Nature scents?

Yildirim and colleagues gathered data in multisensory virtual reality simulations of an actual workplace: “the multisensory biophilic workplace significantly improved cognitive performance, reduced stress levels, and enhanced mood states compared to the non-biophilic one. There was a statistically significant association between the sense of smell and restorative benefits. Although visual elements emerged as the primary means of creating restorative workplace environments, our results suggest that the sense of smell plays a significant role in the restoration process.” Biophilic areas contained “indoor and outdoor greenery, dynamic lighting, natural colours and materials, biomorphic forms, and nature-inspired photographs, to depict the conditions of the multisensory biophilic scenario.” The scent used included several odors found in nature, including the smells of the beach/oceans, forests, grasses/flowers, citrus plants, and wood. Nature sounds (such as, birds singing, ocean waves, rustling vegetation) were included in the biophilic condition; in the non-biophilic one typical office sounds, such as conversations and printers operating, were featured. Users could select from among several choices for each biophilic design element. The researchers recommend aligning scents with planned activities; “energizing scents (e.g., peppermint, rosemary, citrus) can be utilized in places that require creativity, critical thinking or problem-solving, whereas calming scents (e.g., lavender, jasmine, clary sage) can be used in spaces designated for rest, relaxation, or focus.”
Muhammed Yildirim, Anastasia Globa, Ozgur Gocer, and Arianna Brambilla. “Multisensory Nature Exposure in the Workplace: Exploring the Restorative Benefits of Smell Experiences.” Building and Environment, in press, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111841