Today, Biophilic Design in Vietnamese workplaces is no longer considered a “new trend.” It has become widely recognized, yet not always fully understood or systematically implemented. To truly grasp the essence of this design approach, we must return to a timeless question: What do people need in order to feel comfortable, focused, and balanced within an enclosed environment?

1. What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic Design is a spatial design approach that reconnects people with nature by integrating natural elements such as daylight, greenery, materials, airflow, and sound into the working environment.

Its true essence does not lie in decoration, but in the way light changes throughout the day, how air circulates naturally, and how materials evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity.

Biophilic Design is not simply about bringing nature into the office — it is about designing natural experiences into the way people work.

2. The Story of “Greening” Workspaces in Vietnam

Globally, studies on the relationship between humans and nature have existed for decades. However, it was only within the past decade that Biophilic Design began to be systematically developed and widely applied in architecture, particularly within workplace environments.

In Vietnam, this approach gained increasing attention between 2015 and 2020, and became significantly more prevalent following the pandemic, when employee physical and mental well-being emerged as a greater priority for businesses.

Today, it is easy to encounter offices enriched with greenery, layouts that maximize natural daylight, and materials selected for their environmental friendliness. Biophilic Design has become a familiar choice across many workplace projects.

3. However, “familiar” does not necessarily mean “properly implemented.”

When “Green Design” Is Oversimplified

From another perspective, the rapid popularity of Biophilic Design has also led to incomplete interpretations. In some cases, “green design” is reduced to simply adding as many plants or natural elements as possible.

In reality, the opposite may be true. A workspace filled with greenery does not automatically create a comfortable experience if:
• Lighting is poorly planned
• Air circulation is insufficient
• Maintenance and operational considerations are not carefully integrated to ensure long-term comfort and usability

When introduced into a space without thoughtful consideration, natural elements can become counterproductive rather than beneficial.

4. Understanding It Correctly to Apply It Meaningfully

The true value of Biophilic Design lies in how people experience the space.

An office can still feel calming and restorative even without an abundance of greenery when:
• Lighting is aligned with human circadian rhythms: Adjustable lighting systems and layered illumination are used to complement natural daylight.
• The space includes intentional “breathing zones”: Wider circulation paths or transitional areas designed for short breaks and relaxation.
• Materials create warmth and familiarity: Wood instead of polished industrial stone, fabric instead of rigid plastic surfaces.
• People maintain a natural connection with their surroundings: Glass partitions maximize openness and visibility, while breakout areas near windows take advantage of views toward greenery and outdoor landscapes.

5. How Does APES Bring Biophilic Design into the Workplace?

(Esoft Vietnam Office, Photo source: Thien Thach Photo – Nguyen Thai Thach)

At APES, our goal is to integrate nature into workplace environments as naturally and seamlessly as possible. Balancing lighting conditions, spatial atmosphere, and uninterrupted workflow remains one of our team’s highest priorities.

(Industrial and Commercial Bank of China – Hanoi Branch, Photo source: Thien Thach Photo – Nguyen Thai Thach)

For APES, Biophilic Design is not merely about introducing greenery or natural elements into a space. It is a holistic experience-driven approach — one where people are connected with nature in the most natural and sustainable way possible.

This approach is also intentionally neutral: not trend-driven, not overly decorative, but rooted in listening carefully to each workspace and each business in order to develop the most suitable solution.

In today’s market, a significant shift is becoming increasingly apparent: from simply “having green elements” as a symbolic feature, toward “understanding and applying green principles systematically” — where every detail serves a purpose and contributes to the overall operational performance of the workspace.

Natural elements are no longer treated as decorative layers; they are becoming an integral part of long-term workplace strategy.

This evolution also places clearer demands on businesses: design can no longer be separated from operations. An effective workspace must be built upon a balance between natural elements and local climate conditions, between aesthetics and functionality, and between emotional comfort and the practical needs of the people using the space.

Only then can Biophilic Design truly realize its value — not simply as “green design,” but as greenery applied thoughtfully, purposefully, and meaningfully.