Incorporating Green Spaces in Commercial Building Design
In today’s world where urbanization is increasing rapidly, we are getting disconnected from nature. This has a significant effect on our physical and mental well-being. Incorporating green spaces in commercial building design has gained increased attention in recent years as a way to counteract the negative impacts of urbanization. Research shows that incorporating green spaces in commercial building design can have a profoundly positive impact on employees’ health, well-being, and productivity.
Neenan Archistruction® is a Fort Collins-based commercial building design and construction firm that can help you have the building of your dreams. We offer a Collaborative Design Process that we’ve called Archistruction® that puts customers in the driving seat throughout the entire process from start to finish.
What Are Green Spaces?
Green spaces are areas of land covered by vegetation, such as parks, gardens, and landscaping. Having a green space close to work has been shown to improve well-being and reduce stress levels.
Benefits of Incorporating Green Spaces into Commercial Building Design
Better Air Quality
Green spaces help improve indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants and toxins that are present in the air. Indoor air quality is essential for the well-being of employees where many hours of the day are spent in indoor environments. By incorporating green spaces, we can ensure that indoor air quality is maintained at a healthy level, promoting the good health of employees.
Reduced Noise Levels
Green spaces act as barriers that absorb sound, reducing noise pollution levels. Loud noises can have a significant impact on employee mental and physical health, and adding some greenery in the workplace can help reduce noise levels, making the environment more comfortable and relaxing.
Improved Water Management
Green spaces help to naturally manage water resources. Vegetation absorbs rainwater and reduces runoff, which can help prevent flooding. By incorporating green spaces in commercial building design, we can help manage the amounts of surface water runoff and reduce it.
Positive Mood and Well-Being
Studies have shown that green spaces have a calming effect on our minds and reduce stress levels. They can also boost mood and increase overall well-being. Employees are more likely to feel comfortable and at ease when there is a well-designed green space to take a break from work.
Increased Productivity
By incorporating green spaces into commercial building design, employees can take breaks and recharge their batteries, leading to increased productivity. A well-designed green space can provide shade, fresh air, and a comfortable atmosphere where employees can relax and recharge their batteries.
How to Incorporate Green Spaces into Commercial Building Design
Think Vertical
Green walls are an excellent way to incorporate green space when you have limited space. Using climbing plants and vertical gardens to spruce up a commercial building adds to the beauty of the architecture and provides a green space.
Rooftop Gardens
Rooftop gardens are useful in making use of unused space and turning it into a relaxing and serene green space that employees can use to retreat from office work. Rooftop garden ideas can range from simple to complex, depending on the design and maintenance needs of the building.
Courtyard Gardens
Creating a courtyard garden is an excellent way of adding greenery without the need for additional space. They offer a chance to bring the outdoors-in and provide an oasis for employees to enjoy.
Landscaping
Simple landscaping is one of the most cost-effective means of bringing greenery into commercial building design. Adding plants, trees, or shrubs around the building’s exterior can significantly change the overall look of the building and improve the atmosphere inside.
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Incorporating green spaces in commercial building design has many benefits, including improving indoor air quality, reducing noise pollution levels, improved water management, positive mood and well-being, and increased productivity.
In general, it is not difficult to include green spaces in commercial building designs. Many ideas can be implemented, from simple landscaping to complex vertical gardens based on the needs of the building. The use of green spaces goes beyond the aesthetics of the building, contributing to the physical and mental well-being of employees. Commercial building designers and architects should consider incorporating green spaces in their designs in the future. By doing so, they not only create a beautiful, eco-friendly environment, but also directly benefit the people who work there.
If you are ready to get started on your next commercial building construction project that incorporates green spaces or other elements, call Neenan Archistruction® today!
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