Episode 40 - Biophilia Revisited: Why timber workplaces feel different

About this episode

This episode revisits biophilia and biophilic design in timber workplaces, exploring their impact on wellbeing and comfort.

Biophilia, biophilic design and timber buildings are back in focus in this episode of WoodChat, revisiting the theme of our very first episode from 2018. We explore how biophilia and biophilic workplace design use natural materials such as timber to support human wellbeing, reduce stress and improve comfort in office environments. The episode centres on T3 Collingwood, a mass timber office building in Melbourne that now serves as FWPA’s headquarters. T3 Collingwood has been the subject of published research examining the effects of timber-rich workplaces on building occupants and construction workers, including both perceived experiences and biological stress markers. The findings are contributing to a growing evidence base around healthy buildings, workplace wellbeing and mass timber construction. We speak with architect Dorsa Fatourehchi and behavioural economist Dr Stephen Whyte about the current state of biophilia research and what it means for future timber architecture and workplace design. Structural engineer Danny Watson from Australian Sustainable Hardwoods also joins the conversation, discussing the practical benefits of hybrid timber buildings, including construction…

People in this episode

Guests: Dorsa Fatourehchi, Danny Watson, Dr Stephen Whyte

Topics covered

• biophilia
• biophilic design
• timber buildings
• workplace wellbeing
• mass timber construction

Keywords

• T3 Collingwood
• healthy buildings
• construction efficiency
• sustainability
• scalability

Mentioned in this episode

Products: T3 Collingwood

Books & works: Macaroon 5

Places: Melbourne

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