Connecting with Nature

PARKdesigned had the pleasure of visiting Vantage Spaces in Leeds today. The visit was not only to see their fantastic showroom but also understand more about Vantage Spaces and Biophilic design.

Biophilia is a term popularised by American biologist Edward O Wilson in his book Biophilia in 1984 and focuses on our innate attraction to nature and natural processes. It is of ever increasing importance to our health and well-being in the built environment with major benefits such as:-

• Productivity in the work place can be increased by 8%.

• Well-being in the work place can be increased by 13%.

• It can lead to an increase of creativity and a reduction in absenteeism in the work place.

• An increase of 20-25% of learning with education spaces.

A few ways to implement Biophilic design are as follows:-

• Incorporate natural materials/textures into the space.

• Improve natural and artificial light.

• Provide internal and external views onto nature

• Provide better air quality.

• Optimise and organise spaces with a human focus.

• Provide acoustic comfort.

Vantage Spaces founded in 1977 and based in Leeds, London and Manchester provide a range of green walls and plants to help change the working environment. As they stated on their website -

We believe that the simplest things make a real difference. Walking into work to the smell of freshly ground coffee. Connecting with nature through flowers, plants and green walls. These simple things can make your workplace a truly great place. A great place where you and your customers can do business. A great place where your people can thrive.

We would like to thank Tara and Russell for a great talk and also the donuts from Temple Donuts!

To see more of Vantage Spaces please click the button below