Exploring Solutions for Biophilic Design in Commercial Spaces

On 25th February, Building Insights LIVE staged a round table focused on the positive effects of workplace environments on users, hosted at the striking Projects Nile House in Brighton. Sponsored by Dulux Trade, the event explored human-centred approaches to biophilic design, demonstrating that while the concept is often seen as complex, it can be both practical and impactful. Crucially, the discussion highlighted the need to position biophilic design as an essential element of healthy, future-ready workplaces.

With many office workers spending long hours in screen-focused environments, often disconnected from nature, the legacy of lockdowns has reinforced a desire to retain access to natural benefits during the working day. Designers are increasingly responsible for presenting a strong, evidence-based case to clients, outlining not only the wellbeing advantages of light, colour and natural elements, but also the measurable returns on investment.

While it is widely recognised that staff account for around 90% of business costs, investment in biophilic design is still sometimes viewed as a premium. However, the round table reinforced its value in boosting recruitment, retention and productivity. Despite this, designers often face cautious clients, and even when biophilic strategies are approved, they can be vulnerable to value engineering.

Encouragingly, there has been growing openness to nature-led workplace design, driven by ESG commitments, evolving standards such as WELL, and a deeper understanding of the physiological benefits linked to reduced stress and improved performance. As co-chair Oliver Heath noted, biophilic design should be seen as a driver for genuinely human-centred spaces, rather than being limited to sustainability goals alone.

Event Co-Chairs:

• James Parker, Managing Editor, Architects’ Datafile
• Oliver Heath, Director, Oliver Heath Design

Attendees:

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