A Study on Biophilic Elements in Workplace Meditation Spaces

Abstract

(Background and Purpose) Korea's rapid industrialization and informatization have caused significant job stress for office workers, adversely impacting their mental and physical well-being, as well as organizational productivity. In response, companies have adopted meditation programs as a stress-mitigation strategy. However, research on the healing environment of meditation spaces remains limited. Research has demonstrated that biophilic design has a positive effect on emotional healing and recovery by fostering a connection between humans and nature. In light of these findings, the present study aims to examine how meditation spaces can function as healing environments by analyzing cases in which biophilic design elements have been incorporated into workplace meditation spaces. (Method) First, a theoretical review was conducted on the concept and effect of meditation space through prior studies, and natural design elements related to healing environments were identified. Second, based on biophilic design theory, elements of biophilic healing design were extracted to establish criteria for case analysis. Third, cases of applying these design elements in workplace the meditation spaces were analyzed. (Results) Among the biophilic healing design elements, those frequently applied included eco-friendly materials, natural light, visual access to nature, organic forms, and real natural objects. Most meditation spaces were located near large windows to enhance visual connections with the outside and maximize daylight. In spaces with outdoor views, actual natural objects were typically not included. Auditory elements were delivered through speakers, and artificial nature images applied the wall or videos. Eco-friendly materials were used for wall or floor finishes, while geometric patterns and organic forms were appeared in ceiling structures, rather than applying a diverse range of healing-focused biophilic design elements. (Conclusions) A growing number of companies are establishing meditation spaces with the objective of promoting the well-being of their employees. These corporate meditation spaces function as healing environments, with the objective of alleviating employees' stress and promoting emotional stability through meditation. The concept of biophilic design, which has been the subject of research both domestically and internationally, is examined from the perspective of emotional healing and restoration. This approach, characterized by its evolutionary biological foundation, seeks to establish a connection between humans and nature, thereby playing a pivotal role in the creation of healing environments. This approach is founded on the premise that humans inherently seek connection with nature, thereby establishing a profound relationship with healing environments. To assess the efficacy of corporate meditation spaces in functioning as healing environments, an analysis was conducted to determine the incorporation of biophilic design elements into these spaces. The findings of this study suggest that the elements of biophilic design are only partially implemented in these spaces, indicating a need for further research into diverse strategies for enhancing the healing functions of workplace meditation spaces through biophilic design.