The Science Behind the Calm: How Biophilic Design Impacts Brain and Body

A Calm You Can Measure

You know the feeling—you walk into a space and, without quite knowing why, your shoulders drop. Your breath slows. You feel more present, more aware, more you.

This isn’t a fluke or some vague aesthetic vibe—it’s your brain and body responding to something very real. The science of biophilic design explains why.

In our recent blog on biophilic design, we explored how reconnecting with nature through workplace design creates spaces where people feel and perform better. But today, we’re going deeper—beneath the surface and into the why. What’s really happening in our brains and bodies when we’re surrounded by nature-inspired environments? Why does it matter for your team, your culture, and even your bottom line?

Let’s unpack the biology behind the beauty.

How Our Brains Respond to Nature

We’re Wired for It

From an evolutionary standpoint, our brains are hardwired to respond positively to natural environments. After all, for 99% of human history, nature was our home, our office, our meeting room. The sleek glass buildings and fluorescent lights of today? They’re barely a blink in our biological timeline.

This connection is rooted in what scientists call biophilia—our innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. It’s more than a preference; it’s a deep biological pull.

The Neuroscience of Calm

Studies using EEG (electroencephalogram) and fMRI scans show that viewing nature scenes or being in natural environments lowers activity in the parts of the brain associated with stress and rumination (such as the subgenual prefrontal cortex), while boosting activity in areas linked to emotional regulation and empathy.

Just a few minutes of exposure to nature—real or simulated—can decrease cortisol levels, lower heart rate, and reduce blood pressure. These aren’t just feel-good moments. They’re measurable physiological shifts.

Visual Complexity and Soft Fascination

One of the reasons natural environments are calming is because of a phenomenon called soft fascination. Unlike urban environments that bombard us with stimuli, natural settings offer gentle, visually rich experiences that capture our attention without exhausting it.

This helps restore our directed attention (the kind we use to focus on tasks), making us mentally sharper and more resilient afterward. In short: looking at trees can make you better at spreadsheets.

The Body’s Reaction to Biophilic Spaces

Breathing Easier—Literally

Indoor air quality is often overlooked in traditional office design. But the introduction of natural elements like preserved moss walls, indoor plants, or materials that don’t off-gas harmful chemicals can improve respiratory health. Biophilic environments tend to have better humidity control and fewer airborne pollutants.

Some materials, such as those used in our own acoustic booths, even contribute to sound absorption and air purification. It’s a full-sensory upgrade.

Movement and Posture

Spaces designed with natural flow and variation tend to encourage movement. Rather than static desks and closed-off corners, biophilic layouts guide people to stretch, walk, lean, or sit more dynamically—contributing to better posture and less physical fatigue.

Biomorphic shapes (organic curves instead of harsh lines) don’t just look beautiful—they invite more intuitive interaction. A soft corner encourages a pause. A winding path encourages exploration. Your body recognises the invitation, even if your brain doesn’t consciously register it.

The Emotional Impact of Biophilic Design

Mood, Motivation, and Morale

A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that workers exposed to plants and natural light reported higher job satisfaction, more enthusiasm, and lower levels of anxiety.

Natural light, in particular, helps regulate circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep, sharper focus, and greater emotional resilience. In other words, it’s not just about productivity—it’s about people.

Memory and Creativity

Nature-based environments have been shown to improve memory retention and creative problem solving. One experiment demonstrated that a 20-minute walk in nature boosted working memory scores by 20%—imagine the impact over months of thoughtful biophilic exposure at work.

Creativity, too, flourishes in spaces that reduce stress and encourage expansive thinking. Organic materials, natural textures, and even fractal patterns found in wood grain or stone can all subtly influence the way our minds make connections.

From Sensory Comfort to Sensory Restoration

Sound and Silence

Noise pollution is one of the most damaging—and overlooked—stressors in office environments. Open-plan offices, phone notifications, HVAC systems… the background hum becomes a drain over time.

That’s where acoustic design intersects with biophilia.

In our meeting booths, for example, we combine natural textures with sound-dampening materials like acoustic PET panels to create havens of calm. The result isn’t just silence—it’s sensory restoration.

Touch and Texture

Textures in a space matter more than we give them credit for. Cold metal and plastic can create a sense of emotional distance, while warm woods, soft fabrics, and natural finishes foster a feeling of safety and comfort.

Biophilic design activates the sense of touch in a soothing way—subtle cues that tell your nervous system: “You’re safe here.”

Designing for Neurodiversity and Inclusion

One of the most powerful benefits of biophilic design is its capacity to support different ways of experiencing the world.

For neurodivergent individuals—those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities—traditional workspaces can be overwhelming. Harsh lights, loud sounds, sterile materials… it’s a recipe for discomfort.

Biophilic design offers a softer, more responsive alternative. Thoughtful use of lighting, calming textures, varied spaces, and sound control can create an inclusive environment where more people can focus, contribute, and thrive.

This isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential. Inclusive design is better design.

Why It Matters for Business

Wellbeing = Performance

The link between employee wellbeing and business performance is no longer theoretical. Gallup, Harvard Business Review, and countless studies confirm that happier, healthier teams are:

• More productive
• More loyal
• More creative
• Less likely to burn out or leave
  

By creating environments that care for people, businesses are investing in the longevity of their teams and the strength of their culture.

Measurable ROI

From reduced sick days and absenteeism to increased retention and engagement, the business case for biophilic design is clear. And it doesn’t require a full architectural overhaul. Even small, intentional upgrades can spark big returns.

Imagine a space that pays for itself—not just in saved costs, but in elevated work and better days.

Biophilia in Practice: Making It Happen

Start with One Zone

Instead of trying to redesign your entire office overnight, consider piloting a biophilic zone—a focus pod, a breakout area, a wellness corner. Use natural materials, bring in greenery, optimise natural light, and reduce visual and auditory clutter.

Combine with Acoustic Design

Biophilic and acoustic design are powerful together. A nature-inspired space is most effective when it supports both focus and flow. Meeting booths, like those from Soundbox Store, are a great starting point: self-contained, tactile, quiet, and inviting.

Measure the Impact

Track mood, productivity, and satisfaction levels before and after biophilic changes. You’ll be surprised how clearly the benefits show up—in the numbers and in the smiles.

Final Thoughts: The Science is Clear—We Need Nature

Biophilic design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s biology. It’s about creating environments that work with our bodies and brains, not against them.

As we continue to reimagine the workplace, one truth remains: spaces that care for people will always outperform those that don’t. When you prioritise calm, focus, and human connection, everything else flows naturally.

Ready to create a space where science, wellbeing, and great work come together? We’re here to help.