A Participatory Interior Design Approach for a Restorative Work Environment: A Research-Intervention

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Occupational Health
• Architectural Design

Background:

• Environmental stressors negatively impact physical and psychological health, increasing psycho-physical stress.
• Restorative environments, particularly natural settings, are known to promote recovery and well-being.
• Biophilic design offers principles for creating restorative qualities within built environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate a research-intervention for designing a workplace using a participatory approach.
• To explore the beneficial effects of restorative environments in reducing workplace stress.
• To improve employee well-being through thoughtful workplace design.

Main Methods:

• A survey assessed perceived workplace quality, unmet needs, and psychological constructs (restorativeness, well-being).
• A participatory interior design process involved employees, architects, technicians, and researchers.
• Biophilic design principles guided the creation of new workplace scenarios.

Main Results:

• The study involved 57 employees during a workplace transition.
• A participatory design process, incorporating biophilic elements, was employed.
• Post-intervention surveys measured changes in perceived workplace quality.

Conclusions:

• Participatory design combined with biophilic principles can create restorative workplaces.
• This approach has the potential to reduce stressful elements and enhance employee well-being.
• The study demonstrates a method for designing healthier and more supportive work environments.