Biophilic designis an innovative approach in the architectural design and interior design fields that strives to bring building occupants closer to nature. It utilizes natural elements for increased well-being, health, and productivity in the built environment.

Key Principles of Biophilic Design

Direct Nature Contact:

• Natural Light: Introduction of natural light through the use of windows, skylights, and light wells
• Views of Nature: The provision of views of natural landscapes, water bodies, or green spaces
• Water Features: The inclusions of water elements: fountains, aquariums, or ponds
• Vegetation: The use of plants, green walls, and indoor gardens

Indirect Nature Contact:

• Natural Materials: The use of wood, stone, bamboo, and other natural materials in construction and decor
• Natural Patterns and Forms: Spaces mimic shapes and patterns occurring in nature, such as fractals or leaf motifs
• Natural Colors: A palette derived from natural landscapes: greens, blues, and earthy tones

Spatial Configurations:

• Prospect and Refuge: The combination of openness (prospect) with a sense of protection and enclosure (refuge)
• Complexity and Order: Environments that balance the presence of overwhelming richness with order, similar to natural ecosystems
• Biomorphic Forms: shapes and forms that are akin to natural organisms and ecosystems

Biophilic Design Benefits

Well-being:

• Being exposed to natural elements can have a reducing effect on stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood
• When spaces incorporate biophilic design principles, they are often more calming and restorative

Productivity:

• Natural light and views are known to boost focus and creativity and even increase workplace productivity
• Incorporating natural elements can reduce absenteeism and increase job satisfaction

Health:

• Access to natural light and ventilation can reduce the incidence of illnesses and improve respiratory health
• Indoor plants can improve air quality by lessening pollutants and increasing humidity

Sustainable Design:

Biophilic design is often integrated with sustainable building practices to improve energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable resources

Biophilic Design Examples

Amazon Spheres, Seattle:

These spaces are designed to simulate greenhouses with over 40000 plants from 400 different species across the globe. It is a natural and lavish space for the employees of Amazon that evokes their creativity and a sense of relaxation.

Changi Airport, Singapore

The Changi airport has a lot of indoor gardens, waterfalls, and natural light created for being a soothing and refreshing experience for travellers.

Pasona Urban Farm, Tokyo

The entire Architecture and Interior Design office building is designed to have the components of urban farming, where employees work in an agricultural field in their daily work environment. The design is conducive to the well-being and the sustainability of the individuals working in such an environment.

How to Put Biophilic Design

Assessment and Planning

• Assess the existing space and look for spaces to incorporate biophilic design components.
• Interact with stakeholders to understand their needs and desires.

Design and Integration

• Co-operation with professional architects, interior designers and landscape designers who will help include these natural elements seamlessly.
• Technology that will help to mimic natural light, control ventilation and maintain indoor plants

Maintenance and Adaptation

• Regular maintenance and upkeep of the plants, water features and other natural elements.
• Constant adaptation and updating of the space and its components based on the feedback of the users and changing needs

Biophilic design is a holistic approach that, along with improving the aesthetic appeal of spaces, increases the quality of life of its users. It is a step towards more human-centric modern architecture.