When it comes to building design today, a focus on environmental connection is taking precedence. Humans have an innate need to connect with their natural environment and many companies are going the extra mile to bring nature indoors for employees' benefit.
Employers have gotten a head start on this trend by incorporating green terraces, green roofs, gardens and green walls in their offices. Beyond creating a more attractive interior, biophilic design can improve mental and physical well-being while also reducing CO2 emissions, leading to better air quality for all.
New York-based Nike Communications decided to upgrade its own office by bringing the external environment inside with a smart green wall, which works to provide fresh air, improve employee productivity, calm employees and reduce illness in the office.
“[We have a] big belief in the healing properties of plants and the attraction of nature and what living in nature actually brings from stress reduction and quality of life. By incorporating bits and pieces of nature to the spaces where we spend most of our time in, we can positively impact our health, happiness and productivity at work,” Nike Communications founder and President Nina Kaminer said.
Initiatives to connect people with the natural environment will continue to become more important, especially considering the fact that an estimated 70% of the population is expected to live in a city by 2050, according to MIT.
“In a high-stress city, bringing a big, bold, natural element helps deliver a sense of calm and centering, much like living in nature does,” Kaminer said.