Singapore has long celebrated the title of “City in a Garden” — but beyond aesthetic appeal lies a pressing need to humanise the workplace. In today’s urban economy, employees spend over 90 % of their waking hours indoors. This shift contributes to growing concerns about mental health, stress, productivity and employee retention—issues that Singapore is addressing head-on through the ambition of integrating biophilic design into workplace environments.

This article explores how biophilic principles—rooted in our innate affinity with nature—can transform offices in Singapore. It examines empirical benefits, best practices, local innovations, and policy frameworks, all the while acknowledging challenges and charting a roadmap for the future.

Understanding Biophilia and Its Psychological Foundations

Biophilia, a concept popularised by Edward O. Wilson, refers to humans’ instinctive bond with the natural world. Psychologists like Stephen Kellert have expanded this into a practical framework for built environments, encouraging the integration of:

• Direct nature (e.g., plants, water, natural light, fresh air)
• Indirect nature (e.g., natural materials, biomorphic patterns, nature imagery)
• Space and place conditions (e.g., views, spatial layouts that echo nature) 

These elements are not merely aesthetic; they resonate with our evolutionary needs. By evoking natural cues, we can elicit physiological calm and cognitive restorative effects—even when indoors.

Health and Well-Being Benefits: What Does the Research Say?

Cognitive Performance and Stress Reduction

A longitudinal study by the University of Utah and University of Kansas revealed that even minimal exposure to nature—for instance, plants in the workspace—can boost creative problem-solving by 50 %. Another study from the University of Exeter found a 15 % increase in productivity among employees in biophilic settings. Meanwhile, access to daylight and greenery was linked to 33 % better well-being, as per Steelcase.

Natural elements also help reduce stress levels. Evidence shows nature sounds can improve stress recovery by 9–37 % faster than typical urban noise. Another study from the University of Queensland found 37 % lower stress among employees working with plants in sight.

Physical Health and Reduced Absenteeism

Office greenery has been shown to significantly reduce sick days—studies suggest 30 % fewer absences in “green” offices—and effectively mitigate Sick Building Syndrome symptoms (e.g., headaches, respiratory irritation). Indoor plants also improve air quality by absorbing CO₂ and VOCs, boosting oxygen levels and enhancing humidity control.

Social Connectivity and Well-Being

Beyond individual impacts, biophilic workspaces foster teamwork and social capital. Andrew Dannenberg et al. found that green communal spaces enhance social bonds, support resilience and even correlate with lower levels of aggression and crime. Singaporean initiatives such as community gardens reflect this ethos—offering residents and employees places to relax, connect and enjoy nature.

Biophilic Workspaces in Singapore: Local Solutions and Innovations

Iconic Buildings and Tropical Adaptation

Singapore is home to landmark biophilic structures:

• CapitaSpring, designed by BIG and Carlo Ratti, features vertical planting, a four-storey “Green Oasis” and 80,000+ plants; it earned Green Mark Platinum and Universal Design Gold Plus certifications.
• Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, though healthcare, exemplifies biophilic design with native planting, community gardens, and water features that attract abundant biodiversity—103 species of butterfly alone.

These models illustrate how nature-infused design responds uniquely to Singapore’s tropical climate, dense urbanism, and biodiversity goals.

Workplace Applications: Offices and SMEs

Firms in Singapore are incorporating biophilic strategies in their offices:

• Prudential’s WorkPLAYce includes a sunken pool and glass-walled meeting rooms over water—offering multisensory calm.
• Local interior designers (e.g., Jadeworks, Elpis) advocate living walls, greenery, natural materials, daylighting and water features for enhanced employee health.

These elements are practical and cost-effective for both MNCs and SMEs, indicating that small adjustments can yield outsized benefits.

Policy Framework and Benchmarking in Singapore

National Strategy and Incentives

Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 encourages green building practices, with subsidies for green walls, rooftop gardens and sky parks . Green Mark awards stimulate investment in energy-efficient and eco-friendly workplaces.

Mental-Well-Being Benchmarks

The Workwell Leaders charity is spearheading Singapore’s first mental-health benchmark for workplaces. A cross-sector working group will devise criteria to help firms measure and invest in mental well-being—reportedly rolling out initial guidelines by end-2024 or 2025. This initiative may dovetail with biophilic strategies as evidence-based interventions.

Together, these efforts demonstrate Singapore’s holistic approach, merging environmental stewardship, workplace health, and economic competitiveness.

5. Implementation Guide for Employers

Key Biophilic Elements to Incorporate

1. Greenery – Use a mix of large potted plants, living walls, and interior courtyards. Choose species suited to low light (e.g., ZZ plant, snake plant, pothos).
2. Natural Light – Position windows and skylights thoughtfully; reflect daylight via light shelves or light-coloured finishes.
3. Water Features – Include fountains or water walls to deliver calming multi-sensory stimulation.
4. Natural Materials & Patterns – Use wood, stone, fabrics, and biomorphic forms in furnishings and finishe.
5. Views & Spatial Design – Ensure visual access to green areas—either interior or exterior—while organising spaces to allow movement, flow and interaction .
6. Multisensory Stimuli – Introduce nature sounds, textures and visual patterns to foster attention restoration.

Practical Steps and ROI

• Audit staff needs: align designs with job roles and building capabilities.
• Pilot zones: test green features in small areas to demonstrate benefits.
• Track metrics: monitor absenteeism, wellbeing surveys, productivity.
• Partner: collaborate with interior designers, landscapers, wellness consultants.
• Communicate: raise staff awareness of nature-related health benefits.

Studies show that biophilic workplace investments can yield a return of £1,000 per employee—with company-wide productivity gains reaching £3.6 million, according to Terrapin Bright Green.

6. Challenges and Criticisms

Cost, Maintenance and Design Complexity

• Upfront costs for green walls, water systems and specialised lighting can be significant.
• Maintenance regimes require horticultural expertise and allocation of resources—otherwise plants may not thrive.
• Balancing aesthetics and function demands careful design to avoid slippery floors, high humidity, or allergens (e.g. mould).

Biodiversity vs. Well-Being

Critics argue that many biophilic interventions prioritise human well-being over ecological value. Singapore’s biophilic projects that include native species, habitat features, and designs that support fauna—like butterflies and birds—address this, as seen in Khoo Teck Puat and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.

7. A Vision for the Future

As Singapore intensifies its sustainability and mental health ambitions, it is well-positioned to become a global exemplar of biophilic workplaces. Combining:

• National policies (e.g., Green Mark, Workwell benchmarking)
• Iconic architecture (e.g., CapitaSpring)
• Organisational uptake
• Evidence-based evaluation

…Singapore can lead the discourse on nature-integrated offices. Longitudinal research (e.g., from Workwell) can quantify psychosocial and economic outcomes, helping refine best practices.

Conclusion

Biophilic workplace design in Singapore is far more than a passing trend—it’s a strategic endeavour that aligns urban resilience, employee health and organisational performance. From therapeutic benefits like stress reduction to tangible productivity gains and reduced sick leave, the evidence is compelling.

By adopting a multilayered, inclusive approach—encompassing design, biodiversity, policy and data—Singapore can cultivate work environments that are not only efficient and profitable, but fundamentally human.

The path forward is clear: Breathe & Build is not merely a slogan—it is a blueprint for workplaces that nurture the mind, body and spirit.