What Is Biophilic Design?
Design For The Greater Good
What is this concept? (I hear you ask?)
Biophilic design is a design term used within the building industry, to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, space and place conditions.
With the ever-increasing reliance on technology and its constant evolution, people are increasingly finding themselves in search of a connection that aligns them with the benefits of nature. This human need is the driving force behind Biophilic Design which embraces the elements of nature and its intention of bringing the outside elements-inside.
From neutral earth tones , lush greens, teals and sea inspired colour palettes, to an abundance of plant-life placed throughout interior spaces. The utilisation of natural light, and natural materials such as wood, sea-grass, bamboo and tactile handmade accessories and materials that focus on touch and bring connection to a space that feels disconnected and dominated by technology.
Sustainable materials and unique handmade crafts have been taking centre stage in interior spaces, as the trend and demand leads towards how spaces make people engage and feel. The most relevant part about this design concept is the feeling of fluidity it evokes, totally relaxed, free flowing with the unique signature of the space user fully embraced. We are thinking this design concept is most certainly a keeper!!!
DID YOU KNOW?
The global impact of Biophilic design in the workplace, shows that workers in offices with natural elements such as greenery and sunlight: are 6% more productive, report 15% higher levels of well-being, are 15% more creative (*source: Human Spaces).
The biophilia hypothesis proposes that most humans have an innate love of nature—we long for it and without connecting with it, our health could suffer. So, biophilic design is an applied solution to appease this desire for nature by integrating natural elements and processes into the built environment.
Biophilic design can be implemented at the community, building, or small-project level. And if done right, the design should trigger a strong positive impact on our health and well-being.
The challenge? Clearly defining biophilic design and how people may or may not respond to its many opportunities. Many researchers have characterized biophilic design and identified what they believe make up a biophilic space. Two thought leaders (Stephen Kellert and Elizabeth Calabrese) recently categorized strategies into three major experiences: direct experience of nature, indirect experience of nature, and experience of space and place. In this blog, I’m going to focus on the first two experiences and how to bring biophilic design into any work environment.
