Biophilic Design is the practice of connecting people with nature within our environments through Design.
The concept of Biophilia applied to Design celebrates the idea of harmony between Urbanism, Evolution, Technology, and the natural environment, which allows us to experience nature and feel part of it, even in the busiest cities.
Climate change, innovation, and the focus on well-being are some of the catalysts that accelerate the adoption of Biophilic Interior Design, proving that its impact goes beyond aesthetic qualities. In Biophilic Architecture, green infrastructures have the ability to reduce CO2 emissions, increase the biodiversity of plants and animals and even regulate the temperature of buildings.
Biophilic Design is thus born out of the need to provide people with the opportunity to live and work in healthy places that are less likely to generate stress. And, it seems safe to say that human beings’ innate affinity for nature will make Biophilia a standard if not a Trend in Interior Design that will last through time.
Key Principals of Biophilic Design
As the population grows and access to nature becomes less and even more difficult, incorporating natural elements into enclosed spaces becomes increasingly important to cultivate and maintain the connection between humans and nature.
In addition to the Interior Design Principles, Biophilic Design is organized into three categories, which allow the thoughtful incorporation of a variety of strategies that put its concepts into practice:
Nature In Space – addresses the direct, physical, and ephemeral presence of nature in a given location. It includes the presence of water, plant and animal life, as well as sounds, scents, and other natural elements. Common examples include potted plants, flower beds, water features, aquariums, fountains, indoor patio gardens, and green walls. In this category, the strongest experiences are achieved through visual, sensory, and thermal connections and the presence of light and water.
Natural Analogues – the representative presence of natural materials, patterns, artwork, colors and shapes incorporated into the building’s design, facade ornamentation, interior decoration and furniture. Each of these resources provides an indirect connection to nature, which, although real, are only analogous to the elements in their natural state.
Nature Of Space – refers to the spatial incorporation of elements found in nature, recreating the relationship between nature and people. When creating experiences through the complexity of the elements incorporated in the space, Biophilic Design must transmit well-being, comfort, serenity, and tranquility.
Within these categories, there are some aspects of Biophilic Design that allow the characterization of a space, such as:
What are the benefits of Biophilic Design?
In addition to being a sustainable type of design, the advantages for those who enjoy a Biophilic Interior Design are more evident. According to several studies that have been carried out, the health benefits positively affect cognitive functioning, which includes mental agility and memory, learning capacity, and logical and creative reasoning; psychological functioning, allowing greater levels of attention, concentration, emotion, and stress management, and general mood improvement; and yet the physiological response, which is also influenced, triggering muscle relaxation and a reduction of blood pressure and stress levels.
It is vital that a designer understands the intent behind the project. Whatever the Interior Design style, understanding what the space users’ health or performance priorities are is important for design adequacy.
To identify design strategies that restore wellness, the design team must know the health baseline, user needs, and customer demands, understanding how to improve their metrics.
Biophilic Interior Design Examples
Biophilic Design presents a set of flexible and replicable strategies aimed at improving the experience of users of a given space, which can be implemented under a variety of circumstances. As with lighting design, which for a classroom will differ from that for a spa, Biophilic Design interventions are based on the needs of a particular set of people using a particular space.
Images: Pinterest.
The Biophilic concept adjusts to any style of environment: minimalism fits perfectly into the sustainable aspect, as well as Brutalism which allows spaces to assume modular and functional forms and even Modern Design.
___
At Sabiina Design Atelier, our main goal is to create spaces suited to the client’s image, always bearing in mind the concepts of Sustainability and Well-Being.
Learn more about our premium services, follow us on social media and subscribe to our Newsletter to keep up with the latest news.
