Factors affecting the biophilia application at workplaces of IIUM's Gombak campus

Abstract

The concept of biophilia in the workplace has many advantages for employees, such as increased productivity, creativity, and well-being. The key research issue of this study is identifying the current application for biophilia in the selected workplaces (IIUM) and the type of biophilic pattern. Understanding and stimulating the relationship between human beings and nature are essential to protecting the earth. Connecting humans to nature is important in protecting biodiversity and ecosystems because biophilic elements connect human beings to nature in their modern urbanized societies. The existence of biophilia in living spaces has a redeeming psychological impact and a sense of well-being among individuals. This study evaluates the factors (awareness, preference, and experience) that influence biophilia in the workplace and focuses on two elements of biophilia (plants and water). It weighs on the biophilic patterns such as nature in architecture. It also investigates the lack of biophilic elements in the workplace and the awareness of biophilia among employees while identifying the factors that influence biophilia in the workplace. A mixed methodological approach is employed, utilizing an exploratory sequential design that involves observations and questionnaire surveys. The results show that awareness and preference have a positive and significant relationship with biophilia application, while work experience has an insignificant effect. The observations reveal two types of patterns: visual connection with the plant at some offices and material connection with nature.