How A Verdant Workplace Sets a New Benchmark with Nature-Driven Office Design

Published on November 26, 2024 | by DSGN arcHive

Dive into our exclusive chat with IDr. Allan Wang, the creative lead behind the project

What does it take to create a workplace that feels like a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively? A Verdant Workplace blends the lush tranquillity of a park with the energy of a buzzing office, delivering a space that’s as functional as it is inspiring. Featuring cascading greenery, nature-inspired zones, and even an alfresco café pantry, this thoughtful design balances productivity with well-being. It’s no surprise the project was recognised at the SG Good Design Awards 2024 and received an SG Mark Award in the Spatial Design category for its innovative approach.

We had the chance to chat with IDr. Allan Wang, director at DP Design and the creative lead, to uncover how this award-winning concept came to life and why it’s reshaping what a modern office can be. Keep scrolling for all the details…

The Story Behind A Verdant Workplace

1. What inspired the “park within an office” concept, and how does it enhance well-being, productivity, and collaboration?

Employees are becoming increasingly vocal and knowledgeable about the types of environments that they want to work in or resonate with – and understandably so, considering that we spend a good 9 to 10 hours a day on average in the office. They want to be involved with the company and to have a sense of belonging.

This shift was exacerbated by the pandemic, which gave rise to new ways of working and a greater emphasis on workplace wellbeing and activity-based work. In understanding this, our workplace design approach anchors in on the theory of the office as being a social network. Beyond the daily grind, it is a space for connection, collaboration and socializing; which are all key to contributing to greater creativity and productivity.

We designed A Verdant Workplace with this in mind. The inspiration for its ‘park within an office’ concept really came about when we asked ourselves: What gets people moving? How can we create a delightful work environment? During which, we engaged the community, to better understand their work process and pain points. We challenged its hybrid arrangements; the goal was to deliver a design scheme that achieved more than incorporating greenery into the office space.

What we arrived at was a strategy for spatial organization and flow that adapted from the layout of a public park. So, like a park, A Verdant Workplace features social touchpoints and spaces that cater for moments of solitude – or in this case, deep work. They are thoughtfully planned such that access to these collaborative and/or social hot spots (i.e. pantries, work booths, loft decks and meeting rooms) is natural and intuitive, which we’ve found to have increased inter-department engagement and team communication.

2. How does this nature-centric design approach seamlessly align with the company’s brand identity, and what message does it send about the organisation’s values?

This will be our client’s first satellite office situated away from their main property. One of the considerations is how we can create an environment that will motivate its users and to have affiliation to its main property without being disengaged. Secondly, is the alignment of public perception and its staff. This led to the exploration of bringing in elements of hospitality and retail – both of which our client’s business is anchored in – design alongside biophilic design into the office design, which in strategic combination is significant in conveying an employee-first environment and delivering an atypical workplace that prioritises wellbeing of its occupants.

The adaptation of the park typology in our programmatic and zoning strategies for the work space was key to 1) mirroring the shopping avenues and plazas that feature strongly in their main retail and hospitality development, and 2) engendering greater communication, collaboration and sense of community among the employees; thereby, effecting transformative change in the client’s workplace culture.

3. Controlled biophilia plays a central role in the design. How was it strategically incorporated to foster a balance between natural aesthetics and functional workspace productivity?

This design features an open office layout that incorporates ‘soft’ zoning through the use of plants and nature-inspired colors for desk dividers and finishes. Cascading greenery above workspaces creates intimate enveloping alcoves, providing a humanistic scale within the loft office. The layout maximizes ample diffuse daylight, promoting a welcoming and productive atmosphere that enhances employee well-being and to be able to focus or relief at their workspace.

4. Can you elaborate on the specific ways biophilic design contributes to enhancing employee mental health, reducing stress, and improving overall workplace satisfaction?

A healthy workplace includes areas designed for focused work, collaboration and relaxation. The ‘alfresco café’ pantry serves as a central hub where staff can socialise, recharge or reflect. This space encourages open interaction among employees and re-energise.

Another example is the installation of circadian lighting system which not only supports physical wellbeing as it mimics our natural cycle of work and rest. It also automatically and intuitively adjusts its lux level and lighting temperature throughout the day, effectively helping to counter the light glares in the double-volume, high glazing office space.

All of these, along with the multitude of spaces we’ve designed for, has reportedly improved employee wellbeing. It was observed, by our client, that the levels of socialisation amongst their employees have increased without detriment to productivity.

5. Could you discuss the innovative materials and energy-efficient solutions implemented to reduce the workplace’s environmental footprint?

The client’s business model shares sustainable philosophy and goals. A key focus for us was ensuring post-occupancy operational sustainability. Our approach to sustainability involves prioritizing people’s well-being and community health. This includes adopting passive planning strategies that enhance energy efficiency and environmental harmony. Additionally, using sustainable materials not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters a sense of community by promoting local resources and practices.

On a mechanical aspect, we achieved this through compliance with BCA’s Green Mark Platinum requirements which include use of energy-efficient HVAC equipment, motion-sensor circadian lighting and an integrated HEPA air-conditioning system.

6. How do you see nature-driven workplace designs evolving, and what potential impact could this have on employee performance and company culture?

Likewise, to transforming Singapore into a ‘City in Nature’ or Living in Nature, the idea is to create a livable and sustainable workplace. The pandemic has had a long-standing effect on the way we work and the way we view work. It isn’t really business as usual anymore and with employees demanding for flexible work arrangements and better work environments, employers are seeking ways to provide work places that cannot be replicated in a home office. So, workplace design will be increasingly humanistic as designers explore how to emote space to better engender culture and community. And while biophilic design is not new, I do think advancement in smart technology will elevate the way that it is integrated into buildings and their spaces; further contributing to end-user wellbeing and therefore, improved employee performances.

And that’s a wrap! Huge thanks to IDr. Allan Wang for sharing these interesting insights with us.

If you’re a designer with a standout project ready to make its mark, now’s your chance! Enter the SG Good Design Awards and let your work shine in the spotlight—click the link to find out more!

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About DSGN arcHive

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