Eco Hub

This thesis explores the concept of biophilic design and its application in office environments within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a focus on enhancing human-nature interactions in workplace. Biophilic design which seeks to incorporate elements of nature into built environments, has gained increasing attention for its potential to enhance sustainability, well-being, and productivity. The research begins with an introduction to biophilic design, highlighting its importance and relevance in the context of the UAE's urban landscape. Motivated by the need to create healthier and more inspiring workspaces that foster meaningful connections between humans and nature, the aim of this study is to investigate the principles, practices, and implications of biophilic design for office environments in the UAE.

Project Type

Thesis

Date Started

September 2023

Location

Dubai

People

Individual

Background

Modern workplaces in the UAE are often sleek and functional but rarely designed for well-being or environmental responsibility. Employees spend long hours indoors in environments that can feel sterile, disconnected from nature, and energy-intensive. This creates challenges for both employee wellness and organizational sustainability goals.

EcoHub responds to this gap by asking: “How might we design a workplace service ecosystem that supports human well-being through biophilic design principles?”

Timeline and Key Decisions

Data & Insights

The literature review highlighted measurable global benefits of biophilic design:

13% increase in creativity. [Haslem, 2014]
15% rise in productivity. [World Green Building Council, 2014 ]
37% reduction in stress levels. [Morrison, R. 2020 ]

Studies also revealed that natural light, plant life, and locally grounded design significantly boost workplace satisfaction and cognitive performance.[ Chang, C.-Y. 2021], [Kropscott. 2004], [Gong, 2023]

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Primary Research included:

117+ survey responses
80.5% of respondents wanted natural elements [fig1], yet 57% spent less than an hour a day connected to nature.
10 office visits were assessed revealing strong adoption of greenery and light but limited emphasis on place-based and human-nature relationships.
35 interviews confirmed that 93% of users valued biophilic elements, with 100% reporting daily interaction. Participants described these features as “inspiring,” “positive,” and supportive of energy and focus.