Most people know when an office feels good to be in.
It might be full of natural light, have plenty of planting, use welcoming materials and offer spaces where people can take a break from their desks. It simply feels more comfortable than an office made up of rows of desks under bright strip lighting.
That feeling is what biophilic design aims to create. Though until recently, it has been difficult to measure.
In a 2025 paper, researchers Sofia M. Antunes, Sara M. Raimundo and Fernando M. S. Rodrigues introduced the Biophilic Quality Matrix (BQM), a tool developed to help architects assess biophilic design before construction begins.
The researchers developed it because they identified a gap in existing assessment tools: most could only evaluate a building once it had been completed, making them less useful during the design process when decisions have the biggest impact.
What is the Biophilic Quality Matrix?
Unlike earlier tools, the BQM doesn’t just record whether natural features are present. It also considers how those features are used. For example, adding plants is one thing, but designing a space that uses planting to create sensory experiences, support wayfinding or strengthen a connection to place scores much more highly.
The framework combines 10 biophilic criteria with 10 different intervention scales, allowing designers to consider both the natural elements in a building and the quality of their application.
It looks at features such as: interior planting, natural daylight, views of nature, natural materials, fresh air and ventilation, water, biodiversity, spaces for relaxation and restoration.
Each intersection is scored on a five-point scale, ranging from “not used” to “exceptionally achieved”. Rather than simply ticking boxes, the system encourages designers to think about how consistently and effectively each natural element is integrated throughout the building.
Why does this matter?
Biophilic design has become a familiar term in workplace design, but it’s often interpreted differently from one project to the next.
One of the strengths of the BQM is that it combines quantitative and qualitative assessment. Instead of simply counting how many biophilic features are included, it asks how well those features contribute to the overall experience of the space. That’s a much more realistic way of assessing whether a workplace genuinely supports wellbeing.
For businesses investing in new offices, that’s useful. It means decisions about wellbeing and workplace experience can be considered from the start, rather than being added at the end.
Where do plants fit in?
The research doesn’t suggest that plants alone make a building biophilic. They are one part of a much bigger picture.
That said, planting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to strengthen a connection with nature, particularly in existing workplaces where structural changes aren’t possible.
A well-designed planting scheme can:
Make large open-plan spaces feel more welcoming.
Improve the look and feel of breakout areas.
Create separation without building walls.
Bring seasonal interest into the workplace.
Help soften hard commercial interiors.
Combined with good lighting, natural materials and thoughtful layouts, planting plays an important role in creating workplaces where people enjoy spending time.
What about existing offices?
The Biophilic Quality Matrix was developed for use during the design of new buildings, but many of its principles can still be applied to existing workplaces.
Most businesses aren’t starting from scratch. They’re improving the offices they already have.
That might mean introducing planting, creating greener breakout spaces or making better use of natural light. Small changes won’t transform a building overnight, but together they can make a noticeable difference to how a workplace feels.
A useful step forward
Biophilic design has sometimes been criticised for being difficult to define. The Biophilic Quality Matrix doesn’t solve every challenge, but it does offer a practical way to assess whether a building is delivering on its intentions.
The research reinforces something we’ve always believed: workplace planting has the greatest impact when it’s considered early in the design process, not added at the end to fill empty corners.
Workplace planting shouldn’t be seen as the finishing touch. It’s most effective when it’s considered as part of the overall design of a workspace, helping create offices that support both people and business performance.
Evaluate your workplace with our Biophilic Quality Calculator and see how effectively it connects people with nature.
