Biophilic Design

To start the New Year and a beginning of a new decade, it’s important to bring attention to one of the most important tendencies in the interior design industry that is immensely important to me; I’m talking about Biophilic Design. As a recent concept in the construction and design sphere, it focuses on reconnecting people to the natural environment that surrounds a structure. Creatives do this by introducing direct and indirect forms of nature-based on spatial conditions.

Since the dawn of industrialization, mankind has distanced itself from nature. This change stems from a shift in how we work, our cultures, and lifestyles. This disconnect from nature has consequences because it allows demanding schedules to take a toll on us. It’s no secret that large portions of the population are dealing with stress-induced health concerns and feelings of anxiety. Studies prove that when we reconnect with elements of nature, we tend to feel peaceful, positive, and relaxed.

Where Is The Biophilic Approach Used?

Biophilic thinking is best implemented before approaching a new project; numerous things need to be considered, allowing for sustainability and a healthy environment for the area’s inhabitants. Nonetheless, in the case of existing projects, enhancements can be made. Creatives can go about this task in a few ways.

Channeling Nature Directly

1. Increasing Daylight in Spaces

In most situations, the best approach is to increase daylight to decrease dependence on artificial lighting. In situations where privacy may be an issue, blinds and curtains help in controlling privacy, but there aren’t any options that block the visual connection between the outside and inside environments. Natural lighting is beneficial because of how it affects our circadian rhythm so it ends up impacting functions like digestion and sleep.

2. Enhancing Air Quality Indoors

Adding convenient windows is ideal for ventilation and helps in lowering VOC released by furniture, paints, and building materials.  

3. Adding Water Bodies

Water bodies flowing through the space assist in alleviating stress and bring harmony.

4. Introducing Plants

Plants, whether big or small, are a direct approach to bringing nature inside the space. Not only do they improve the ambiance, but they also  improve air quality indoors.

5. Using Natural Materials

In terms of indirect methods, it’s ideal to use natural materials when considering décor and other elements of the space.

6. Imitating Natural Materials

With regard to certain items, natural materials aren’t an option or are sometimes unaffordable. In these cases, relying on imitations of natural materials works well at soothing the senses.  

7. Decorating with Nature’s Aesthetic

If plants aren’t enough or if space is an issue, another option is to rely on decorations that display natural scenery.

8. Using Natural Colors  

Natural colors are known to bring tranquility into a space and inducing a beneficial effect on the brain.

9. Stimulating Olfactory Senses

To create a multi-dimensional space that mimics a natural environment, introduce floral scents or fragrances to uplift the mood.

Considering the Place and Space

Despite being inherently positive, the biophilic approach needs to be considered during the initial stages of project development. Primary phases involve spatial relationships and planning, as well as crafting a cultural and ecological identity. Then again, designers and contractors can always make improvements to existing projects to better align it with the elements.

While most clients associate the implementation of biophilic design with increased costs, the long-term benefits are endless. In fact, many clients can avoid higher costs by making their budget clear at the beginning. This is helpful for designers; they can implement a biophilic design while keeping budget constraints in mind.