Biophilic elements for employee well-being through extended reality solutions: creating digital plants

Biophilic design, which emphasizes integrating natural elements into built environments, is increasingly valued for its positive impact on workplace well-being and productivity. This study investigates how extended reality (XR) technologies can support biophilic design by incorporating digital representations of plants into immersive virtual and augmented workspaces. Central to this research is the evaluation of methods for generating realistic and adaptable digital plants suitable for XR integration, focusing on balancing visual quality, flexibility, and usability. Photogrammetry, a technique that creates detailed 3D models by combining photographs from multiple angles, is explored for its potential to quickly produce high-resolution digital plant assets. Despite its advantages, photogrammetry struggles with rendering fine details, such as delicate branches and leaves, limiting its effectiveness in XR settings. To address these shortcomings, the study compares photogrammetry with procedural modeling — a rapidly evolving approach supported by several tools. Procedural modeling offers enhanced precision, control, and adaptability, enabling dynamic, real-time modifications and interactions in virtual environments. The research highlights how technological innovations can advance biophilic design by enabling the seamless integration of natural elements into digital workspaces. Through comparative analysis, the paper identifies optimal strategies for creating immersive, well-being-focused environments that align with the principles of biophilic design. Ultimately, this study illustrates the potential of XR to transform workplace design by merging nature-inspired elements with cutting-edge digital tools, fostering environments that support both human and organizational productivity.