Biophilic design is a design philosophy aiming at connecting human beings with nature inside built-up living spaces contributing to improve wellbeing, productivity and sustainability. At a time when sustainable architecture and ecologic design are very relevant trends, biophilic design is an innovative approach that combines aesthetics, environmental ergonomics and a return to nature. The increasing interest towards these solutions integrated in sectors like architecture, interior design and urban planning develops from the need to live in spaces that are not only functional but also regenerating for mind and body.
Origin and theory of biophilic design
The origin of the biophilic concept from which biophilic design developed goes generally back to the ecologist Edward O. Wilson, who supported the idea that human beings have an innate desire to reconnect with nature. This concept has been further developed by pioneers like Stephen Kellert, who contributed to define the fundamental principles of biophilic design. In his idea, built-up spaces should include natural elements and reflect biological patterns and processes to create healthier and more valuable spaces.
According to the Biophilic Design Initiative and the International Living Future Institute, the principles of biophilic design include:
- A direct connection to nature: plants, water, natural light and other living elements inside or around the building.
- An indirect connection to nature: use of materials, textures and colors inspired by natural ecosystems.
- Spatial layout: organization of space to reproduce a natural environment, offering a feeling of protection and at the same time an opening to the outside.
These principles are demonstrated by many studies including different experiments carried out in offices and schools that show how sustainability combined with a “naturalistic” design can significantly improve the quality of life and productivity.
Benefits of biophilic design
Psychological wellbeing
One of the most significant contributions of biophilic design is reduction of stress and the improvement of psychological wellbeing. Many researches, including studies mentioned by academic reviews like the “Journal of Environmental Psychology” show that green spaces and natural elements can reduce the levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – and improve our mood. Adding plants, choosing natural colors and using natural light, create more comfortable spaces, helping people to feel better and more inspired.
Improving productivity
In the working world, it has been demonstrated that employees working in spaces inspired by ecological design and environmental ergonomics show an increase in concentration and cognitive performances. According to some studies, productivity levels increase by 15% in offices with plants and natural light compared to traditional working spaces without natural elements. This aspect refers to the so-called “regenerating effect” of the environment: nature and its elements help the brain to restore the attentive resource enhancing creativity and problem-solving capacity.
Physical benefits
In addition to psychological benefits, biophilic design plays a relevant role in improving indoor air quality, in making the temperature stable and in facilitating natural ventilation. These factors reduce exposure to polluting substances, improve sleep quality and can have a positive impact on blood pressure. Putting natural elements in closed spaces increases oxygenation levels and reduces excessive humidity ensuring a healthier and more comfortable environment.
Practical applications
Architecture and interior design
Several iconic projects embody the principles of biophilic design showing how it is possible to integrate natural elements into building living and working spaces. One example is the Bosco Verticale in Milan where trees and plants on balconies of the residential towers not only improve the appearance of the buildings, but it is also a sort of air filter against urban pollution contributing to increasing the wellbeing of residents.
In the same way, the project Gardens by the Bay in Singapore aims at creating a nature paradise in a highly populated urban context thanks to futuristic structures that enhance a rich biodiversity. These examples of sustainable architecture show that adding green spaces can be captivating from an aesthetic point of view and functional to healthy living.
Town planning
When it comes to town planning, biophilic design means adding parks, roof gardens and green corridors that connect different areas of the city improving mobility and fostering healthier life styles. Projects like the Eden Project in Cornwall (UK) are real research and conservation hubs, where nature is central to the design and to many educational activities dedicated to inhabitants and visitors. Statistical data show that cities that have well-planned green areas report lower stress levels and a reduced crime rate, offering a clear example of how a return to nature can have a positive impact on the community.
How to apply biophilic design
Practical advice
- Use of plants and greenery: insert house plants, vertical gardens or green roofs. The use of indoor plans improves not only the aesthetics of your house but it also improves air quality.
- Natural light: design interiors to maximize the entrance of sun light reducing the use of artificial lighting and improving the mood.
- Sustainable materials: choose natural materials like wood, stone or organic fibres that recall outdoor spaces and reduce environmental impact.
- Water and natural sounds: insert fountains, ponds or elements that reproduce natural sounds for a calming and relaxing effect.
- Patterns or shapes inspired by nature: use textures and geometric patterns that recall nature like a honeycomb effect or spirals.
How to combine these elements together
- Design with a multidisciplinary approach: involve professionals coming from different fields – architects, designers, botanists, environmental psychologists – to ensure a holistic result.
- Analysis of needs: analyze and evaluate the specific needs of users and of the context (urban context and climatic context) to choose the most effective solutions.
- Continuous monitoring and improvement: introduce systems measuring environment quality (air, light, humidity) and user satisfaction making it possible to evaluate the impact of the project and make changes.
To focus on these aspects, read the guidelines of the International Living Future Institute or the reports of the Biophilic Design Initiative that offer complete resources about how to approach sustainable design respecting the ecosystem.
Biophilic design is not only a modern trend of sustainable architecture and ecological design, but also a powerful tool to improve the quality of life. Increasing awareness towards sustainability and environmental ergonomics shows how vitality is to reconnect to nature, above all in highly populated urban contexts. Projects like Bosco Verticale, Gardens by the Bay and Eden Project are inspiring examples of how the integration of green areas in living spaces can contribute to reduce stress, increase productivity and concretely improve the living environment of our cities.
To encourage the application of biophilic design in one’s daily life – whether it concerns the organization of home spaces or the promotion of green building – means to implement a forward-looking approach that stresses a return to nature and the collective wellbeing. Getting inspired by the principles mentioned, communicating constantly with the scientific community and searching for innovative solutions are concrete steps towards creating spaces that make us feel well and in harmony with the ecosystem around us.
With a good dose of creativity, vision and sustainability biophilic design offers the opportunity of reorganising our spaces in an evolved way with concrete advantages for human beings and the whole environment.
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