How sensory design can create efficient workspaces

A multi-sensory office design approach is based around the concept that our perceptions are built on multiple senses, as well as the cognition that people will react and experience the material environment in a number of different ways.

Whether consciously or unconsciously, no one individual will respond in exactly the same way and therefore it is important we appeal to a variety of different senses, rather than just one or two, in order to help people become more productive and healthier.

Typically, in order to create a productive, inspiring place to work, office designers would focus their efforts largely on the aesthetics of a building and artwork, with much less attention paid to the remaining four senses.

Nisha van der Hoven, senior architect for Workshop17, believes the goal of an interior work environment is to engage the occupants in meaningful ways. With the reuse and redesign of the office tower (pictured) on top of Hyde Park Corner, opening 1 October, they used changes made to the external architecture and completely re-envisioning the internal layout and fit-out to create more interactive aspects that are welcoming and inclusive to all.

This is done by being mindful of the needs and lifestyles of the members and larger businesses that are relocating there. By opening up the building to much natural light, and by creating a park-like rooftop garden that encourages a physical connection to nature, Workshop17 aims to lead the way in modern offices that become a place of refuge.

Van der Hoven says, “Designing spaces that activate the five basic senses – sight, sound, touch, smell and taste – we can connect to nature and seasonal changes from our desks and linger in places of refuge while still in a work environment. Nature is not only a sensory haven; it’s mentally and physically restorative.”

Places of evocation

The senses forge memories and define our movement through space, creating unique experiences and ideas for each of us.

Here are some ways we can incorporate a multi-sensory office design approach into our workplaces and give our senses something to play with:

Sight

The most obvious sense we take care of with interior design is sight. The right design should be soothing for the eyes. Colours, textures and light all play an important part if we are looking to feed this sense.

Workshop17 often uses biophilic design and provides a framework for creating positive spaces that bring nature and natural environments into the workspace. From colours reminiscent of the natural world, to natural materials, biomorphic shapes and better access to daylight, this approach is guaranteed to help support general cognitive well-being. For instance, the use of more natural light rather than harsh overhead lights can boost concentration, reduce eye strain and generally improve the mood of employees.

Sound

It can take 23 minutes to return to a task after being distracted, and one of the most common distractions in the workplace is noise pollution. We can control noise levels to create that atmospheric buzz where it’s required, and separate off zones that require more focused and quiet independent work. Simple ideas such as providing acoustic privacy screens, designing booths to minimise disruption or positioning staff tactically in relation to major routes or services like restrooms or café areas should all be taken into consideration.

On the flip side, work cafés and music create an arrival experience and be used as positive reinforcement. Workshop17 even takes into consideration the sound of birds.

Touch

Hard surfaces can make a space feel cold and sterile, while soft textures can make an office feel warm and inviting. Factors like choosing a hardwood floor versus soft carpeting, or the type of fabric used for a sofa, play a major role in the tactile experience someone has in their surroundings.

Workshop17 Hyde Park is a mixture of hard materials such as natural solid wood to calm, and softer fabrics like raffia and leather to promote vibrancy. Softer feminine colours with bold accents can energise, and materials like natural stone respect the surroundings and heritage of the building.

Smell

Smell is the sense most strongly linked to memory and is responsible for up to 75% of the emotions we generate on a daily basis. It is crucial we consider the sense of smell when we design workplaces that not only inspire but also create a positive association between a space and its occupiers. Spaces need to take into consideration the proximity of food and work zones, as well as any smellscapes.

In an office design, we can introduce scent through plants, flowers, air purifiers and fresh air movement. Even particular scents such as lemon, peppermint and especially coffee have been found to be beneficial in workspaces.

Taste

Not the first sense that would spring to mind, but food and drink can play a vital part in creating a sense of community within the workplace. Partnering with suppliers that provide healthy refreshments for your employees can help promote a sense of well-being and aid concentration throughout the day. Areas where we can eat together can become the heart of location.

Paul Keursten, co-founder and CEO of Workshop17, says: “A multi-sensory approach to design is critical in supporting the physiological and psychological needs of those who occupy the spaces we create. The end goal should always be to welcome users into a comfortable and aesthetic environment that was designed with their physical and mental well-being in mind.”