Biophilia and work, Cogedim offers Groupama a tertiary building that inspires well-being

“Biophilia”, this somewhat barbaric term, it does not perhaps evoke much. Yet, biophilia is indeed, more and more present in our lives. In the construction sector, biophilia is at the heart of projects real estate. Indeed, biophilia is actually a certain architectural design that aims to reconnect nature within projects. Thus, the buildings welcome natural elements or that promote the development of nature.

In Mérignac, the real estate developer Cogedim will install a building following this principle. Indeed, the tertiary building planned for Groupama is directly inspired by biphilic principles. The objective is to bring nature to life in the heart of the building in order to promote biodiversity but also the well-being of the occupants in their work. It must be said that a biphilic building would have positive impacts at different scales. To make this project possible, Cogedim relies on the skills and know-how of various actors in the sector. Here is a complete project with multiple positive spin-offs that is just about to see the light of day in the Bordeaux region.

Why introduce biophilia into workspaces?

Thus, the next building of Cogedim in Mérignac is part of the biophile principle. In addition, the building is also part of the green fabric of Innolin Park. It will be located in the heart of Beaudésert Park classified as a “wooded area to be preserved”. It is a tertiary building that will bring together all the Bordeaux teams of the Groupama Group.

To master biophilic principles, Cogedim called on an ecologist. The latter carried out an audit on existing biodiversity. Indeed, the biophilic approach consists in taking into account the close link that connects people to nature. Thus, when we add this dimension to constructions, buildings think of themselves very differently. Their shapes change, the materials are natural, access to natural light changes and plant species green the project. Cogedim’s new project for Groupama has thus been conceived. On the other hand, if biophilic constructions have a positive impact on nature, there are other repercussions.

Indeed, according to a study carried out by Human Space, biophilia integrated into workspaces would have many positive repercussions on men. Cary Cooper, professor of organizational psychology and health at Lancaster University, looked into the subject to take stock. It assumes that the working environment is an element that impacts the well-being of employees and their performance. The vision of well-being at work today seems to be broadening beyond the simple question of profit and productivity. Rather, we witness a search for meaning at the heart of the activities in order to feel good and therefore to be efficient. Thus, more and more companies are taking part in this questioning with a broad vision of work and its place in the lives of employees.

Nature intervenes centrally in the debate. Indeed, a common objective is emerging. It’s about escaping from concrete and having a better working environment. The city no longer has so much coast, men want to reconnect with nature. By becoming aware of the psychological effects of the workplace and this need for meaning, companies can now think about biophilia.

The study reveals that the introduction of natural elements into workspaces values creativity, motivation, production and well-being. According to 30% of the employers surveyed as part of the study the “sustainable” style is the most inspiring and exciting. On the other hand, the study also shows higher productivity levels of 13% and 8% for European employees who work in spaces with natural elements. Thus, it turns out that workspaces that follow biophilic principles have real potential. Indeed, they would increase creativity, productivity and well-being. In this sense, Cogedim, launches into the biophile principle with its building for Groupama

The final projection of the biophilic building of Cogedim for Groupama. Illustration: Hubert Godet Architects

The biphilic building of Cogedim, a perfect balance between nature and well-being

The biophilic building of Cogedim required many skills and know-how. For this, the developer has supervised itself in particular by Sinteo, AMO Environnement – Hubert Godet Architectes (HGA) – Otéis, design office / MOE of execution and Spie batignolles sud-ouest, builder. Spie Batignolles will notably carry out the field preparation work. Following this, it will proceed to the development of the spaces around the buildings. The positive synergies between the different actors of the project will give rise to a building that blends into nature.

Indeed, the biophilic building consists of a green roof of 2,500 square meters that will house local and nourishing species for fauna and flora. Nest boxes will also be present to shelter the birds. On the other hand, lighting does not must not disrupt biodiversity. By respecting the Black Frame, the lights come to hatch towards the ground and not towards the sky.

The parking lot of the building will be in a silo because of the presence of water in the floors. This type of construction allows a less significant environmental impact. In order to better integrate the car park into the natural landscape, climbing plants will be planted to cover the façade. A vegetal fence will also allow the crossing between the outside and the inside. Inaddition, a refuge area has been created with an ecological pond to secure the fauna of the site during the works. In addition, for outdoor furniture, the design of the elements is made only with local wood.

Thus, the site has been the subject of a site charter with low environmental impact. The latter was signed by all the actors of the site. This charter also aims to reduce visual and noise pollution as much as possible. It should also make it possible to recover 90% of the site’s waste. Therefore, the project leaves absolutely nothing to chance during all stages. This is an ambitious project for the Cogedim Group but also for Groupama. Indeed, Groupama, also marks its commitments through this new building whose delivery is scheduled for late 2021 early 2022.

Sources:

“Construction of a large-scale biophilic-inspired building in the Innolin park of Mérignac” Spie Batignolles, press release of June 1, 2021
Impact of biophilic design in workspaces” Human space report

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