b'Biophilic design elements are Crafting angaining importance in mindfully designed corporate spaces. Indoor EnvironmentAs discussed in depth in The Psychology of Pos-itive Spaces, occupants and employees benefit from an aesthetic reaction, achieving lower cortisol levels and increased oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, Post Pandemic and endorphin levels. The results are undoubtedly positive for employers, caretakers, and hosts, as improved morale means greater productivity, faster healing, a more fulfilled workforce, and more satis-Biophilia and Neuroarchitecture in the Workplace fied guests. Garden on the Wallsexpertise in In contemporary workplaces, designers musthelping to create desirable and inviting address the needs of diverse types of workers andworkplaces is second to none, working Shared Spaces and Sanctuariesflexible work modes. There should be spaces allo- with influential corporate clients, large cated for quiet workprivate spaces or sanctuariesand small, since 2014.IN THE CURRENT HIGH-END,grade-A commercial realSince the onset of the COVID-19for the individual to rest, contemplate, and con-estate biosphere, it is a tenants market; buildingcentrate. Employees in these spaces need to feel owners and managers are competing for tenants,pandemic, employers have strug- safe, secure, and able to recharge. The workplaceGarden on the Wallexcels at crafting especially in the workspace arena.gled to adjust to workplace versusshould be designed to invoke the parasympatheticboth private and public green spaces remote models, exacerbated byresponse to achieve all these benefits.that benefit every aspect of the work In turn, these employer tenants are competing tothe more competitive race for theAdditionally, designed spaces for the workplaceexperience. Our gardens can be used in attract and retain talentand the bar has mostrefuge spaces, sensory rooms, Zen areas, certainly been raised. Microsoft, Google, Apple,brightest talent. As a result, an evenmust include huddle spaces (shared or public areas) Amazon, and other trendsetting companies havegreater emphasis has been placedwhere conversation and collaboration happen,meditation spots, and other rejuvenating transformed employee expectations of workplac- on creating attractive workplacewhere employees feel encouraged and energized tooases designed for workplace and es, including recreational spaces, sanctuaries, andwork together, break together, and share ideas andhealthcare workers. These spaces help other amenities, plus mandatory architectural andenvironments. How can we makeexperiences to establish camaraderie.reduce stress, prevent burnout, enhance design uniqueness, and wow factors, from soaringthe office more appealing to encour- relaxation, and boost productivity, ceilings to biophilic installations. age employees return? How do weThe post-pandemic work-from-home trend has beenresulting in greater employee and make it feel more like home? Fourevolving to back-to-office, with more interaction Keeping workers happy and motivated is the goal,between employees/clients and more mentorshipemployer satisfaction. as employers are discovering that low morale, poorwalls and a door with fluorescentopportunities for younger generation employees. productivity, and regular turnover are costly to thelighting surely wont do it.The design of the post-pandemic workplace shouldGarden on the Wallalso enhances bottom line. find ways to increase the number and/or size ofstaff rooms and communal areas, which collaboration areas and make those spaces more desirable for employees. are vital for workplace and healthcare environments.These elements, along with accommodations for pe-ripheral intelligence and purpose driven seat assign- Garden on the Wallinstallations ments, which cater to in-house training and purpose- not only create attractive collaboration ful mingling, help employees experience increased interaction and connection to their peers, fosteringspaces for human connection, but Tom Sibley Photographybetter mental health for all.also build a connection between the employees and nature for proven As humans, we are social creatures, and connec- biophilic benefits. Ultimately, a happier tion is one of the main ingredients of good mentaland invigorated workforce leads to a health. Employers who work with designers whothriving organization.accommodate and adopt this novel approach will retain talent and prosper.24 25'