The design world keeps changing as we emerge from the pandemic.

When it comes to workplace design, now more than ever, we should consider what the environment is doing to the brain, how each human brain is different, and how we use that to help people to be healthier and more productive.

How can designers make sure we not only keep up with a changing world, but also adapt and prosper within it?

Ultimately, the goal of an interior work environment is to facilitate excellent productivity and engage the occupants in meaningful ways.

One way to do that is by designing spaces that activate the 5 basic senses: sight, sound, touch, smell and taste.

The senses forge memories. The senses define our movement through space. The senses merge and mingle. The senses create unique experiences and ideas for each of us.

It’s why we love being out in nature, with its endless variation of sights and sounds. Nature is not only a sensory heaven, it’s also mentally and physically restorative.

And given that we spend 90% of our time indoors, designers have a responsibility to make our spaces just as stimulating.

Easier said than done, but there are certainly a few ways that we can bring the outside in and give your senses something to play with.

1. Sight

The most obvious sense we take care of with interior design is sight. The right design should be soothing for the eyes.

Colours, textures and light all play an important part if we are looking to feed this sense.

Biophilic design provides a framework for creating positive spaces that bring nature and natural environments into the work space.

From colours reminiscent to the natural world, to natural materials, biomorphic shapes and better access to daylight, this approach is guaranteed to help support general cognitive wellbeing.

For instance, the use of more natural light rather than harsh overhead lights can boost concentration, reduce eye strain and generally improve the mood of employees.

2. Sound

It can take 23 mins to return to a task after being distracted, and one of the most common distractions in the workplace is noise pollution.

While sounds are great for creating a certain mood at home, in the workplace, sometimes the absence of noise is equally valuable.

Luckily there are ways that we can control noise levels to create that atmospheric buzz where it’s required, and separate off zones that require more focused and quiet independent work.

For example, an area with lots of texture and acoustic features is quieter than an open plan space with glossy surfaces.

Simple ideas such as providing acoustic privacy screens; designing booths to minimise disruption; or positioning staff tactically in relation to major routes or services like restrooms or café areas should all be taken into consideration.

3.Touch

We often want an office that looks good, but what about an office that feels good?

Touch might not be the first sense that you would think of when you design an office, but it is definitely one that you should consider.

Fabrics and textures can invite someone to sit and send good vibes throughout an environment.

For example, hard surfaces can make a space feel cold and sterile, while soft textures can make an office feel warm and inviting.

Factors like choosing a hardwood versus soft carpeting, or the type of fabric used for a sofa play a major role in the tactile experience someone has in their surroundings.

Textures and materials that feel good are always in style.

We see velvet coming back in rich, deep shades and fixtures showing up in shapes and materials that are pleasing to the touch.

We recommend you to look for natural, sustainable fabrics – they will bring positive energy to your office space.

4.Smell

Smell is the sense most strongly linked to memory and is responsible for up to 75% of the emotions we generate on a daily basis.

Therefore, scents can evoke an emotional response that is connected to our conscious memory.

It is crucial that we consider the sense of smell when we design workplaces that not only inspire, but also create a positive association between a space and its occupiers.

As designers, we need to strategically plan a space in advance and take into consideration proximity of food and work zones, as well as any smellscapes.

In an office design, we can introduce scent through plants, flowers, air purifiers or even just access to good old fresh air from an open window. Researchers also explained how particular scents such as lemon, peppermint and coffee can be beneficial in workplaces.

5.Taste

You might be wondering ‘how is an office supposed to appeal to our sense of taste?’

One simple solution is strategically planned café areas and lunch spaces. These areas will draw employees together to boost collaboration, work and relaxation over a cuppa.

Matthias Borowski (who graduated from design academy Eindhoven) draws inspiration from the textures and colours of food, and uses these as a basis for a fresh new take on materials.

Borowski is known for his furniture pieces that disguise classic building materials to look like giant sweets. For example, wood cast in concrete appears like nougat and plastics ooze from his work like jelly.

Now, how cool is that?

Conclusion

A multisensory approach to design is critical in supporting the physiological and psychological needs of those who occupy the spaces we create.

Whether we’re looking to engage sight, sound, touch, smell or taste, the end-goal should always be to welcome users into a comfortable and aesthetic environment that was designed with their physical and mental wellbeing in mind.