Biophilic Design

Biophilia is a “love of life or living systems”. It’s our inherent human connection to the natural world. In an urban world of technology and industrial architecture, this fundamental connection can sometimes feel all but lost. Biophilic interior design is an innovative way to harness this affinity to create natural environments for us to live, work and learn. By consciously including nature in interior or architectural design, we are unconsciously reconnecting, bringing the great outdoors into our constructed world.

As pioneers in sustainability, Interface advocates for biophilic design in flooring and knows it is critical to human health to include natural systems and processes in our buildings and constructed landscapes. Over 50 studies worldwide, including our Human Spaces Report with psychologist Professor Sir Cary Cooper, have proven the positive effects nature or environments that mimic nature have on overall health and well-being.

An environment devoid of nature can have a negative effect on health, productivity and well-being. This is particularly important in the corporate office sector.

Ill health and lack of well-being can result in poor performance and productivity, lost work time and increased costs. In the UK, work-related stress accounts for 35% of ill health and 43% of absenteeism, costing organizations an estimated £29 billion a year. In the United States, absenteeism costs employers an average of $2,074 per employee, per year.

There is a direct correlation between clever work-space design and improved employee well-being and performance. Even simple changes to incorporate nature in the workplace can have a huge impact on how employees feel when they come to work, and how happy, creative and productive they feel when they are working.

Our aim is to elevate a biophilic approach to workplace design so that it is higher on the global corporate agenda.