Biophilic Design in Open-Air Workspaces: Extending the Outdoors into September
By Raimondi Horticultural Group, Inc
As summer transitions into fall, the cooler temperatures and crisp air offer an ideal opportunity to continue leveraging the benefits of open-air workspaces. Forward-thinking companies are increasingly embracing biophilic design to connect employees with nature and enhance well-being. September, with its mild weather and vibrant seasonal changes, presents the perfect window to extend these wellness-focused environments well into the new season.
By integrating workplace landscaping with biophilic principles, businesses can create inspiring, restorative spaces that support employee wellness, encourage productivity, and reinforce brand values. At Raimondi Horticultural Group, we help commercial properties design and maintain outdoor workspaces that evolve with the seasons—ensuring they remain functional, beautiful, and sustainable year-round.
Why Biophilic Design Matters for Outdoor Workspaces
Biophilic design is more than a buzzword. It’s a science-backed approach that integrates natural elements into built environments to support health and performance. In outdoor workspaces, this means incorporating plants, natural materials, light, airflow, and organic shapes into places where people work, collaborate, or take breaks.
When applied thoughtfully, biophilic design:
Reduces stress and mental fatigue
Boosts creativity and focus
Encourages movement and social interaction
Improves mood and job satisfaction
These benefits are amplified in outdoor environments, where exposure to fresh air and natural light complements the physiological advantages of interacting with greenery.
September: A Sweet Spot for Outdoor Workspaces
September marks a sweet spot in the calendar—temperatures are cooler, the air is drier, and the landscape begins its seasonal transformation. It’s a prime time for organizations to make the most of their outdoor areas before the arrival of winter.
Unlike peak summer months, September offers:
Comfortable daytime temperatures for outdoor meetings and breaks
Reduced sun exposure risk with natural shading
Opportunities to enjoy transitional season landscaping, such as ornamental grasses and late-blooming perennials
Enhanced air quality and scenic beauty that support employee engagement
Rather than winding down outdoor spaces in September, smart companies use this month to transition gracefully into autumn while maintaining the energy and wellness benefits of outdoor work.
Designing Open-Air Workspaces for the Fall Transition
To successfully extend the usability of outdoor workspaces into September and beyond, several key design elements must be considered:
1. Weather-Appropriate Furnishings
Comfortable, durable furniture that can withstand early fall conditions is essential. Include seating with cushions designed for cooler weather, modular worktables that adapt to different group sizes, and umbrellas or pergolas for shade and protection from early seasonal changes.
Adding windbreaks—like planter walls, trellises with climbing vines, or privacy screens—can help regulate temperature and increase comfort.
2. Layered Planting for Seasonal Interest
A well-designed landscape evolves with the seasons. In September, swap out tired summer annuals for flowering plants that thrive in cooler weather—like asters, sedum, and ornamental peppers. Introduce graceful grasses and planters with rich tones to reflect the natural transition toward autumn.
Using layered plantings around workspaces not only beautifies the area but also improves acoustics and provides a sense of enclosure, making the space feel more like a natural room.
3. Incorporating Nature-Based Shade and Shelter
Tree canopies, climbing vines on trellises, and pergola structures wrapped in green walls or container plants all serve to shield employees from the sun and wind while reinforcing the connection to nature. These biophilic features make the space more inviting and functional throughout the day.
Raimondi HG specializes in integrating these structural and botanical elements into existing outdoor footprints—transforming patios, rooftop areas, and courtyards into vibrant, adaptable workspaces.
4. Enhanced Lighting for Shorter Days
As daylight hours begin to shorten in September, strategic lighting becomes more important. Use low-voltage, energy-efficient landscape lighting to maintain functionality into the early evening. Warm, soft light enhances ambiance while supporting safety and visibility.
Incorporating lighting that highlights natural textures—like wood, stone, and foliage—helps preserve the biophilic experience after sunset.
5. Seasonal Maintenance for Longevity
Outdoor workspaces require seasonal maintenance to remain attractive and usable. Fall leaf removal, pruning, mulching, and plant rotation are all essential to keep spaces tidy and thriving. Containers and raised beds should be inspected and refreshed with fall-appropriate plantings to ensure color and interest persist.
Raimondi HG provides full-service commercial landscape maintenance, including seasonal transitions, planter updates, and long-term landscape strategy to keep your exterior assets performing.
Supporting Employee Wellness in Outdoor Settings
Open-air workspaces enhance employee wellness by offering a change of scenery, access to fresh air, and space to decompress between tasks. Whether it’s a quiet corner with leafy planters or a group area with shaded tables, the opportunity to step outside and reset is invaluable.
In September, adding cozy elements like throw blankets, fire pits, or heaters can extend usability while promoting comfort and camaraderie. These simple touches encourage outdoor use even on cooler mornings or breezy afternoons.
A Reflection of Your Company’s Values
Outdoor workspaces speak volumes about company culture. They reflect a commitment to employee well-being, environmental awareness, and design-forward thinking. By investing in these areas, businesses create memorable experiences that differentiate their brand, attract talent, and reinforce values of sustainability and innovation.
Raimondi HG partners with companies to bring these values to life through curated landscape design and biophilic planning. Whether updating an existing terrace or creating a new outdoor work area, our team ensures every element supports both aesthetic appeal and wellness outcomes.
The Time to Act Is Now
Too often, businesses miss the opportunity to fully utilize their outdoor spaces during the transitional seasons. September is not a wind-down month—it’s a launchpad for creative landscape updates, deeper employee engagement, and smarter use of available resources.
With proactive design, the right plant materials, and expert maintenance, your open-air workspace can thrive well into the fall—and position your property as a leader in health-centered, biophilic business design.
Let Nature Boost Your Workplace
Want to extend your outdoor workspace into fall with smart biophilic design and professional landscaping? Call Raimondi Horticultural Group at (201) 445-1299 today to schedule a consultation. Let’s transform your exterior into a vibrant, wellness-focused asset—designed to thrive through September and beyond.
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