title: Are biophilic-designed site office buildings linked to health benefits and high performing occupants?
abstract: This paper discusses the first phase of a longitudinal study underway in Australia to ascertain the broad health benefits of specific types of biophilic design for workers in a building site office. A bespoke site design was formulated to include open plan workspace, natural lighting, ventilation, significant plants, prospect and views, recycled materials and use of non-synthetic materials. Initial data in the first three months was gathered from a series of demographic questions and from interviews and observations of site workers. Preliminary data indicates a strong positive effect from incorporating aspects of biophilic design to boost productivity, ameliorate stress, enhance well-being, foster a collaborative work environment and promote workplace satisfaction, thus contributing towards a high performance workspace. The longitudinal study spanning over two years will track human-plant interactions in a biophilic influenced space, whilst also assessing the concomitant cognitive, social, psychological and physical health benefits for workers.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Educational Research, School of Education University of Western Sydney, Penrith 2751, Australia. t.gray@uws.edu.au.
authors.forename: Tonia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.affiliation: School of Education, University of Western Sydney, Penrith 2751, Australia. c.birrell@uws.edu.au.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Birrell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor; D001315:Australia; D003625:Data Collection; D004782:Environmental Health; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010944:Plants; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace