Design and Evaluation of Biophilic Features in Urban Office Interiors

Thesis Abstract

Urban office environments are increasingly recognized for their influence on occupant well-being, productivity, and environmental sustainability. However, conventional office interiors often lack integration with natural elements, leading to suboptimal psychological and physiological outcomes for occupants. This study investigates the design, implementation, and evaluation of biophilic features within urban office interiors, aiming to establish empirical evidence for their efficacy in enhancing workplace well-being and productivity. The specific objectives are to identify key biophilic design elements suitable for urban office settings, examine their impact on occupants’ psychological and physiological responses, and develop a set of best-practice guidelines for integrating biophilic features into interior office design. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design. The quantitative phase involves a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a sample of 120 office workers drawn from three randomized office environments that incorporate varying degrees of biophilic features, including natural lighting, indoor plants, water features, and natural materials. Data collection techniques include standardized questionnaires measuring perceived stress, mood, and productivity, along with physiological measures such as heart rate variability and cortisol levels. Quantitative data will be analyzed through descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, and multiple regression analysis to determine the relationships between biophilic features and occupant responses. The qualitative phase comprises semi-structured interviews with 15 participants selected through purposive sampling to explore subjective experiences and perceptions of biophilic design elements. Thematic analysis will be employed to interpret qualitative data, providing nuanced insights into occupant attitudes and preferences. The integration of both data sets aims to generate a comprehensive understanding of the efficacy and acceptance of biophilic features in practice. Expected findings suggest that environments incorporating specific biophilic elements will significantly reduce perceived stress and physiological indicators of stress, while concurrently improving mood and perceived productivity. It is anticipated that natural lighting and indoor plant arrangements will have the most pronounced positive effects. Furthermore, qualitative feedback is expected to reveal occupant preferences and potential barriers to implementation, informing design guidelines. The study also aims to validate or extend theoretical frameworks such as the Attention Restoration Theory and the Biophilia Hypothesis within the context of workplace interior design, providing a robust conceptual basis for future interventions. This research makes a significant contribution to interior architecture and environmental psychology by empirically confirming the benefits of biophilic design in urban offices and offering evidence-based guidelines for practitioners. It bridges a notable gap in the literature concerning the specific mechanisms through which biophilic features influence occupant well-being and productivity in real-world settings, particularly within high-density urban contexts. In conclusion, the study advocates for a strategic integration of biophilic elements into urban office interiors to foster healthier, more productive work environments. Recommendations include prioritizing natural lighting, incorporating indoor vegetation, utilizing natural materials, and designing water features where feasible. The findings provide a foundation for policymakers, designers, and facility managers to adopt sustainable, health-promoting interior design practices, and highlight avenues for future research to refine biophilic strategies and explore their long-term impacts across diverse occupational settings.