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ACTIU Berbegal y Formas, S.A.
Back to the office: a sensory guide to redesigning workspaces

Back to the office: a sensory guide to redesigning workspaces

SEPTEMBER 2025 | 3 minutes

Returning to the office should not be a step backwards, but an opportunity to rethink spaces from the experience of people. Neuroarchitecture teaches us that environments have a direct impact on our brains and emotions. So what should the office we want to return to feel like?

The answer lies in the senses. A healthy and motivating office is one that positively stimulates what we see, hear, touch, smell and feel.

What we see: light and visual harmony

Sight is the main channel through which we perceive and process the office. That's why natural light is not just an aesthetic resource, but a biological necessity. Lighting directly influences our circadian rhythms, sleep quality and concentration during the working day.

Similarly, the colours in a space influence how we feel: calm tones in areas of concentration bring serenity, while more vibrant palettes in areas of creativity can activate energy and encourage teamwork. Visual order also plays a key role. Uncluttered spaces with a clean, coherent design reduce mental fatigue and help keep the focus on what's important.

Practical tip? Locate workstations near windows and supplement with biodynamic lighting.

What we hear: acoustic comfort

Sound is one of the most important factors affecting well-being in the office, although it often goes unnoticed. Excessive noise interrupts concentration and increases stress levels, which has a direct impact on productivity. To avoid this, it is advisable to design spaces that integrate acoustic solutions, such as absorbent panels or acoustic booths for calls, video conferences and greater privacy.

Practical tip? Alternate open collaboration areas with noise-protected spaces.

These measures make it possible to create quiet environments in focus areas, without renouncing more open and dynamic areas designed for collaboration. The acoustic balance makes the office a friendlier place, where every activity finds its proper place.

What we touch: ergonomics and natural textures

Touch is directly connected to our sense of comfort. Sitting on an ergonomic chair that adapts to the body, working at an adjustable table or resting your hands on pleasant surfaces completely changes the work experience.

Neuroarchitecture underlines the importance of these elements because they determine posture, movement and, consequently, long-term health. In addition, textures play an emotional role: warm materials such as wood, natural fabrics or soft finishes convey closeness and well-being. If, in addition, these materials are recycled or certified, the benefit is multiplied by adding sustainability and environmental responsibility to the physical experience.

What we smell: clean air and nature

Smell is a powerful sense, capable of evoking memories and emotions in seconds. In the office, ensuring good air quality is essential for health and productivity. Natural ventilation and purification systems help to maintain a clean, pollutant-free environment, improving concentration and reducing fatigue.

To this can be added soft aromas linked to nature, such as the freshness of plants or the smell of wood, which transmit calm and security. Introducing real vegetation into the space, in addition to improving the air, provides a positive stimulus that reinforces the connection with the natural environment.

What we feel: belonging and emotion

Beyond the physical senses, the office must generate an emotional experience that motivates people to return. Design inspired by the hospitality philosophy makes the space feel welcoming, like a place that cares for and values those who live there. Well-designed social spaces, break-out corners and meeting areas encourage spontaneous conversation and shared creativity, strengthening the bonds between teams.

And behind it all, sustainability becomes a common thread that connects employees to a greater purpose: to work in a place that not only thinks about their immediate well-being, but also about the future of the planet.