The office and its surroundings play a crucial role in an organization’s operations. Since we spend up to ninety per cent of our time indoors working, workspaces must inspire creativity and productivity. To achieve this, include features like open spaces and lush gardens. These elements are calming, and inspirational, and offer options for rejuvenation during a hard day’s work.
Dr. Craig Knight from the University of Exeter researched the concept of lean space. He found no evidence that any animal thrives in such environments and saw no reason to believe humans would be different. His team added plants to office spaces and observed a 15% boost in productivity. They discovered that people felt and performed better in spaces with plants.
Another study of 31 buildings in Seattle, USA, showed that organizations in green buildings experienced a 20-25% increase in productivity, a 40% decrease in absenteeism, and a 10% rise in income per employee. Based on these findings, we anticipate seeing more buildings with green spaces and greater productivity in the organizations occupying Vienna Court and the Courtyard.
Gardens offer more than just green grass; they add colour, relaxation, tranquillity, and a sense of wellness that boosts team productivity. While it’s rare to find spaces that prioritize gardens, their demand in new buildings is rising. Previously, green space in commercial buildings was around 10%, but now buildings with 30% or more greenery see increased appeal. This trend requires integrating gardens into the building design for maximum impact.
Vienna Court exemplifies the thoughtful use of green spaces and garden preservation. The site originally featured a mature, 30-year-old garden with several palm trees. Instead of starting from scratch, we decided to preserve this existing garden and build around it.
This choice involved careful excavation and construction to maintain the garden’s integrity but resulted in a unique space. The design ensures that all occupants have panoramic views and access to the garden. We added fountains and seating areas at various levels to enhance enjoyment. The concept of gardens extended to the front courtyard, perimeter walls, and outer fence line, making the entryway as beautiful and relaxing as the interior. The result is a space that fosters concentration and productivity.
