Bringing nature inside through design
The truth is that Australians are now spending the majority of their time indoors, so it’s more important than ever to bring nature inside. Planet Ark’s update to their Wood: Housing, Health, Humanity Report is a compelling testament to the many and varied benefits of incorporating nature into our built environments.
Planet Ark investigates the physiological and psychological gains from nature connected design. This ideology features elements intended to stimulate the human senses and improve mental health and cognitive performance.
Nature connected design is particularly transformative for the worker. A 2015 study found that there is a strong connection between an employee’s psychological wellbeing and their work environment. The report shows a clear potential for improvement of employee happiness and productivity through the inclusion of plants and wooden fixtures and fittings in the workplace. And, in good news for stuffy offices, wood also moderates humidity and improves air quality.
Planet Ark lists several studies that examine the link between wood and human physiology. They conclude that the presence of timber in built spaces can lower stress levels, decrease heart rate and blood pressure, and improve thermal comfort when compared to other materials.
A growing body of research is starting to prove that presence of wood indoors enhances the body, the brain and the environment. This is promising information for the design of homes, schools, offices and hospitals. In addition, modern engineering techniques and technologies have unlocked even greater potential for timber as a construction material.
Planet Ark makes special mention of a few architects and projects that showcase the versatility and utility of wood, including the award-winning Melbourne School of Design by John Wardle Architects and NADAAA.
We have always valued wood for its aesthetic beauty and sustainability. Now, Planet Ark is showing us that this material has so much more to give.
More green updates
