Abstract
The biophilia hypothesis highlights the significance of the human-nature connection and how this affects our health. However, urbanisation is advancing rapidly, leading to an increasing proportion of individuals spending a significant amount of their time indoors, thereby detrimentally affecting this inherent connection. A healthy workplace and indoor nature integration are trending subjects; however, scientific data on healthy offices are dispersed. This study explores the impact of both biophilic design and human-centred design elements in architectural practice offices on users' well-being and experiential satisfaction. This research examines users' satisfaction within architectural practice offices, specifically focusing on both biophilic and human-centred design. The investigation identifies the specific aspects of office environments that affect employees and the ensuing impact on users.The information about the office design was collected, and the office experiences of participants were examined using questionnaires. The survey participants comprised of 63 office workers in the architecture/construction industry, utilising an online survey format. The data were utilised to investigate the correlation among the office's design elements, well-being, environmental satisfaction, biophilic design and human-centred elements. The survey results affirm findings from literature analysis, demonstrating a significant correlation between: Well-being at work, happiness, job satisfaction, positive anxiety.
Environmental satisfaction and control over variables, job satisfaction, privacy, layout, air quality, temperature, air movement, and comfort of furniture.
The biophilic elements and environmental satisfaction, job satisfaction, natural elements, and control over variables. Importantly, the study highlights that designers must consider physical design features (construction materials, furniture, office layout), work culture, and psychosocial aspects collectively to create a conducive and tailored office environment. This research, primarily focused on architectural practice offices, adds practical value by consolidating empirical data on various aspects of office environments typically studied in isolation. Emphasising both biophilic and human-centred design, the study contributes to a holistic understanding of these concepts in enhancing well-being in architectural practice offices.
| Date of Award | 18 Mar 2024 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Patricia Tzortzopoulos (Main Supervisor) |