Share these talks and lectures with your colleagues
Invite colleaguesPractice paper
Redefining the modern urban office : The role of gardens in elevating productivity and well-being in the workplace
Corporate Real Estate Journal,
13
(1),
78-88
(2023)
Abstract
This paper discusses the role of gardens in elevating productivity and well-being in the workplace. It outlines the well-researched psychological benefits of engagement with nature, explores the concept of biophilia and its role in architectural practices, describes the potential of gardens in urban office spaces and outlines key fundamentals and goals of office green spaces. It also references case studies through local projects, such as The Gardens at Promenade in Atlanta, where these principles were implemented and key outcomes were achieved for office tenants and the community at large. The paper first introduces the large body of research describing the impact of green space on human health. It touches on the natural environment’s influence on stress levels, productivity and attention capacity. The authors reference studies published in the National Library of Medicine and The Experience of Nature and Frontiers in Psychology to lay the groundwork to later describe how green space can prove beneficial in the office space. The discussion of biophilic design leads into a discussion of three fundamentals of gardens in modern office spaces — connection, attraction and respite — and outlines design that aligns with these fundamentals. The paper provides examples of the authors’ success in designing such spaces and offers an insightful guide on achieving similar outcomes.
Keywords: urban gardens; office repositioning; biophilia; employee well-being
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Eric Shade PLA, LEED AP, has more than 25 years’ landscape architecture experience providing technical proficiency and project management guidance to deliver project excellence. Led by a vision to serve people by realising spaces for a variety of owners, developers and users, Eric’s career in landscape architecture originates from his passion for the natural environment. His aptitude for working with multidisciplinary groups has enabled him to serve on diverse teams for an array of award-winning projects across the US. In addition to his collaborative spirit, Eric’s mastery of creative design techniques, knowledge of sustainability measures and technical expertise make him an invaluable leader through all phases of development. Eric seeks out individuals, teams and projects that allow for him to execute on the premise that as landscape architects, we exist to serve our partners by creating delightful circumstances for human growth and sustainability.
Eric Bishop is an accomplished Landscape Architect with a devotion to creating peoplecentric places and integrating natural systems within those places. With more than 24 years’ experience in both public and private sectors providing planning and design services for urban revitalisation, streetscapes, parks, adaptive reuse and infill developments, transit projects, entertainment and event spaces, and office and mixed-use developments, Eric is driven by a passion to continue to have a positive impact on the world around him through contextually thoughtful design and creating places of significance.
