Business
Updated 1134 GMT (1934 HKT) October 31, 2014
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Biophilic design has experienced a boom in recent years, with design firms responding to clients keen to incorporate the human benefits of nature into the workplace. This is a photograph of the interior of Clif Bar and Company's HQ in California, designed by ZGF Architects LLP. Courtesy Robert Canfield
The architects say they chose warm colors and natural materials to connect the space to the natural environment -- bright sunlight, fresh air and rain are delivered to the plants and greenery in each interior garden providing physical contact with the outdoors. Courtesy Robert Canfield
Singapore is considered a world model of a biophilic city. One example of the city's innovations is the Solaris building, pictured, which incorporates open interactive spaces, roof gardens and sky terraces. Courtesy of T.R. Hamzah & Yeang Sdn. Bhd. (2014)
A key aspect of the interior design of the Solaris building is the fluid movement of plant species and vegetation across the building. A growing body of research shows that spaces that connect people with nature promote well being and can even make you smarter. Courtesy of T.R. Hamzah & Yeang Sdn. Bhd. (2014)
New York architects COOKFOX installed a green roof at their offices in Manhattan. They say it breaks up the urban backdrop of tall buildings and densely packed vehicles. It is also visible from the workplace drawing the outside environment into the sightline of workers, helping to mark the changing seasons and the time of day. Courtesy Ryan Browne for COOKFOX Architects
The Sky Factory specialize in "illusions of nature." Their trademark Luminous SkyCeilings, pictured, are photographic illusions of real skies. Research indicates that illusory skies engage areas of the brain involved in spatial cognition, triggering a "relaxation response." couretesy of The Sky Factory
Architects Perkins and Will installed a vertical green wall in the foyer of their Vancouver office. Among the benefits of walls like these are improved air quality, sound insulation, temperature regulation and stress reduction. Courtesy of Perkins+Will/©Michael Elkan
Global architecture firm HOK came up with this design for a proposed healing garden at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland in the U.S.. They say that planted earth forms and a water wall would provide a series of public and private spaces that help to relax the treatment environment. Courtesy HOK
