14 Patterns of Biophilic Design - Terrapin Bright Green (2024)

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Improving Health and Well-Being in the Built Environment

Read the report to understand the 14 patterns of biophilic design and how to apply them to improve health and wellbeing in the built environment. Click hereto read more aboutour biophilic design servicesor contact the Terrapin team to learnmoreby emailing us at [emailprotected].

Abstract

Biophilic design can reduce stress, enhance creativity and clarity of thought, improve our well-being and expedite healing; as the world population continues to urbanize, these qualities are ever more important. Theorists, research scientists, and design practitioners have been working for decades to define aspects of nature that most impact our satisfaction with the built environment. “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design” articulates the relationships between nature, human biology and the design of the built environment so that we may experience the human benefits of biophilia in our design applications.

Biophilia in Context looks at the evolution of biophilic design in architecture and planning and presents a framework for relating the human biological science and nature. Design Considerations explores a sampling of factors (e.g., scale, climate, user demographics) that may influence biophilic design decisions to bring greater clarity to why some interventions are replicable and why others may not be. The Patterns lays out a series of tools for understanding design opportunities, including the roots of the science behind each pattern, then metrics, strategies and considerations for how to use each pattern. This paper moves from research on biophilic responses to design application as a way to effectively enhance health and well-being for individuals and society.

Copyright & Commercial Use

This article is available to the general public without fee or other access control. Anyone may read this article or use it for their own personal or academic purposes. No commercial use of any kind is permitted unless specific permission is granted in writing in advance. The copyright of this article is by Terrapin Bright Green, LLC. The copyright of images is by cited photographers.

Suggested Citation

Browning, W.D., Ryan, C.O., & Clancy, J.O. (2014). 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design. New York: Terrapin Bright Green, LLC. https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/report/14-patterns/

Translations

14 Patterns of Biophilic Design is available in more than just English!We have partnered with architects, design leaders, and publication houses around the world to be able to share these professional translations. Please contact us if you are able to sponsor another effort that will reach more people through a language that’s not yet represented here.

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Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Biophilia in Context
    2.1Rediscovering the Intuitively Obvious
    2.2Defining Nature
    2.3Nature-Design Relationships
    2.4Nature-Health Relationships
  3. Biophilic Design Implementation
    3.1What is Good Biophilic Design
    3.2Planning for Implementation
    3.3Locally Appropriate Design
    3.4Design Integration
  4. Design Framework for Biophilic Design
    4.1 Nature in the Space
    4.2 Natural Analogues
    4.3 Nature of the Space
  5. Final Thoughts
  6. Appendix
14 Patterns of Biophilic Design - Terrapin Bright Green (2024)

FAQs

Who came up with the 14 patterns of biophilic design? ›

In 2014, Terrapin Bright Green published The 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design – Improving Health and Well-Being in the Built Environment. This white paper categorises the different relationships between natural elements and humans in the built environment.

What is biophilic design pdf? ›

Biophilic Design is a human centred approach aimed at improving our connection to nature and natural processes in the buildings that we live and work.

What are the main elements of biophilic design? ›

The Six Principles of Biophilic Design
  • Environmental Features.
  • Natural Shapes and Forms.
  • Natural Patterns and Processes.
  • Light and Space.
  • Place-Based Relationships.
  • Evolved Human-Nature Relationships.
  • Learn More About the Biophilic Design.
Aug 19, 2022

What are the 5 senses of biophilic design? ›

Biophilic design comprises the 5 senses; sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing.

Who created biophilic design? ›

Considered as one of the pioneers of biophilic design, Stephen Kellert has created a framework where nature in the built environment is used in a way that satisfies human needs – his principles are meant to celebrate and show respect for nature, and provide an enriching urban environment that is multisensory.

What is the psychology behind biophilic design? ›

Stress Reduction and Emotional Well-being

Modern life often inundates individuals with stressors. BiophiThe biophilic responds to this by introducing elements that evoke tranquility. Natural textures, soothing colors, and the presence of plants have been shown to reduce stress levels and elevate mood.

What is green building architecture? ›

green architecture, philosophy of architecture that advocates sustainable energy sources, the conservation of energy, the reuse and safety of building materials, and the siting of a building with consideration of its impact on the environment.

What is an example of biophilic design? ›

The Barbican Centre is one of the earliest and most famous examples of biophilic architecture. Opened in the 1980s as an estate in London, it's renowned for its striking, brutalist design. The bleak style of the Barbican is juxtaposed with the use of natural and artificial lakes and extensive wildlife.

What are natural shapes and forms in biophilic design? ›

The element of natural shapes and forms includes representations and simulations of the natural world on buildings, both internally and externally. This can include shapes, forms and patterns found in vegetation, trees and leaves, and motifs of animals and the structures they create such as hives and webs.

Who is a biophilic person? ›

love of living things and nature, which some people believe humans are born with: biophilia, the inborn affinity human beings have for other forms of life. She is also a believer in "biophilia," Edward O. Wilson's hypothesis that humans are innately and emotionally attracted to other living organisms.

What is biophilic design today? ›

Biophilic design focuses on elements of the natural world that, over evolutionary time, have advanced human health, fitness, and wellbeing. Biophilic design incorporates nature in a way that is connected, complementary, and integrated within the overall environment.

What is the aesthetic of biophilic design? ›

Thus, biophilic design introduces elements that appeal to all our senses: sight, but also smell, hearing, and touch… To enjoy relaxing sounds, fresh scents, in open spaces that offer a visual connection with nature.

Who are the pioneers of biophilic design? ›

But the term was first used by Erich Fromm, who surmised a psychological orientation to all that is alive and vital. Building upon this idea, Stephen Kellert, considered a pioneer of biophilic design, created a framework of principles that are used to this day. They involve direct and indirect experiences of nature.

Who came up with design patterns? ›

A design pattern is the re-usable form of a solution to a design problem. The idea was introduced by the architect Christopher Alexander and has been adapted for various other disciplines, particularly software engineering.

Who created the theory of biophilia? ›

The biophilia hypothesis is the belief that humans are genetically predisposed to be attracted to nature. It states that all humans inherently love the natural world. This idea that we are drawn to and need nature was first put forth by a man named Edward O. Wilson in his book, Biophilia, published in 1984.

Who proposed biophilia? ›

The word “biophilia” was coined twice independently by German psychologist Erich Fromm and American biologist E.O. Wilson.

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