Becoming more open-minded

Through necessity, many of us have learned that ‘work’ really is where ‘we’ are, not the place we ‘go’ to. Perhaps many of us have discovered new kinds of productivity, new kinds of inspiration and even relaxation as a result.

We combine this with a new appreciation of our outdoor spaces as vital resources for our mental and physical well-being. Combining our working hours and leisure time in healthier and more conducive environments isn’t something we’re going to want to turn away from.

A survey for Blind, discovered a staggering 90% of members expected working away from a traditional office environment to continue after the pandemic.

Opening Up

None of this is news to social psychologists and health professionals. Harvard physician Eva Selhub, co-author of Your Brain On Nature states ‘a drop of nature is like a drop of morphine.’

‘Being outside stimulates reward neurons in your brain. It turns off the stress response which means you have lower cortisol levels, lower heart rate and blood pressure and improved immune response.’

Nor does it seem that we have to be outside for long; as little as 30 minutes can make all the difference. We all just need the opportunity and the amenities to get out there.

Open Planning

As more architects and developers are understanding the social importance of ‘green assets’ within their overall thinking, they are turning to landscape experts to realise their potential.

At Valley Provincial we’re always thinking about new, cost-effective ways of integrating conducive outdoor spaces into regeneration schemes.

Traditional garden spaces, patios and roof gardens, even working ‘green-desking’ outdoor workspaces into a building or planning scheme. The world might’ve been in ‘lockdown’ but that only means we will continue to value open spaces more than ever. We will create a new take on the traditional office environment.