When it comes to designing a workplace that attracts and engages employees, few design choices have received as much attention as biophilia and natural light. Many office environments have limited access to natural light and rely on artificial lighting. Often, these spaces rely on a small amount of sunlight filtering through partially covered windows and doorways. Some offices are dominated by the intense glare of white fluorescent bulbs, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere that may affect productivity and well-being. By considering natural light as part of workplace design, organizations can create environments that support comfort, functionality, and occupant satisfaction.
Over the past fifty years, many workers have transitioned from outdoor occupations to indoor work environments. A study published in 2011 found that fluorescent lighting may elevate the risk of UV-related eye diseases by as much as 12%, resulting in an estimated 3,000 additional cases of cataracts each year in Australia. These findings highlight the importance of understanding how lighting conditions may affect occupant health.
" }Integrating biophilic design with natural light, greenery, and outdoor spaces, Stantec’s Austin office on West 6th Street fosters well-being, collaboration, and a human-centered work environment.
Natural light plays a role in the office environment, influencing employee health, mood, and mental well-being. Research conducted in 2022 found that incorporating natural light into workplace settings can improve employee alertness, visual comfort, and overall job satisfaction. Moreover, a 2021 study emphasized that sufficient exposure to fresh air and sunlight is an important design element for uplifting the mood and mental health of employees. In contrast, inadequate lighting has been linked to adverse health effects, including neurobehavioral and psychological issues.
The benefits of natural light may extend beyond psychological improvements; they may lead to positive effects on physical health as well. Access to natural light can reduce self-reported eyestrain and support visual comfort for employees working long hours. A study from 2014 revealed that individuals with access to windows and natural light not only engaged in more physical activities throughout their day but also enjoyed longer, rejuvenating sleep at night. In addition to its sleep-related benefits, natural light has been shown to affect mood and reduce depression.
" }Pennsylvania State University’s Steidle Building design process involved a multi-disciplinary team that identified specific targets and explored various strategies for energy efficiency.
In addition to commercial offices, Stantec is focused on integrating natural light into many other design projects, exemplified by the Steidle Building at Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania. A Charles Klauder design, this 107,000-square-foot brick and glass structure is set on a university campus, where the challenges of updating a nearly 90-year-old building are met with creative solutions. To improve the building’s light quality, Stantec designed a four-story, 110-foot-long narrow glass atrium that penetrates the center of the building. The atrium serves as a central source of daylight, bringing natural light into the laboratories, offices, common areas, and stairwells. Its design not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of the building but also helps create a welcoming environment for all who work and learn inside.
Daylighting was one of several factors impacting performance. The redesigned building, formerly U-shaped, underwent extensive analysis during the design phase. With a focus on energy conservation and LEED Silver certification, the study found a 23% annual reduction in energy use compared to the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baseline, an annual 24% cost reduction, a 315-metric-ton decrease in CO2 emissions per year, and $185,501 in annual savings.
While some offices may encounter genuine obstacles in increasing natural light, such as inadequate or poorly positioned windows, many offices can introduce an array of plants and greenery to harness similar benefits. Biophilia, the innate human attraction to nature, has been linked to increased positive emotions. By embracing this natural affinity, workplaces can create environments that support occupants’ well-being. Biophilic elements can be as simple as introducing potted plants to horizontal surface areas. Additionally, living partitions can be used as room or area separations with as much or as little porosity as desired to balance privacy and biophilic elements.
" }Common areas in Penn State’s Steidle Building were designed to bring the green landscape from the outside inside.
Research suggests that humans often respond positively to greenery. One study shows that interacting with plants can have “positive effects on the autonomic nervous system by suppressing sympathetic activity, which often increases when a subject is exposed to a stressor.” Although biophilia thrives in harmony with natural light, its benefits are significant on their own. Incorporating biophilic design into office environments can lead to positive outcomes for workers, supporting their well-being.
Numerous studies have examined the effects of engaging with nature. Just a stroll through the forest may lower stress hormones by as much as 15%, decrease pulse rates by 6%, and enhance feelings of relaxation by 56%. Incorporating plants and greenery into office environments draws on the concept of biophilia, providing similar positive effects, albeit on a smaller scale. The benefits of these items may extend beyond psychological well-being to include reduced absenteeism, employee retention, mental well-being, and fatigue—all of which could affect job performance.
A study conducted at the University of Oregon in 2011 revealed that employees who have access to views of plants, trees, and natural landscapes report positive health outcomes. They take an average of 11 fewer sick leave hours each year than their counterparts without such views. The presence of greenery not only fosters well-being but also helps reduce presenteeism, where employees are physically present but mentally disengaged.
The potential impact of biophilia in the workplace extends beyond these performance metrics. Research indicates that the economic benefits can reach nearly $1,000 per employee each year. Investing in natural elements within work environments is a strategy that may improve productivity and a pathway to support employee health and satisfaction.
Harnessing the power of natural light and biophilia may lead to measurable benefits in the workplace. Exposure to natural light can help reduce self-reported eyestrain and support mental well-being in the workplace environment. Meanwhile, incorporating biophilic elements infuses spaces with a sense of tranquility, and can contribute to reduced stress levels. While the integration of these design principles should occur during the initial planning or redesign of office spaces, there are strategies that office managers can implement right away. Simple adjustments, such as positioning desks near windows, designating well-lit areas as employee workspaces, and introducing a variety of potted plants throughout the office, can support the overall atmosphere and well-being of the team. Investing in these changes is not just a design choice, but can help create a healthier, more engaging workplace.
A version of this blog was originally published by Page, now Stantec.
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