Nature and sensory friendliness supporting work
A well-designed work environment supports concentration, recovery, and creativity. Biophilic and sensory-friendly design brings nature into daily life and considers the diverse needs of people. When a space is clear, calm, and pleasant for all senses, it promotes well-being, equal functional capacity, and work efficiency.
Increase creativity and concentration with the help of nature
Would you like to increase productivity, concentration, and creativity? Or perhaps reduce employee turnover, absenteeism, and stress? Bring nature into the office and promote well-being.
Most people have a place they return to in their minds when they want to think of a pleasant moment. Almost everyone has that place related in some way to nature, perhaps a forest or by the water. This is no coincidence, as studies show that nature calms and relaxes, which is why its importance for human well-being, including in building interiors, has been increasingly researched and utilized.
Bringing nature into interior design is called biophilic design. Biophilia means a love for nature and living things, and in biophilic design, nature is brought indoors through light and various natural materials such as wood or stone, and, of course, plants.
Natural light
Biophilic design utilizes natural light as much as possible, as it has been shown to reduce fatigue, improve mood, and support the circadian rhythm. In biophilic office design, natural light is considered, for example, in the placement of workstations, aiming to ensure that as many people as possible have access to natural light during the workday.
Dynamic lighting solutions complement natural light, especially during dark seasons and in spaces where window light is limited. Adjustable color temperature and light intensity can adapt to the time of day, promoting employee alertness and well-being. The combination of natural light and smart lighting helps create spaces that reduce eye strain, increase concentration, and promote overall well-being.
Materials and tones
The use of natural materials and tones is an essential part of biophilic space design. They echo natural shades, calm the mind, and bring a sense of authenticity to the space. Wood, stone, wool, and clay are pleasant to touch, and their surface patterns—such as wood grain and stone irregularities—strengthen the connection to nature.
Over time, materials develop a patina and wear beautifully, bringing layers and a sense of natural rhythm to the space. This organic change makes the environment more vibrant and human, which can increase comfort and reduce stress.
The use of natural materials is perceived differently in various cultures, as their symbolic and practical significance varies by region. For example, in Northern Europe and Japan, wood and stone are strongly associated with traditional building methods, which creates a sense of familiarity and dignity in spaces.
Plants
The effects of plants on human well-being have been extensively studied, and the results are impressive: greenery has been found to reduce stress, improve concentration, and even boost morale. In operational environments, plants serve not only as elements that increase comfort but also as factors that improve air quality by binding impurities and increasing air humidity, which could reduce, for example, respiratory problems and headaches.
Invest in design
Biophilic design is not just visually pleasing, but it also has concrete benefits for both employees and the employer. Numerous studies have shown that adding natural elements to office premises can increase productivity by up to 15 percent. In addition, employees working in an environment close to nature report being more satisfied with their work and experiencing less stress.
How can you implement biophilic spaces?
Utilize natural light
✓ Place workstation areas near window walls for nature views and natural light
✓ Design meeting rooms in the interior parts of the building, allowing natural light to be utilized primarily in work areas
✓ Complement lighting with smart and adjustable lighting solutions that adapt to the time of day and support alertness
Bring natural materials into the space
✓ Utilize wood, stone, wool, and other natural materials in furniture, room surfaces, and textiles. Remember also nature-inspired design language – organic shapes and irregular surfaces bring naturalness and harmony to the space
✓ Choose muted tones familiar from nature for wall, floor, and ceiling surfaces, furniture, and textiles
Add plants and green interior design
✓ Choose maintenance-free or easy-care green elements that bring nature into the space without much upkeep. For example, lichen and moss walls require no watering at all.
✓ Utilize green walls and plant clusters as room dividers. You can create a lush green path between workstations and walkways, which divides the space naturally and increases comfort.
✓ Add natural elements also through prints and acoustic solutions.
✓ Utilize plant rental services if you want an easy green interior solution.
Utilize diversity
✓ Use different materials. Wood surfaces, stone countertops, and wooden or felt wall panels bring depth and invite touch. Rough clay surfaces and matte paints create contrast and add to the naturalness of the space.
✓ Soften the space with textiles. Carpets feel pleasant underfoot, textile curtains calm the acoustics of the space, and upholstered seats provide seating comfort.
✓ Avoid strong scents. Instead, natural scents, such as a small and mildly fragrant herb garden producing a harvest under a grow light in a work cafe, can add a calming atmosphere and make the space more experiential.
✓ Water elements, such as small indoor water features or a designed background soundscape of nature, can reduce stress and support concentration.
Connect the work environment with outdoor spaces
✓ Organize break and work spaces outdoors or in courtyards where employees can spend time surrounded by nature.
✓ Hold walking meetings in Kupittaanpuisto.
✓ Create spaces where it is possible to see nature or its elements, such as trees, water, or green areas.
A sensory-friendly work environment takes different needs into account
How does the work environment feel, sound, and look? A well-designed space supports concentration, recovery, and work flow. Excessive noise, dazzling light, or a cluttered environment that complicates perception, on the other hand, strain the user unnecessarily.
A sensory-friendly work environment takes into account the different needs of the space's users and enables equal functional capacity for everyone. It is not just accessible, but also spatially and multisensorially clear, predictable, and flexible. While biophilic design brings natural elements to workspaces, sensory-friendly design delves deeper into how different senses together affect the experience of a space—and how this experience can be improved.
A sensory-friendly work environment supports the well-being and concentration of all employees, but it is especially significant for people with sensory sensitivities, neurodivergent traits, or other challenges related to perceiving space and regulating stimuli. When the environment is clear, predictable, and controlled in its stimulation, it promotes equal functional capacity and improves job performance and well-being.
Minimizing negative stimuli
Constant noise, intense artificial light, or a mixture of odors
can strain the senses without notice. Sensory-friendly
environment does not mean eliminating stimuli, but rather
managing them in a controlled way. The purpose is to create a space that supports
work and well-being without unnecessary strain.
The most important factor in the work environment
for comfort and concentration is the soundscape. Excessive background noise
reduces work efficiency and increases stress levels, but also an
excessively quiet environment can make even small sounds distracting.
Therefore, the acoustics of workspaces should be designed to support both
concentration and recovery.
Workspace lighting, on the other hand, affects alertness, mood, and
work efficiency. Light that is too bright or bluish can strain the eyes,
while uneven lighting can make a space challenging to
perceive.
Sensory-accessible operating culture
Sensory friendliness is not limited to physical elements –
the use of the space and operational principles also significantly
affect the user experience. A consistently designed and
maintained work environment reduces cognitive load and
supports concentration.
Good order and tidiness are an essential part of a sensory-friendly
work environment. Clear and organized spaces reduce
cognitive load and increase tranquility while working.
Disorder and clutter, on the other hand, can cause stress and
disturb concentration. The cleanliness and order of workspaces are
everyone's responsibility, and maintaining them requires clear
practices and sufficient storage space.
Recovery during the workday
A sensory-accessible work environment supports recovery from work
already during the workday. Short breaks, the opportunity to change
working position, and retreating from stimuli help you cope
and maintain focus. A sensorily friendly designed
space offers various recovery opportunities for individual
needs – for some, it means an environment where disturbances
are minimized and where one can focus on calming down,
for others, a space where pleasant sensory experiences, such as
nature sounds, warmth, or soft materials, support
relaxation.
How can you implement sensory-friendly spaces?
Manage the soundscape
✓ Use acoustic ceiling and wall panels as well as soft materials, such as upholstery and carpets, to dampen echo and footsteps.
✓ Structural sound insulation, such as decibel-rated partition walls and soundproof doors, prevents sound from traveling between spaces.
✓ Create different sound zones: quiet areas for concentration and more open spaces for interaction.
✓ Ensure management of background noise: nature sounds or light background music can support concentration, while constant equipment noise can be straining.
Utilize natural light and lighting control options
✓ Position workstations near windows for natural light and views.
✓ Enable adjustment of light intensity and color temperature based on the work task.
✓ Use indirect lighting and anti-glare solutions
Create a clear and comprehensible space
✓ A consistent floor plan supports functionality and makes moving within the space easier.
✓ The correct scale of spaces and ergonomic furniture improve comfort.
✓ Avoid strong contrasts. A harmonious color palette creates a calm visual environment.
Consider the sense of touch and smell
✓ Use sensory-friendly materials, such as soft-surface textiles and natural materials.
✓ Consider indoor temperature and draft prevention, as even small temperature fluctuations can affect well-being.
✓ Ensure air quality and odor control by choosing low-emission materials and providing odor-free workspaces.
Enable recovery in a sensory-friendly environment
✓ Create quiet retreat spaces where one can, for a moment,
disconnect from sensory overload.
✓ Utilize multi-sensory elements, such as nature sounds and soft materials.
✓ Encourage walking meetings – recovery does not only mean sitting still.
✓ Utilize biophilic design: natural materials, plants, and water elements support recovery and stress management.