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In an increasingly digital and urbanized world, many of us spend the majority of our time indoors - 90%, to be more precise - disconnected from what has been our natural environment for millions of years. Yet, our intrinsic connection to nature remains as vital as ever. This is where biophilic design comes into play: an innovative approach to designing spaces that incorporate natural elements to enhance well-being and foster human connection. But what does science say about the link between nature and human sociability?
Humans have an innate attraction to nature, a phenomenon known as "biophilia." This term, popularized by biologist E.O. Wilson, suggests that our evolutionary history as a species deeply intertwined with natural environments still influences our behavior and emotions today. Modern research backs this up:
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Reduction in stress levels: Natural elements reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, which can make people feel more at ease and open to social interaction
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Improved mood: Studies indicate that exposure to greenery and natural light boosts serotonin levels, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, creating a positive atmosphere that encourages collaboration and connection
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Increased empathy: Spending time in nature or even viewing natural landscapes can make individuals more compassionate and understanding—key traits for building strong relationships
The reason behind these effects nature has on us lies in our biology. The same way our brains are wired to stay away from things that are dangerous or harmful for our survival and reproduction, we are wired to be attracted to things that do the opposite. Plants have been the key indicator in our environment to look for to make sure we have access to water, shelter, tools, medication, and other forms of life. This is why we as humans are still attracted to these things, and why they have such a positive effect on us.
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is more than just decorating with plants; it’s an evidence-based design philosophy that integrates natural elements into built environments. This could involve living walls, natural light, organic shapes, or even materials that mimic the textures and patterns of nature. By bridging the gap between humans and nature, biophilic design aims to improve mental health, creativity, and productivity - but one of its lesser-discussed benefits is its power to strengthen social bonds.
The workplace connection: how biophilic design fosters sociability
According to studies, people who engage in a work community feel less isolated and lonely. In our modern lives, work functions as much more than just an income: it consists almost most of our social connections during our adult lives. After our 20's we spend more time with our coworkers than we do with our friends and family, and the older we get, the more time we spend alone. After remote work increasing its proportion in our lives, the amount of time spent alone is expected to skyrocket.
Workplaces are where many of us build and maintain social connections. Yet, sterile office environments often inhibit meaningful interaction. To gain the full advantage of what the purpose of an office is transforming into, we need to create spaces that are more than just places to work. They should attract people to come in naturally to cultivate social interactions between colleagues to create winning teams and work culture. Biophilic design offers solutions to this problem by fostering our biological needs, and thus creating spaces that naturally attract us to spend time in.
When it comes to working on-site all other things aside, one thing is clear: its role as a social environment is undeniable.
How does space influence interactions?
An attractive and comfortable space brings people together, but spatial design can also shape how people interact within the space.
The Naava Showroom in Helsinki serves as a great example of how space influences our social behavior.
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| Accessibility and visibility | Movement patterns | Segregating vs. connecting spaces |
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In an office space, easily accessible and visible areas often foster greater social interaction. The placement of key areas such as break rooms, meeting spaces, and workstations can encourage people to pass by or gather, creating opportunities for both planned and spontaneous interactions.
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When spaces are designed to subtly connect people - through central corridors or focal points - employee social interactions increase. For example, offices with a central atrium or shared workspace where movement is fluid tend to enhance sociability.
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Spatial design can either encourage segregation (isolating departments or teams) or integration (bringing people from different areas together). Offices with connected spaces, where employees from different teams can easily encounter one another, are more likely to promote cross-departmental collaboration and social interaction.
Biophilic design’s impact isn’t limited to offices. Schools with biophilic elements see better student cooperation, hospitals experience higher patient satisfaction, and even public spaces become hubs for community interaction. By making spaces more human-centric and aligned with our natural instincts, biophilic design promotes a sense of belonging and togetherness wherever it is implemented.
Biophilic design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a science-backed approach to improving human well-being and fostering deeper connections. By bringing nature into our everyday spaces, we create environments that are not only healthier but also more conducive to social interaction and collaboration. In a world where connection is more important than ever, biophilic design offers a path forward.