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Biophilic design: what it is and why you should know about it

9 min read

Sustainable Planet
Source: Wikimedia.org

Discover how incorporating design features that reconnect people with nature into your home or workspace can drastically reduce stress, make you happier, healthier and even more productive.

Biophilic design: reconnecting humans with nature at home and at work

Biophilic design is a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions. Used at both the building and city-scale, it is argued that this idea has health, environmental, and economic benefits for building occupants and urban environments, with few drawbacks. Although its name was coined in recent history, indicators of biophilic design have been seen in architecture from as far back as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

An early example of biophilic design, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World listed by Hellenic culture. They were described as a remarkable feat of engineering with an ascending series of tiered gardens containing a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and vines, resembling a large green mountain constructed of mud bricks.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, painting by Ferdinand Knab. An early example of biophilic design, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World listed by Hellenic culture. They were described as a remarkable feat of engineering with an ascending series of tiered gardens containing a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and vines, resembling a large green mountain constructed of mud bricks. Source: WikimediaCommons

biophilic design taps into—and harnesses—nature in the built environment

Nature was once all around us. Technically, it still is, but the quality of the nature that surrounds us has changed. According to the BDCNetwork (BuildingDesign+Construction), currently, 54% of the world’s population live in an urban environment; and by 2050, it’s estimated that percentage will have increased to 66%—two thirds of the world’s population! 

Generally, humans spend 93% of our time indoors separated from natural elements. This issue represents an unhealthy byproduct of our current societal behaviour. As we continue to move toward the city and spend more time indoors, our day-to-day interaction with quality nature is shrinking. Ultimately, this is increasing our potential to experience psychological and physiological harm. How can we work to reverse this trend and improve the overall well-being of ourselves and our communities?

One concept is biophilic design, a strategic approach to tap into—and harness—nature in the built environment.

Source: BDCNetwork

Biophilic design is derived from the biophilia hypothesis, a term coined by Edward O. Wilson in his 1984 book Biophilia. This idea centres around the concept of a love of life and living systems, whether they be natural, human or animalistic. Wilson said that humans crave contact with other life forms, such as plants and animals, and that they thrive when they are connected with their surroundings.
An example of a green wall at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia Biophilic design is derived from the biophilia hypothesis, a term coined by Edward O. Wilson in his 1984 book Biophilia. This idea centres around the concept of a love of life and living systems, whether they be natural, human or animalistic. Wilson said that humans crave contact with other life forms, such as plants and animals, and that they thrive when they are connected with their surroundings. Source: WikimediaCommons/RestfulC401

Stephen Kellert’s framework for 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. The dimensions and attributes that define Kellert’s biophilic framework are below.

Just outside Eureka Springs in the Arkansas Ozarks, lies this small, peaceful, non-denominational chapel. Designed by E. Fay Jones in 1979, completed in July 1980.
Thorncrown Chapel is often seen as a model of biophilic design due to it having all three of Kellert’s experiences. Just outside Eureka Springs in the Arkansas Ozarks, lies this small, peaceful, non-denominational chapel. Designed by E. Fay Jones in 1979, completed in July 1980. Source: WikimediaCommons/ClintonSteeds

1: DIRECT EXPERIENCE OF NATURE

Direct experience refers to tangible contact with natural features:

  • Light: Allows orientation of time of day and season, and is attributed to wayfinding and comfort; light can also cause natural patterns and form, movements and shadows. In design, this can be applied through clerestories, reflective materials, skylights, glass, and atriums. This provides well-being and interest from occupants.
  • Air: Ventilation, temperature, and humidity are felt through air. Such conditions can be applied through the use of windows and other passive strategies, but most importantly the variation in these elements can promote occupant comfort and productivity.
  • Water: Water is multisensory and can be used in buildings to provide movement, sounds, touch, and sight. In design it can be incorporated through water bodies, fountains, wetlands, and aquariums; people have a strong connection to water and when used, it can decrease stress and increase health, performance, and overall satisfaction.
  • Plants: Bringing vegetation to the exterior and interior spaces of the building provides a direct relationship to nature. This should be abundant (i.e., make use of green walls or many potted plants) and some vegetation should flower; plants have been proven to increase physical health, performance, and productivity and reduce stress.
  • Animals: While hard to achieve, it can be done through aquariums, gardens, animal feeders, and green roofs.[8] This interaction with promotes interest, mental stimulation, and pleasure.
  • Weather: Weather can be observed directly through windows and transitional spaces, but it can also be simulated through the manipulation of air within the space; awareness of weather signified human fitness and survival in ancient times and now promotes awareness and mental stimulation.
  • Natural landscapes: This is done through creating self-sustaining ecosystems into the built environment. Given human evolution and history, people tend to enjoy savannah-like landscapes as they depict spaciousness and an abundance of natural life. Contact with these types of environments can be done through vistas and or direct interactions such as gardens. Such landscapes are known to increase occupant satisfaction.
  • Fire: This natural element is hard to incorporate, however when implemented correctly into the building, it provides color, warmth, and movement, all of which are appealing and pleasing to occupants.

Source: biophilicdesign.net

Fallingwater, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous buildings, exemplifies many biophilic features. The home has human-nature connectivity through the integrative use of the waterfall and stream in its architecture - the sound from these water features can be heard throughout the inside of the home. This allows visitors to feel like they are “participating” in nature rather than “spectating” it like they would be if the waterfall were downstream. In addition, the structure is built around existing foliage and encompasses the local geology by incorporating a large rock in the center of the living room. There are also many glass walls to connect the occupants to the surrounding woods and nature that is outdoors. To better the flow of the space, Wright included many transitional spaces in the home (porches and decks); he also enhanced the direct and indirect experiences of nature by using multiple fireplaces and a wealth of organic shapes, colors, and materials. His use of Kellert's biophilic design principles are prominent throughout the structure, even though this home was constructed before these ideas were developed.
Fallingwater (Kaufmann Residence) by Frank Lloyd Wright. Fallingwater, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous buildings, exemplifies many biophilic features. The home has human-nature connectivity through the integrative use of the waterfall and stream in its architecture – the sound from these water features can be heard throughout the inside of the home. This allows visitors to feel like they are “participating” in nature rather than “spectating” it like they would be if the waterfall were downstream. In addition, the structure is built around existing foliage and encompasses the local geology by incorporating a large rock in the center of the living room. There are also many glass walls to connect the occupants to the surrounding woods and nature that is outdoors. To better the flow of the space, Wright included many transitional spaces in the home (porches and decks); he also enhanced the direct and indirect experiences of nature by using multiple fireplaces and a wealth of organic shapes, colors, and materials. His use of Kellert’s biophilic design principles are prominent throughout the structure, even though this home was constructed before these ideas were developed. Source: WikimediaCommons/Daderot

2: Indirect experience of nature

Indirect experience refers to contact with images and or representations of nature:

  • Images of Nature: This has been proven to be emotionally and intellectually satisfying to occupants; images of nature can be implemented through paintings, photos, sculptures, murals, videos, etc.
  • Natural Materials: People prefer natural materials as they can be mentally stimulating. Natural materials are susceptible to the patina of time; this change invokes responses from people. These materials can be incorporated into buildings through the use of wood and stone. Interior design can use natural fabrics, furnishings, and leather.
  • Natural Colours: Natural colours or “earth-tones”, are those that are commonly found in nature and are often subdued tones of brown, green, and blue. When using colours in buildings, they should represent these natural tones. Brighter colours should only be used sparingly – one study found that red flowers on plants were found to be fatiguing and distracting by occupants.
  • Simulations of Natural Light and Air: In areas where natural forms of ventilation and light cannot be achieved, creative use of interior lighting and mechanical ventilation can be used to mimic these natural features. Designers can do this through variations in lighting through different lighting types, reflective mediums, and natural geometries that the fixture can shine through; natural airflow can be imitated through mild changes in temperature, humidity, and air velocity.
  • Naturalistic Shapes: Natural shapes and forms can be achieved in architectural design through columns and nature-based patterns on facades – including these different elements into spaces can change a static space into an intriguing and appealing complex area.
  • Evoking Nature: This uses characteristics found in nature to influence the structural design of the project. These may be things that may not occur in nature, rather elements that represent natural landscapes such as mimicking different plant heights found in ecosystems, and or mimicking particular animal, water, or plant features.
  • Information Richness: This can be achieved by providing complex, yet not noisy environments that invoke occupant curiosity and thought. Many ecosystems are complex and filled with different abiotic and biotic elements – in such the goal of this attribute is to include these elements into the environment of the building.
  • Change and the Patina of Time: People are intrigued by nature and how it changes, adapts, and ages over time, much like ourselves. In buildings, this can be accomplished by using organic materials that are susceptible to weathering and colour change – this allows for us to observe slight changes in our built environment over time.
  • Natural Geometries: The design of facades or structural components can include the use of repetitive, varied patterns that are seen in nature (fractals). These geometries can also have hierarchically organised scales and winding flow rather than be straight with harsh angles. For instance, commonly used natural geometries are the honeycomb pattern and ripples found in water.
  • Biomimicry: This is a design strategy that imitates uses found in nature as solutions for human and technical problems. Using these natural functions in construction can entice human creativity and thought of nature.

Source: biophilicdesign.net

Biophilic design is argued to have a wealth of benefits for building occupants and urban environments through improving connections to nature. For cities, many believe the biggest proponent of the concept is its ability to make the city more resilient to any environmental stressor it may face.
Supertree Grove, Singapore Biophilic design is argued to have a wealth of benefits for building occupants and urban environments through improving connections to nature. For cities, many believe the biggest proponent of the concept is its ability to make the city more resilient to any environmental stressor it may face. Source: Rod Waddington/WikimediaCommons
Biophilic design is a scenario whereby the built form responds to and incorporates the natural environment. These days, biophilic design could be included in such concepts as sustainable or green architecture, and carries with it all of the considerations that sustainability implies.
A view of a pedestrian bridge in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Singapore. Biophilic design is a scenario whereby the built form responds to and incorporates the natural environment. These days, biophilic design could be included in such concepts as sustainable or green architecture, and carries with it all of the considerations that sustainability implies. Source: WikimediaCommons/Wirbel1980

3: Experience of space and place

The experience of space and place uses spatial relationships to enhance well-being:

  • Prospect and Refuge: Refuge refers to the buildings ability to provide comfortable and nurturing interiors (alcoves, dimmer lighting), while prospect emphasises horizons, movement, and sources of danger. Examples of design elements include balconies, alcoves, lighting changes, and areas spaciousness (savannah environment).
  • Organised Complexity: This principle is meant to simulate the need for controlled variability; this is done in design through repetition, change, and detail of the building’s architecture.
  • Integration of Parts: When different parts comprise a whole, it provides satisfaction for occupants: design elements include interior spaces using clear boundaries and or the integration of a central focal point.
  • Transitional Spaces: This element aims to connect interior spaces with the outside or create comfort by providing access from one space to another environment through the use of porches, decks, atriums, doors, bridges, fenestrations, and foyers.
  • Mobility: The ability for people to comfortably move between spaces, even when complex; it provides the feeling of security for occupants and can be done through making clear points of entry and egress.
  • Cultural and Ecological Attachment to Place: Creating a cultural sense of place in the built environment creates human connection and identity. This is done by incorporating the area’s geography and history into the design. Ecological identity is done through the creation of ecosystems that promote the use of native flora and fauna.

Each of these experiences are meant to be considered individually when using biophilia in projects, as there is no one right answer for one building type. Each building’s architect(s) and project owner(s) must collaborate to include the biophilic principles they believe fit within their scope and most effectively reach their occupants.

Source: biophilicdesign.net

Green over Grey™ is a leading North American based design firm who undertake work across Canada, the United States and internationally. They design and install living walls also known as green walls or vertical gardens. The unique soil-free system makes it possible to transform any vertical surface into a lush and strikingly beautiful garden, either inside or out. The goal is to create living works of art that purify the air you breathe, make life more sustainable and add some green to the grey of our cities. Details ?
GreenOverGrey do literally that: create living wall coverings for existing bare concrete. Green over Grey™ is a leading North American based design firm who undertake work across Canada, the United States and internationally. They design and install living walls also known as green walls or vertical gardens. The unique soil-free system makes it possible to transform any vertical surface into a lush and strikingly beautiful garden, either inside or out.
The goal is to create living works of art that purify the air you breathe, make life more sustainable and add some green to the grey of our cities. Details ? Source: GreenOverGrey.com

Biophilic design Biophilic design is the marriage of the built environment with nature and living forms, and has been around, in various guises, for centuries. Source: Facebook/WorldEconomicForum
Biophilic Design is an innovative way of designing the places where we live, work, and learn. We need nature in a deep and fundamental fashion, but we have often designed our cities and suburbs in ways that both degrade the environment and alienate us from nature. The recent trend in green architecture has decreased the environmental impact of the built environment, but it has accomplished little in the way of reconnecting us to the natural world, the missing piece in the puzzle of sustainable development. Come on a journey from our evolutionary past and the origins of architecture to the world’s most celebrated buildings in a search for the architecture of life. Together, we will encounter buildings that connect people and nature - hospitals where patients heal faster, schools where children’s test scores are higher, offices where workers are more productive, and communities where people know more of their neighbors and families thrive. Biophilic Design points the way toward creating healthy and productive habitats for modern humans. Source: Biophilicdesign.net

Make an Impact

8 WAYS TO A HEALTHIER HOME

When we think about our health, the natural tendency is to focus on good nutrition and exercise, and perhaps we spend less time focusing on how our environment can affect our wellbeing. If you want to clean up your house or apartment to make it a safer environment, check out these 8 suggestions to make your home more healthy.