Introducing biophilic design: A home that breathes

Biophilic design is an architectural and interior design approach that seeks to reconnect people with nature within built environments. It has become almost a necessity for our mental and physical health. 

It can be classified into three fundamental pillars:

Nature in space: It means direct contact with natural elements. This includes sunlight, natural ventilation, the presence of water, and vegetation. 

Natural analogies: It seeks to integrate elements that indirectly imitate nature. These include the use of materials such as wood, stone or natural fibres, as well as furniture or architectural forms that are organic and fluid and avoid artificial straight lines. 

Nature of space: This focuses on the spatial configuration to evoke instinctive sensations, such as the concepts of refuge and prospect.

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The love of life

For Jaclyn Whitaker, senior vice president of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), biophilic design stands for “the love of life.” This approach focuses on how natural elements act as an instant mood booster within the home.

According to Whitaker, humans are “programmed” to seek out nature. Our brains respond positively to outdoor views and natural light, reducing blood pressure and stress. Also, natural light and the ability to observe the changing day are the most powerful tools for productivity and focus.

Impact on health

In an interview for Dwell, Willian D. Browning, a researcher and consultant for group Terrapin Bright Green, explained that biophilic design intentionally connects people to experiences of nature.

“Even looking at an image of nature for 40 seconds will switch the way your brain processes information to a mode called attention restoration. The prefrontal cortex quiets down as you expend less energy, and after you’ve had that view, you’ll be less stressed and you’ll have better cognitive capacity”, Browning says.

According to Catherine Ryan of Terrapin Bright Green, the biophilic characteristics of furniture can include nature-inspired materials and textures, organic shapes, cultural references through craftsmanship or patterns, the ability to age gracefully and develop a patina, and a meaningful contribution to the spatial experience.

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Productivity and wellbeing

Scientific research has demonstrated that inhabiting or working in biophilic spaces has a tangible impact. It reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels and heart rate. In offices, efficiency and employee creativity have increased by up to 15%.

It also improves mood and reduces feelings of isolation in dense urban environments, and patients in hospitals with views of nature tend to recover more quickly.

Sources: Marvin, Dwell