How can you create a biophilic design that is both functional and beautiful? (2024)

Before you start designing, you need to define your goals and objectives for your biophilic project. What are you trying to achieve? How do you want to feel in your space? How do you want to interact with nature? How do you want to support the environment? These questions will help you clarify your vision and guide your design choices.

Biophilic design is based on 14 patterns that are divided into three categories: nature in the space, natural analogues, and nature of the space. Nature in the space refers to direct contact with natural elements, such as plants, water, animals, or views. Natural analogues refer to indirect contact with nature, such as images, colors, shapes, or textures that evoke nature. Nature of the space refers to the spatial configuration and organization of the space, such as openness, complexity, or prospect and refuge. You can choose the patterns that best fit your goals and context, and combine them to create a holistic biophilic experience.

The materials and colors you use in your biophilic design can have a significant impact on your mood, comfort, and health. You should opt for natural, sustainable, and durable materials that reflect the local environment and culture, such as wood, stone, metal, or clay. You should also use colors that are inspired by nature, such as greens, blues, browns, or yellows, and avoid artificial or harsh colors that can create stress or fatigue.

Lighting and ventilation are essential aspects of biophilic design, as they affect your circadian rhythms, energy levels, and air quality. You should maximize the use of natural light and ventilation, by creating large windows, skylights, or openings that allow the sun and the breeze to enter your space. You should also use artificial lighting and ventilation that mimic the natural cycles and variations of light and air, such as dimmable lights, fans, or air purifiers.

Plants and water are the most obvious and effective ways to bring nature into your space. They can provide multiple benefits, such as improving your air quality, reducing your stress, increasing your productivity, and enhancing your aesthetics. You can integrate plants and water in various ways, such as creating green walls, vertical gardens, indoor ponds, fountains, or aquariums. You can also choose plants and water features that suit your climate, maintenance, and style.

After you finish your biophilic design, you should evaluate your results and see if they meet your goals and expectations. You can use different methods to measure the effects of your biophilic design, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or sensors. You can also ask for feedback from your users, clients, or visitors, and see how they feel and behave in your space. You can then use this information to improve your design or make adjustments if needed.

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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