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
17
