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
The natural workplace- Maria Tsemani
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
The natural workplace- Maria Tsemani
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
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
The natural workplace- Maria Tsemani
Interior spaces
• Atriums
• Courtyards
• Office corridors
• Relaxation areas
• Desks
Source: 158 Cecil Street, Singapore from behance.netSource: Michael Hellgren, Al Zateca from archdaily
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
Movement -Connection with natural systems- cycles
Source: Tall grass blowing in the wind on an African savannah.
YouTube by StockFootage.com
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
The natural workplace- Maria Tsemani
Biomorphic Forms and Patterns
Source: Roca Gallery, photo by Maria Tsemani
Source: Quick Left, by Tres Birds Workshop from officesnapshots.com
The natural workplace- Maria Tsemani
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