Biophilic design for offices, from plan to plant care
Biophilic design means that nature is present in the workplace by design, not as one or two lonely pots. We're there during the planning and after the handover too, because a living environment only stays good if someone looks after it.
The five elements of biophilic design
For us, biophilic design is built on five elements. Plants are our speciality, and the other elements decide where and what kind of greenery is worth adding so that the space comes together as a whole.
- Light, because every decision starts here
- Plants, chosen for the light on site
- Water, the moving element of nature
- Materials, such as wood, stone and preserved moss
- Views, so the greenery can be seen from the desk too
What does the research show?
A few research findings we rely on when we plan a space.
Higher productivity
Across three field experiments, this is how much productivity rose in offices furnished with plants.
Nieuwenhuis et al., 2014Fewer complaints
In the green offices, complaints of coughing, fatigue, a dry throat and dry skin were this much lower.
Fjeld et al., 1998Greenery in the field of view
In one experiment, the effect was best when roughly 12 percent of the field of view was green. That's why, for us, what matters isn't the amount of greenery but putting it in the right place.
Lei et al., 2021Design and upkeep
Survey
We walk through the space free of charge and look at the light, the wall surfaces and the spots from which most people look around.
Plan
We suggest where living plants should go, where a preserved moss wall or a living green wall would work, and which species suits which zone.
Installation
Planting usually takes one working day. A living green wall is built with automatic irrigation and with plants chosen for the light on site.
Upkeep
We look after the greenery for a predictable monthly fee and send you photos after every visit, so the design doesn't fade once it has been handed over.
Biophilia in practice
A biophilic approach doesn't always call for a big refit. At the BNP Paribas reception, for example, we made the company logo out of preserved moss, which needs no watering and no light. Our references also include the Planet 2021 sustainability world expo.
The WELL Building Standard also takes nature-inspired design into account, so it's worth keeping in mind in a building that is preparing for certification, although we don't promise any points or certification. If you're working on a project like this, bring the plans to the survey and we'll fit the greenery to them.
Our real projects
Frequently asked questions
What does biophilia mean?
Biophilia is our attraction to nature, the fact that we feel better when we're surrounded by living things. Biophilic design translates this idea into buildings and interiors.
What's the difference between biophilic design and office greening?
Office greening is mainly about plants, while biophilic design takes a broader look at how nature is present across the whole space. In practice the two overlap, since plants are the most tangible part of biophilic design.
Can biophilic design work in a hotel or a clinic?
Yes, nature-inspired design works well in receptions, hotels and clinics too. We've worked at Affidea's healthcare reception, on the rooftop terrace of the Párisi Udvar Hotel and in the Hotel Aria's rooftop garden overlooking the Basilica.
How much does a biophilic office fit-out cost?
That depends on the size of the space, the light and the plants, and on whether living plants, a moss wall or a green wall go into it. We can give you a precise quote after the free on-site survey, with the installation and the upkeep priced separately.
Book a survey for your biophilic plan
If you're contacting us from the HR, ESG or design side, tell us briefly about the space and your timeline. We'll call you back within one working day to go through the details.
Or email: hello@viragbirodalom.huCall: +36 20 944 3464
