We all know the positive impact that nature can have on us: sunlight, greenery, and the warmth of natural timber. Association with these features are central to biophilic design, and for years research has linked them to improved wellbeing and productivity.
Until now, most of that research has relied on perceptions and studies on university students, with very little hard data from real workplaces.
In this webinar, we’ll share results from a pilot project from Sumitomo, in which office workers' wellbeing was measured between a concrete office and a timber-rich one. What makes this research stand out is the use of biomarkers - specifically, cortisol levels measured through hair samples - as a quantitative measure of stress. The findings are clear: stress levels dropped in the timber-rich setting, demonstrating clear physiological benefits to complement what designers and occupants have long observed but rarely quantified.
It’s one of the first studies of its kind, providing robust evidence that timber-rich environments can meaningfully improve workplace health and performance.
Join us as we unpack the results, what they mean for the future of workplace design, and why this research sets a benchmark for future studies into biophilic design.