Dive Brief:

Geek Wire reports that office design has been based on buildings first and people second. Design that puts people first can create work environments that make employees more comfortable, creative, productive and generally happier.

It's not the first time researchers have recommended experimenting with color in the workplace. One London-based research firm studied the working habits of so-called "thinking" workers in order to determine the effects of workplace stimuli. Among their findings? Cool colors and LED lights can improve alertness, and scents like lavender and jasmine can produce a calming effect.

The trend toward open, wall-free workspaces doesnt accommodate the workstyles of all employees. Hacker Moon reported on an anonymous study of 1,000 high-performing employees, many of whom are problem-solvers. The results showed that these workers reject open workspacesand instead prefer private, calm spaces where they can concentrate.

Also, as Geek Wire reported, Edward O. Wilson, Harvard University biologist and researcher, said that people are naturally attracted to open spaces.But in nature, if a predator threatens, or if in the workplace a conference call is too loud, people will retreat to a smaller, safer or quieter space.

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Architects look to neuroscience to create happier, less distracting offices - HR Dive