How Biophilic Design is Changing South African Workspaces

Biophilic design is taking root in South Africa, changing how we think about our offices. It's a design approach that brings nature closer to people in buildings. Commercial architects using biophilic principles in workspaces know that nature has a massive impact on how we feel and work.

Leading commercial architecture firms like Design Scape Architects are showing that this isn't just a fad. It's a smart, effective way to make offices healthier and more productive.

These spaces, designed with nature in mind, are seeing a big jump in environmental value – a 200% increase in fact. Let's take a closer look.

1. Less stress, better mood: Natural light, views of plants and water features create a calming atmosphere. Simply adding plants to an office can cut stress and absenteeism by a hefty 50%!

2. Sharper focus, higher productivity: Nature helps us concentrate better and sparks creativity. With biophilic design, employees find it easier to focus, leading to better work. Providing employees with access to natural views could potentially save your business over R30,000 per employee per year in office costs.

3. A sustainability boost: Biophilic design often walks hand-in-hand with eco-friendly practices. Think of natural ventilation, water-wise landscaping with indigenous plants, and using locally sourced, natural materials.

Here’s how commercial architects use biophilic design to transform your workspace:

 

• Light and space: Skylights and expansive, high-performance glazing flood interiors with natural light. Open layouts and atriums create a sense of spaciousness, minimising the need for artificial lighting.
• Environmental features: Carefully chosen plants are integrated into the design,including those used on green walls and vertical gardens. Indoor water features add a calming element. These features purify the air and create a sense of tranquility.
• Natural materials: Priority is given to locally sourced, sustainable timber and natural stone. These materials create a tactile connection to the earth and improve acoustics.
• Natural patterns and processes: Subtle integration of natural patterns – a Fibonacci- inspired staircase detail and fractal-patterned screens – creates a sense of harmony. The design also accounts for the dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.
• Place-based relationships: Buildings are designed to fit their South African context. Indigenous landscaping and regionally-inspired design elements

Design Scape Architects puts biophilic design into action. For example, we turned a barren concrete courtyard at FNB Bank City into a green oasis, complete with indigenous plants and natural materials, giving employees a natural escape in the city.

Our Ecology Park project in False Bay exhibits how buildings can blend seamlessly with nature, using sustainable methods and highlighting the surrounding environment.

For inspiration on implementing biophilic design in your workplace, check out our portfolio page.

Trust our expert commercial architects in South Africa with your commercial property revamp. 
Contact us now to create a vibrant, healthy and inspiring environment for your team.