The 14 patterns of biophilic design, translated to your office

Nature in the space

1. Visual connection with nature. Plants, a living wall, a view of trees. In the office: greenery in sight from every workplace.
2. Non-visual connection with nature. Sound, scent and texture: running water, the smell of wood. In the office: natural materials you feel, not just see.
3. Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli. Small, unpredictable movements, like leaves in the wind or the shadow of a cloud. In the office: living greenery by a window rather than only pictures of greenery.
4. Thermal and airflow variability. Air that does not feel the same everywhere. In the office: workplaces by a window that opens, spots that are slightly cooler or warmer.
5. Presence of water. Seeing, hearing or touching water. In the office: a small water feature or its sound, where it fits.
6. Dynamic and diffuse light. Light that moves with the day. In the office: workplaces by the window and lighting that adjusts colour and intensity.
7. Connection with natural systems. Seasons, growth, the weather. In the office: plants that change with the seasons, a view outside.

Natural analogues

8. Biomorphic forms and patterns. Shapes that recall nature: curved lines, leaf motifs. In the office: furniture and wall panels without hard corners.
9. Material connection with nature. Wood, stone, wool and linen, processed as little as possible. In the office: wooden slats, a wool rug, a stone top. See natural materials.
10. Complexity and order. Rich detail with a calm coherence, like a tree crown. In the office: a moss wall with several kinds of moss in a clean frame.

Nature of the space

11. Prospect. An unimpeded view across a space. In the office: sight lines across the open floor.
12. Refuge. A place to withdraw, with your back covered. In the office: an acoustic booth or a high-backed sofa among the plants.
13. Mystery. The sense that there is more to discover: a bend, a glimpse through. In the office: greenery that half screens the view instead of a solid wall.
14. Risk. A safe thrill, like a lookout. Rarely needed in an office; a void or a walkway can provide it.

Where to start

Not every space needs all 14 patterns. Three are often a good start: greenery in sight (1), natural materials (9) and a sheltered spot in an open space (12). That is why a booth among the plants works so well. Want to know which patterns suit your space? Read how our advice and office design works.

Source: William Browning, Catherine Ryan and Joseph Clancy, 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design, Terrapin Bright Green, 2014.

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