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
