Using biophilic design in interior spaces: The example of Erciyas Holding

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of biophilic design on the physical and mental health, concentration and work productivity of employees in office spaces. This study will provide important data for other studies to be prepared on this subject. In the first and second part of the study; the concept of biophilia, the concept of biophilic design, the areas of use of biophilic design, office structures and diseases seen in office workers were reviewed in domestic and foreign literature and the theoretical framework of the study was put forward. In the third part of the study, a field study was conducted on Erciyas Holding. Within the scope of this field study, Erciyas Holding employees were surveyed to determine the effects of biophilic design on health and work efficiency. The questionnaire form consisting of 25 questions in total was applied to 50 employees. The answers given by the employees to the survey questions were analyzed in the SPSS program using reliability analysis, percentage-frequency values, correlation analysis and nonparametric tests Mann Whitney U Test (U) and Kruskal Wallis Test (KW) methods. As a result of the survey, it was seen that office workers have high levels of awareness about the concept of biophilic and its positive effects. As a result of the analysis, it was seen that the employees preferred the "natural light and plants" parameter of biophilic design more than the other parameters, but the "water" parameter was the least preferred parameter. Considering the whole survey data, it was concluded that biophilic design has a positive effect on the physical and mental health and work efficiency of the employees. Keywords: Biophilia concept, biophilic design, office spaces, employee health, work productivity