants that need watering and other upkeep to survive, while a forest plant is watered and naturally preserved. While there are many possible approaches for direct and indirect biophilic development, this study focuses on developing strategies around the use of direct and indirect biophilic interactions and less on visual, i.e., natural motifs such as leaves on column capitals and organic forms on finishing materials, which will be discussed in more depth. Workplace employees are defined as “an employee whose job includes developing and using knowledge instead of producing commodities and services” (Cambridge, n.d.). Workplace employees typically spend a bit more time in an office environment. Workplace employees are a common term used in corporate and workplace architecture for architects, academics, and company. The use of the word is not intended to imply that occupants in workplaces do not occur in other work areas and techniques recommended to occupants in workplaces in the office environment that extend to knowledge workers and staff in other fields and locations. This study would concentrate on inhabitants who typically spend part of their time in an office environment.
Annexure- Questionnaire and Responses Attached copy of the survey questionnaire and responses from the office employees.
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References [1] Ling, T., Wu, G. and Lin, J. (2018). Landscape dimension in the built environment: The spatial operative of an integrated micro agriculture unit. Journal of Environmental Management, 226. [2] Ayuso Sanchez, J., Ikaga, T. and Vega Sanchez, S. (2018). Quantitative improvement in workplace performance through biophilic design: A pilot experiment case study. Energy and Buildings, 177, pp.316-328. [3] Al Horr, Y., Arif, M., Kaushik, A., Mazroei, A., Katafygiotou, M. and Elsarrag, E. (2016). Occupant productivity and office indoor environment quality: A review of the literature. Building and Environment, 105, pp.369-389. [4] GREEN,
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