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 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.

Figure 21 Post occupancy evolution results. (Terrapin Bright Green, 2019)

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.

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.