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

Author

Listed:
  • Tonia Gray

    (Centre for Educational Research, School of Education University of Western Sydney, Penrith 2751, Australia
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Carol Birrell

    (School of Education, University of Western Sydney, Penrith 2751, Australia
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Tonia Gray & Carol Birrell, 2014. "Are Biophilic-Designed Site Office Buildings Linked to Health Benefits and High Performing Occupants?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-19, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:12:p:12204-12222:d:42767
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniela Haluza & Regina Schönbauer & Renate Cervinka, 2014. "Green Perspectives for Public Health: A Narrative Review on the Physiological Effects of Experiencing Outdoor Nature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-17, May.
    2. Bjørn Grinde & Grete Grindal Patil, 2009. "Biophilia: Does Visual Contact with Nature Impact on Health and Well-Being?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 6(9), pages 1-12, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Aleksandra Lipczynska & Jan Kaczmarczyk & Beata Dziedzic, 2024. "Effect of Indoor Green Walls on Environment Perception and Well-Being of Occupants in Office Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-14, November.
    2. Alireza Sedghikhanshir & Yan Chen & Yimin Zhu & Melissa R. Beck & Amirhosein Jafari, 2025. "Comparing the Restoration Effect and Stress Recovery in Real and Virtual Environments with a Green Wall," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-27, March.
    3. Dorothy Day Huntsman & Grzegorz Bulaj, 2022. "Healthy Dwelling: Design of Biophilic Interior Environments Fostering Self-Care Practices for People Living with Migraines, Chronic Pain, and Depression," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-16, February.
    4. Birgit Wallmann-Sperlich & Sophie Hoffmann & Anne Salditt & Tanja Bipp & Ingo Froboese, 2019. "Moving to an “Active” Biophilic Designed Office Workplace: A Pilot Study about the Effects on Sitting Time and Sitting Habits of Office-Based Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-13, May.
    5. Gabriela Gonçalves & Cátia Sousa & Maria Jacinta Fernandes & Nuno Almeida & António Sousa, 2023. "Restorative Effects of Biophilic Workplace and Nature Exposure during Working Time: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(21), pages 1-15, October.
    6. Jun Yu & Yihong Wu, 2021. "The Impact of Enforced Working from Home on Employee Job Satisfaction during COVID-19: An Event System Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-22, December.
    7. Jonathan Kingsley & Aisling Bailey & Nooshin Torabi & Pauline Zardo & Suzanne Mavoa & Tonia Gray & Danielle Tracey & Philip Pettitt & Nicholas Zajac & Emily Foenander, 2019. "A Systematic Review Protocol Investigating Community Gardening Impact Measures," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-12, September.

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