Are Biophilic-Designed Site Office Buildings Linked to Health Benefits and High Performing Occupants?

Tonia Gray and Carol Birrell
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Tonia Gray: Centre for Educational Research, School of Education University of Western Sydney, Penrith 2751, Australia
Carol Birrell: School of Education, University of Western Sydney, Penrith 2751, Australia

IJERPH, 2014, vol. 11, issue 12, 1-19

Abstract: This paper discusses the first phase of a longitudinal study underway in Australia to ascertain the broad health benefits of specific types of biophilic design for workers in a building site office. A bespoke site design was formulated to include open plan workspace, natural lighting, ventilation, significant plants, prospect and views, recycled materials and use of non-synthetic materials. Initial data in the first three months was gathered from a series of demographic questions and from interviews and observations of site workers. Preliminary data indicates a strong positive effect from incorporating aspects of biophilic design to boost productivity, ameliorate stress, enhance well-being, foster a collaborative work environment and promote workplace satisfaction, thus contributing towards a high performance workspace. The longitudinal study spanning over two years will track human-plant interactions in a biophilic influenced space, whilst also assessing the concomitant cognitive, social, psychological and physical health benefits for workers.

Keywords: biophilic design; site office; productivity; collaboration; well-being; stress (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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