What is biophilic architecture and how it works (2024)

FAQs

What is biophilic architecture and how does it work? ›

Biophilic design is an approach to architecture that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature. Biophilic designed buildings incorporate things like natural lighting and ventilation, natural landscape features and other elements for creating a more productive and healthy built environment for people.

Incorporating direct or indirect elements of nature into the built environment have been demonstrated through research to reduce stress, blood pressure levels and heart rates, whilst increasing productivity, creativity and self reported rates of well-being.

Biophilia focuses on human's attraction to nature and natural processes. It suggests that we all have a genetic connection to the natural world built up through hundreds of thousands of years of living in natural environments, and that it can help improve our mental and physical states.

Biophilic design principles are generally organised into three categories: nature in the space, nature of the space, and natural analogues. Nature in the space refers to the direct presence of nature and often includes multi-sensory interactions.

If not properly maintained, natural elements can become unsightly or even hazardous. Allergies: For some employees, exposure to natural elements such as plants or flowers can trigger allergies or other health issues. Space limitations: Biophilic design may not be practical for all workspaces.

Biophilic design comprises the 5 senses; sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing. The ultimate goal is to use these in conjunction with each other to create a space which reenergises its occupants and allows for maximum return on investment.

Biophilic design has been found to support cognitive function, physical health, and psychological well-being. Biophilia is defined as the innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings.

Adding plants to your space is a great first step, but there's much more to biophilia than just greenery—natural shapes, soft tones, and green building material choices are all ways to honor mother nature while reaping your own benefits from a closeness to the natural world.

Key Principles of Biophilic Design:

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.

Common materials used might include FSC wood, bamboo, linen, cork, and ceramic, which all assist in shaping a biophilic design by using natural colors and textures.

What companies have biophilic design? ›

Large companies like Etsy, Airbnb, Microsoft, and Amazon are going beyond the occasional desk plant and are bringing green office design to a new standard.

Biophilia is increasingly recognised as an important element in building design for creating spaces that support health and wellbeing. Luckily, biophilic design does not require extensive or expensive interventions to have an impact.

Although there is little doubt that biophilia has an evolutionary origin, some researchers disagree that the attraction that humans feel for Nature has become fixed over the course of its evolution and criticize the evolutionary interpretation of biophilia (Joye and De Block, 2011; Joye and Van den Berg, 2011; Haga et ...

Biophilic design is an applied science aimed at planning artificial spaces that reflect "Biophilia", the innate tendency of human beings to seek connections with Nature [5]. ... ... They improve the air we breathe, enhancing our well-being and comfort while creating a calming and pleasant environment [17].

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.

As experts in biophilic interior design, we at Plantique recommend exploring the concept of biophilic design by journeying through the five senses: touch, smell, hear, sight and taste.

Biophilic Design tries to translate humans' attraction to and desire for connection with Nature, namely biophilia, into the design of environments. However, to justify the psychological benefits and effectiveness of biophilic design, designers often draw inspiration from restorative environment design, ...