Biophilic Office Redesign

Stacy-Lee Blake, Kareena Sankreacha, Katelyn Taylor, Cassandra Tropiano

Humber’s Faculty of Applied Research and Innovation was in need of an office space that felt productive, open, and welcoming. Current challenges of the space included high artificial lighting levels and a lack of connection to the outdoors, creating an overwhelming atmosphere. Our team was very excited to assist them in developing a design proposal that could boost productivity and satisfy the desire of feeling connected to nature. The faculty also conducted research in biophilia, and wanted a work environment that reflected this. The Danish concept of Hygge interested them as well, giving an underlying emotional aspect to the design process. Research into these concepts informed our final design proposal and was positively received. Our team’s challenges involved budget constraints and a limit of permanent changes that could be made; however, our selection of natural textures, plants, and colours worked to alter the overwhelming nature of the space. Our efforts provided an awareness of how design has the ability to contribute to other disciplines in a meaningful way. This project demonstrated that interior design is a profession that highly impacts our physical and emotional wellbeing.