Biophilia describes the human tendency to be drawn to nature, indicating a fundamental desire for connection with living organisms and natural environments.
Biophilic design, the integration of nature into built spaces, offers benefits for neurodivergent individuals. This design philosophy, rooted in our innate connection to nature, can create environments that support sensory regulation, reduce stress and mental fatigue. All of which are critical for neurodivergent well-being.
According to a study by Lindenwood University on Neuroinclusive workplaces and biophilic design it is estimated that 15-20% of the global population is considered neurodiverse. Creating work environments that accommodate their needs, such as “ADHD, autism spectrum condition and learning disabilities” are now being prioritised in workplace design.
Neurodivergent individuals often have heightened sensory sensitivities. This means environments that include loud noises, bright or flickering lights, or busy visual scenes can quickly become overwhelming and lead to sensory overload.
“If environments are perceived by individuals as being stressful or chaotic, the sympathetic system is activated, eliciting a “fight-or-flight” response (Perry & Pollard, 1998). Simultaneously, the parasympathetic system is suppressed, disrupting the body’s natural equilibrium and leading to mental fatigue and energy depletion (Adams & Kirkby, 2001).”
Incorporating biophilic design and greenery into environments can be incredibly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals to help counteract sensory sensitivities. This approach helps create spaces that are more comfortable, predictable, and calming.
“By designing biophilic office spaces that prioritize multisensory and multimodal experiences, a more inclusive environment is created that supports the physical and mental health and well-being of the general population, especially neurodiverse individuals (Requena, 2021).”
🌿So, what does this look like in an office environment?
- Calming Sensory Input: Nature offers a gentle and varied array of sensory experiences that can be deeply soothing. Unlike the often jarring and unpredictable stimuli found in urban or artificial environments, natural sounds (like birdsong or flowing water), soft lighting, and diverse textures (wood, stone, plants) provide a more harmonious input that can help reduce sensory overload.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Exposure to biophilic design has been shown to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promote a sense of well-being. For neurodivergent individuals who may experience heightened anxiety, this can be a powerful tool for self-regulation and emotional balance.
- Enhanced Focus and Cognitive Function: Natural settings allow our “directed attention” (the kind we use for focused tasks) to rest and recover. The gentle, non-demanding stimuli in nature engage our “involuntary attention,” which can improve concentration and reduce mental fatigue. This means a more natural environment can support better focus and cognitive performance.
- Predictable and Comfortable Atmosphere: While seemingly diverse, natural patterns and textures often have an underlying predictability (like the fractal patterns in leaves). This can be less overwhelming than harsh, artificial designs, making spaces feel safer and more comfortable.
- Connection to Nature: Humans have an innate inclination to connect with nature, when we’re connected to the natural world, our bodies and minds tend to find harmony, promoting overall well-being and a sense of grounding.
The “Reap What You Sow” study by PLP Labs, demonstrates how improvements in mental health and stress reduction through workplace greenery, reinforces the value of biophilic design for everyone, but especially for those with sensory sensitivities.
The predictable patterns and textures of nature can provide a sense of stability, while the presence of greenery can offer a visual break from demanding tasks.
Integrating biophilic principles into workspace design creates more inclusive and supportive environments, significantly boosting the well-being and productivity of all employees, especially neurodivergent individuals.
By investing in Neuroinclusive biophilic design, businesses can foster a workplace where everyone thrives.
You don’t need to make drastic changes to see benefits. Even small improvements like adding desk plants, enhancing lighting quality, or introducing nature sounds can significantly boost well-being and focus.
Our portfolio showcases a range of workplaces where we’ve integrated biophilic features, from just adding a moss wall to outfitting an entire atrium with custom joinery, plants, and sunken gardens.
