Phylogenetic Design

Yesterday was interesting. I attended a CEU workshop on Phylogenetic Design. Phlognentic design is "Interior environments designed to evoke the essential features and qualities of preferred natural settings will enhance the creative and cognitive performance of the people who work in them." The more I heard about this topic, the more I became excited about the possiblities of designing positive work environments.

Many names have been used to describe the current era: the Information Age, the Age of Creativity and Knowledge, the Innovation Age, etc. Whatever you wish to call it, this era is undeniably fueled by the ability to apply knowledge in creative ways. (Hase, Heerwagen)

The "space planning" approach to designing work environments was appropriate during the last decades of the 20th century. The focus was on function and efficiency. Tasks were identified, and the space standards developed were appropriate to each worker performing a particular task. Workspaces were clustered together and placed in rows throughout the environment. The environmental legacy left from the Industrial Age was often a windowless, colorless sea of boxed-in workspaces with artificial lighting. Here workers could focus on the "task," performed in sensory deprivation. It is clear that if organizations are now focusing on creativity and innovation, a new approach to workplace design must be applied. (Hase, Heerwagen)

Nature and the natural habitats that our hunter/ gatherer ancestors sought out, the habitats in which our species evolved, hold the key to a new model for workplace design. Nature can reduce mental fatigue, restore us, and promote our well-being. Natural habitats surround us with a rich and complex visual language that continuously stimulates our senses. (Hase, Heerwagen)

Our relationship to nature is profoundly rooted in our instinctual need to be both protected and have sustaining opportunities. Aesthetic experience appears to be tied to our evolutionary development and preference for natural environments that aided survival and well-being. Our hunter/gatherer ancestors searched for the perfect geography. Pioneers crossed America to locate a perfect place to homestead. Today we seek housing in particular areas that suit our particular needs as well as our desire to be protected and have sustaining opportunities. (Hase, Heerwagen)

The challenge becomes to interpret the features in natural habitats that nurture us emotionally, inspire us intellectually, and help us think creatively. (Hase, Heerwagen)

A few phylogenetic design ideas
In a natural habitat, refuge may be found in small, secluded spots with overhead tree canopies instilling a sense of protection. This can be achieved in a workplace by providing a number of small rooms where one can go to read, reflect, and perform solo work without distractions. These areas can be small hideaways tucked in various places out of the main flow of work traffic. Providing individual workspaces with adjustable enclosures and overhead fabric canopies can also provide a sense of refuge. Architecturally dropping ceilings or soff its in some areas can create a sense of coziness and protection.

Distant and expanded vistas and pathways are some of the prospect features found in natural habitats. Open areas that allow a visual perspective around entrances and exits, coffee bars, libraries, business support centers, and other common areas will provide a sense of prospect. Visual interest is aided by non-linear patterns within the workplace that direct work traffic around shared resources. Workers need to easily meander through the environment to access technology, people, and other resources. Dark hallways and corridors can be alarming. Proper lighting will help create a feeling of safe passage from one place to another. Natural lighting through window walls or skylights is always desirable.

Phylogenetic Design is a term coined by Herman Miller. If you ever find yourself in Holland Michigan, drop by their greenhouse for a tour.