Episode 019 - Oasis Plants | Bringing Workspaces to Life with Biophilic Design

Transforming Workplaces with Biophilic Design: Insights from Paige Tomlinson of Oasis Plants

Biophilic design is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern workspace aesthetics, blending nature with functionality to create environments that inspire productivity and improve well-being. In a recent episode of The Intelligent Lab podcast, Paige Tomlinson of Oasis Plants shared her insights into the growing role of greenery in commercial interiors, the benefits it brings to employees, and the innovative practices driving sustainability in the sector.

The Rising Demand for Biophilic Design

Gone are the days when office plants were limited to a solitary fern in the corner. Paige revealed that today, nine out of ten design projects she encounters involve some form of greenery, whether it's moss walls, live plants, or even small potted arrangements. Biophilic design—a concept focused on connecting people to nature—has become an integral part of early project planning. Oasis Plants supports this trend with in-house planting designers who provide clients with detailed schemes, complete with visualisations and floor plans, ensuring each project's greenery is thoughtfully curated.

Enhancing Well-Being Through Greenery

The benefits of incorporating plants into workplaces extend far beyond aesthetics. Paige cited compelling research showing that greenery can boost productivity by as much as 50%. It also reduces tension, anxiety, and hostility in office environments. These attributes are particularly relevant in today's workplaces, which often feature open-plan designs that can be noisy and impersonal. Greenery not only softens acoustics but also helps to divide and define spaces, contributing to a more harmonious atmosphere.

A Showcase of Transformation

Paige shared inspiring examples of how Oasis Plants has reimagined workspaces through greenery. In Manchester, the team transformed a sterile 1960s office into a vibrant hub with an eight-metre moss pillar as its centrepiece. Meanwhile, at GSK in London, roof terraces were designed to include allotments, offering employees direct access to nature. These projects illustrate how biophilic elements can rejuvenate workplaces and encourage a sense of connection to the natural world.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Oasis Plants is deeply committed to sustainability, an ethos that influences every aspect of its operations. The company imports plants from long-term suppliers in Holland, known for their eco-friendly practices, including solar-powered facilities and rainwater harvesting. They've also adopted a peat-free, mineral-based substrate for their plant installations, which promotes healthier growth while reducing pest issues and water waste.

Additionally, Oasis Plants partners with Tree Nation, planting a tree for every live office plant sold. By September 2023, the initiative had achieved its annual target of 10,000 trees, with ambitions to double that figure by the end of 2024. Paige highlighted this programme as a natural extension of the company's work, offsetting its carbon footprint while giving back to the environment.

Making Biophilia Accessible

For businesses considering incorporating greenery, Paige encouraged starting small. Even limited spaces or low light conditions can benefit from moss walls or strategically placed floor-standing plants. She emphasised the importance of site visits to assess conditions such as light and temperature, ensuring plants are selected and placed for maximum success. Oasis Plants' maintenance packages further support clients, helping to sustain the health and longevity of live plants while reducing waste.

A Passion for Transformation

Paige's enthusiasm for biophilic design was evident throughout the discussion. She reflected on the joy of seeing once-drab environments transformed into vibrant, welcoming spaces that employees genuinely enjoy. For her, it's about creating workplaces where people want to spend time—a vital consideration in today's efforts to encourage staff back to the office.

Final Thoughts

Oasis Plants is leading the charge in integrating greenery into workplace design, proving that plants are much more than decorative elements. Through their innovative solutions, commitment to sustainability, and passion for well-being, they are redefining what it means to create modern, human-centric workplaces. Paige's insights are a reminder of the profound impact that biophilic design can have on both people and the planet.

For organisations looking to embrace the benefits of nature in their offices, the message is clear: start small, think sustainably, and watch as greenery breathes new life into the workplace.