There is an enormous amount of evidence that validates a human’s needs for nature to support a healthy mental being. Unfortunately, we spend the majority of our time indoors, which takes us away from such benefits.
Many of us have spent a huge portion of our lives in highly urbanized environments, but the rise in biophilic design has helped combat this, particularly in workplaces. Harvard professor Edward O Wilson wrote a book entitled ‘Biophilia’ that concluded humans have a genetic connection to nature and need this connection for healthy well-being.
In fact, over 130 million days are lost to sickness absences every year in Great Britain. Now, some buildings have made it their goal to implement natural materials within spaces in order to prevent poor health.
Whole building certifications are one example of how buildings set specific guidelines to meet standards for health and wellbeing. Specifically, the WELL Building Standard, Fitwel, Portico and others that have kicked this initiative into high gear.
The BRE and Oliver Heath Design has begun research to solidify the argument for biophilic design in offices and plan to track the effect that proper natural lighting, acoustics, air quality and thermal comfort has on people.
