A friend of mine just forwarded to me this slideshow
depicting "green" roofs and, more interestingly, outdoor office spaces.
"Huh," you say? Checking emails and holding conference calls in the midst of fresh air and foliage?
Yep. Recently on display at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show, the Rooftop Workplace of Tomorrow combines "green" roof technology with outdoor living.
Chances are you've run into a "green" roof or a rooftop garden. Here in downtown San Francisco we have quite a few that are open to the public, providing a lovely little lunchtime respite when the weather is just right.
But never have I considered the possibility of a garden workplace—an outdoor area designated for actual 9-5 work, complete with desks and conference tables. Sounds luxurious, I'm sure, but there are also important benefits in increased worker productivity and well-being.
Think of it this way: The built environment to humans is much like the zoo is to wild animals. In other words, the natural environment is our natural habitat, and to flourish we need consistent access to it. Take us out of it, and we decline. In fact, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a significant catalog of research pointing to this important connection.
Could your office contrive such a thing? Could create such a space at home? More importantly, are you regularly engaging with our natural habitat? Even for just a quick, mid-day lull?
June 5, 2012 8:19 AM | Reply
Meh. I couldn’t work in such an environment. The idea of desks and working spaces outside sounds a bit creepy and unsettling. I enjoy working in an enclosed space in a climate controlled building. No sun beating down on you…no rain to short circuit your computer or turn your inbox into a pile of soggy mush…no battling bees or yellow jackets for the open container of yogurt or that donut sitting in your desk…no finding bird surprises on your shoulder during a conference call. Keep the trees, flowers, and chirping birds where they belong…outside!
June 13, 2012 4:06 PM | Reply
Back in the late 1990's when I was a manager I would hold my staff meetings at the picnic table outside the office instead of in a stuffy conference room, guess I was on the right track?