How biophilia boosts productivity at Piramal’s new Mumbai office

Experts opine that a biophilic design impacts productivity, creativity and collaboration.

The hypothesis that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life stands true in various aspects. Biologist, Edward O. Wilson, defines biophilia as “the urge to affiliate with other forms of life”, but what could it possibly mean for the workplace? Office design experts assert that a biophilic design impacts productivity, creativity and collaboration in the workplace. Studies have shown that humans prefer natural settings more than built-up areas.

Keeping that in mind, Piramal Enterprises designed its new office, Ananta, in Mumbai. Vikram Bector, group chief human resources officer, Piramal Enterprises, tells us, “There is a strong link between sunlight, fresh air and human productivity, and we have leveraged that understanding in designing our new office.” Bector shares that one cannot just discount the power of sufficient supply of oxygen in an environment, and considering that, their new office has over 6000 plants placed strategically across the floors.

The new office design promotes collaboration, efficiency, well-being and a flat hierarchy, which is why we have workspaces, such that every employee has equal access to sunlight.

“The new office design promotes collaboration, efficiency, well-being and a flat hierarchy, which is why we have workspaces, such that every employee has equal access to sunlight,” he adds. To enable a collaborative workspace, in addition to ample meeting rooms and open spaces, the office features unique workstations where an employee can accommodate one more person apart from himself.

There is a strong link between sunlight, fresh air and human productivity, and we have leveraged that understanding in designing our new office.

In the wake of rapidly spreading urbanisation, organisations are working out a great deal in increasing productivity by bringing in elements that allow indirect connection with nature, through interior designs using natural elements, nature-resembling colours and patterns, indoor plants and views of greenery. It enables people to maintain positivity and well being by providing them respite from their day-to-day activities and helping them mentally recover from work stress.

The three floors have a total of 63 meeting rooms to allow people to meet, discuss and collaborate without having to worry about space. “Booking meeting rooms has always been a tedious task for many and that would at times discourage people from even meeting in person. With so many meeting rooms now, people can collaborate at ease,” Bector says.

The interiors are designed to resemble a village spread around a large central square with smaller street squares or nodes allowing people to meet conveniently. 

With a capacity of over 700 seats, the office has an open design. The interiors are designed to resemble a village spread around a large central square with smaller street squares or nodes allowing people to meet conveniently. Also, considering the fact that many people have to undergo a long and arduous commute to reach their workplace in Mumbai, Piramals’s new office has ample resting spaces and shower rooms. Last but not the least, the office also offers crèche facilities and provision for food.

With lots of greenery, comfortable workspaces, a blend of modern artsy and colourful décor and natural elements complimenting the same, Piramal’s new office is certainly well thought out and truly an employee’s delight.