The ‘natural’ workplace: sensory gardens introducing us to a healthier and more productive workplace

The ‘natural’ workplace: Sensory gardens introducing us to a

healthier and more productive workforce

Maria Tsemani

Architect- Environmental Engineer

MArch. Arch NTUA, MSc UCL

CIBSE Intelligent Buildings Group and the Feeling Good Foundation

supported by the Adaptation and Resilience in the Context of Change network

and Welcome Trust in Green Sky Thinking Week 2016

The Anthropocene age

Climate

change

Source: New York Times, Infographic by Bill-Marsh based on

International Union for Conservation of Nature data 2012

Ecosustems

lost

Biodiversity

loss

Temperature

rise

Plastics-

waste

The natural workplace- Maria Tsemani

The modern world- Urbanization

Left Bottom Source: European Environmental Agency, 2015

Top Source: Department of Economic and Social Affairs UN

Right Top Source: National Geographic, 2011 Right Bottom Source: London By Night, Earth Observatory NASA, 2015


Cost for individual and business

Physical

Health

problems

Obesity

Poor mental

health

Loss of sense

of purpose

Staff

turnover

Absenteeism

Medical

costs/complaints

Revenue

breakdown

Low

Perceived

work

satisfaction

Low

productivity

Connection with Nature

Weather and physical environment

Geological formations and water

Plants and animals

s

Humans


Theoretical background- Connections of Humans with Nature

Evolutionary theories

• The Biophilia Hypothesis (Wilson 1984, Kellert and Wilson, 1993)

• Biocultural Diversity theory

• Habitat theory

• Topophilia

Source: Christoffer Relander, Perfume The natural workplace- Maria Tsemani

• Recovery from stress and attention

fatigue

• Impact on mood

• Impact on cognitive functioning:

attention and concentration

• Impact on physiological processes

Impact on self-discipline

Impact on aggressive behaviour

• Encouragement of exercise

• Facilitation of social contact

• Provision of opportunities for personal

development and sense of purpose

• Physiological Health and Well-being

• Environmental benefits: control

Humidity air quality temperature

s

Physical and

mental health

Connection with Nature- Benefits

What form can nature have in the urban environment?

Green Roofs- Sky gardens

Source: California academy of sciences, SWA website

Source: Walkie Talkie Sky Garden from urbanpixels.com

Façade green- Green balconies- green walls- window boxes

Source: Workplace of the Future

2.0 competition,, Organic Grid+,

Sean Cassidy and Joe Wilson, from

metropolismag

Source: Medianera Verde by Capella Garcia

Architecture detail-online

Green spaces- other configurations

Source: Acros Fukuoka International Hall from modlar,comSource: Parkroyal by Woha Architects, Photo

Patrick Bingham-Hall


Interior spaces

• Atriums

• Courtyards

• Office corridors

• Relaxation areas

• Desks

Source: 158 Cecil Street, Singapore from behance.netSource: Michael Hellgren, Al Zateca from archdaily

Multisensory green areas:

What is a sensory garden?

How can we design a workplace to provide a green and sensory rich environment?

Visual connection

Source: Selgas Cano’s office in Madrid, Photo © Iwan Baan

Source: Kevin C Korczyk 2014 Interior design magazine The natural workplace- Maria Tsemani

Dynamic and Diffuse Light- Thermal and Airflow Variability

Source: Velux Daylighting

Movement -Connection with natural systems- cycles

Source: Tall grass blowing in the wind on an African savannah.

YouTube by StockFootage.com

Growth and development

Source: Petunia Flower WIDE Time Lapse YouTube byLearjet15

Source: Straw Flower in BuzzFeed

Complexity- Fractal patterning

Presence of Water

Source: Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard in the Smithsonian

American Art Museum, by Foster + Partners Image © Tim

Evanson/Flickr.

Source:Pulitzer Arts Foundation by Tadao Ando, chaotic

float in flickrThe natural workplace- Maria Tsemani

Material Connection with Nature

Source: "Sofbuild" – headquarters by Aedes Studio,

website

Source: :Sisii showroom by Yuko Nagayama & Associates from dezeen.com


Biomorphic Forms and Patterns

Source: Roca Gallery, photo by Maria Tsemani

Source: Quick Left, by Tres Birds Workshop from officesnapshots.com


Multisensory- Non- visual connection- Non-Rhymthmic Sensory Stimuli

• Auditory

• Haptic

• Olfactory

• Gustatory

Source: The senses- Multisensory environment from snoezelen

• Prospect

• Refuge

• Mystery

• Risk/Peril

Spatial configurations- experiences in nature

Source: Hutton Roof Nature Reserve from lancashirelifeSource: Labyrinth-mystery-paths by Secretkeeper.net

Conclusion

Source: lavender lone m.mobogenie

Thank you

For questions please e-mail

[email protected]

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