In the 1980s, NASA began studying the effects of houseplants on indoor air quality. Researchers were looking for ways to improve the air inside the closed environment of a space station. Results, published in 1989, said that “plants can play a major role in removal of organic chemicals,” including benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde, from indoor air.
This means that in addition to extracting carbon dioxide from the air and releasing oxygen—as all plants do—some plantscan pull more fumes and pollutants from the air. It’s an exciting promise that few companies are taking full advantage of.
Around the same time as the NASA study, a French botanist named Patrick Blancbegan developing the concept of the “vertical garden”—a collection of green plants, artistically arranged on the face of a wall or other vertical structure. The vertical garden is also known as a green wall, ecowall, green façade or living wall.
A great example is the moss wall, pictured above, which is a primary feature of the Coalesse showroom in Chicago.
Benefits of biophilia for individuals
The recognition of our intrinsic human attraction to the natural world has spawned a field of study called biophilia or biophilic design—design inspired by nature. The principle of biophilia states that human beings are innately drawn to nature for their wellbeing, and researchers are discovering that myriad benefits follow when companies integrate natural elements in the workplace.
Beyond plant life, many biophilic elements bring physical and psychological benefits, including natural lighting, natural materials such as wood and stone, natural patterns and colors, and views of water and wildlife.
Benefits of biophilia for organizations
In addition to nature’s benefits for individual wellbeing, research shows that bringing natural elements into the office can have organizational benefits too.
Steelcase researchershave found that the presence of nature was a predominant advantage that could be used for healthier outcomes in the workplace. According toenvironmental psychologist Stephen Kaplan, nature engages the mind and helps to restore directed attention and focus. He even goes as far to say that people can concentrate better after spending time in outdoor spaces.
In the 2015 Human Spaces report The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace, a growing body of research “has identified the positive benefits of biophilic design in supporting multiple organizational outcomes.” These include:
- Greater ability to attract and retain employees
- Increased output and productivity
- Increased levels of creativity
Coalesse actively supports the notion that biophilia benefits both workers and their organizations. Scroll down for a few ideas for incorporating natural design elements in the workplace.
The principle of biophilia was the starting point for the Coalesse Design Group as they developed pattern and color palettes that would convey a sense of the natural world. Above, a fabric in the new Coalesse-Designtex collaboration features a pattern derived from natural inspiration. See more from the new collection in our NeoCon 2017 photo gallery on Pinterest.
The natural tones of this sand-colored Progress Rugfrom the ARZU Modern Collection creates a calming effect when combined with the Carl Hansen Coffee Table CH008in walnut and our Massaud Lounge Seating.
While preparing the Coalesse showroom for NeoCon 2017, Abby waters the new moss wall. Green walls like this help purify and humidify the air. Watch the creation of the moss wall in this video.
Plentiful natural light and a wooded view combine to bring the outside in and create a peaceful atmosphere for socialization and collaboration. In this breakout space, Enea Bar Stoolsare paired with the Enea Café Table.
Custom fabrics with nature-inspired patterns are available on several of our upholstered pieces, including the Lagunitas Lounge System.
Looking for more inspiration? See our Office Greenery board on Pinterest. Learn more about the benefits of biophilia on Steelcase.com.
