In Boston’s dynamic corporate real estate market, landlords are beginning to embrace biophilic design in an effort to attract and retain tenants.
Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements like plants, green walls, and water features, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of office spaces but also significantly boosts employee wellbeing, productivity, and creativity. As tenants increasingly prioritize wellness in work environments, integrating green spaces into office buildings can be a strategic advantage.
Data from Leesman’s workplace experience surveys over the past decade reveal just how important these features are to employees in North America. Of over 200,000 employees, 69% state that natural light is important to them in the workplace. Similarly, 42% of employees say plants and greenery are important, but just 28% feel satisfied with this feature provided in their workplace. Even communal areas and atriums see a satisfaction rate of just 48%.
This gap between importance and satisfaction indicates a significant opportunity for landlords to enhance their spaces with biophilic elements.
HqO’s resource booking data from Boston buildings further highlights this trend. Outdoor spaces and roof decks have seen a notable number of reservations, with 14% of bookings for outdoor areas and 1% for roof decks in the past 12 months. This usage data aligns with the Leesman findings, indicating that tenants actively seek out natural and open environments within their workplaces.
Source: Winthrop Center
Several Boston office buildings exemplify the successful integration of biophilic design. Winthrop Center features a T-shaped floorplate where 95% of workstations are within 35 feet of floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring abundant natural light and city views. Each floor also has protected terraces, offering fresh air and a visual connection to the outdoors, which is essential for supporting both wellness and productivity.
Source: 125 High Street
125 High Street takes biophilic design to the next level with its contemporary lounge space, featuring adaptable work areas and an expansive, landscaped rooftop deck. This open-concept environment encourages social interaction while allowing tenants to recharge in a green, uplifting setting.
Source: International Place
Another standout is International Place, which features the IP Commons atrium, offering year-round access to greenery and natural light. With flexible seating and an illuminated water feature, this space serves as a communal hub where tenants can decompress and connect.
These buildings demonstrate how integrating nature into office spaces not only meets tenant expectations but also fosters a healthier, more productive work environment. As more companies prioritize employee wellness, now is the opportunity to lead the market by investing in biophilic features.
To understand how your building is performing in critical areas and how it compares to workplace preferences, get in touch with the HqO team for a comprehensive Property Assessment.
