Redefining the modern urban office : The role of gardens in elevating productivity and well-being in the workplace

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.