Biophilic design: The present and future of built environment
During the Covid-19 period, many people found refuge in nature, either by temporarily moving away from large urban centers taking advantage of remote work, or simply spending more time in places where they can have more contact with nature, such as parks and beaches. This behavior has highlighted the need for a balance between the natural and built environment, which has become extremely important for our well-being.
Biophilic design is an architecture concept that aims to strengthen building users’ connection with the natural environment. Philosopher and psychologist Erich Fromm introduced the term biophilia into public discourse in the 1970s, stating that it has a biological basis and is fundamental to developing harmonious relationships between people and the natural environment. Biophilic design promotes positive interactions between people and nature that encourage an expanded sense of connection and responsibility for human and natural communities.
In recent years, biophilic design has become very popular among architects and interior designers, who now choose to treat the natural environment not as an obstacle but as an ally to the built environment. With biophilic design, they can help connect people with the natural environment, even in the overly structured environments of large cities.
Biophilic design is achieved by introducing elements of nature into the built environment. These elements can be either artificial, that is, elements that simulate nature (indirect biophilic design), or real natural elements (direct biophilic design), which target and stimulate our senses, sight, touch, hearing, and smell.
Indirect Biophilic Design
Indirect biophilic design uses natural materials, as well as colors and images from nature. For example, a wallpaper with nature patterns, a wall painted in earthy colors, a green carpet, wall decorations of natural origin, such as wood, cork and even tree trunk. Indirect biophilic design can be achieved in many ways and targets all the senses.
Direct biophilic design
Direct biophilic design allows for a direct connection with nature by using living natural elements, such as living plants inside the building or introducing the element of water with a small fountain. Even better, a small garden or balcony with elements of nature could be created. In many buildings, we also see vertical gardens either on internal walls or on facades, resulting in increased greenery and making the building more lively. Another important element of direct biophilic design is natural light and fresh air.
Benefits of biophilic design
Biophilic design may have significant benefits, both for people and for the environment, in all built environments which it is implemented. For example, the presence of natural light in indoor spaces has significant health and well-being benefits, as it allows the correct regulation of the biological clock. In addition, living plants in the space purify the air and improve its quality. Also, the presence of biophilic design elements in built environments can increase, according to research, the feeling of well-being, productivity, and mood of those who move, live, and work in these spaces. At the same time, it can help reduce stress, increase creativity,y and create community.
Vertical gardens on building facades offer additional benefits. They have increased thermal insulation and offer significant protection from temperature changes in the building interior. At the same time, they help reduce the temperature in the surrounding area, contributing to reducing the effects of the climate crisis.
In our daily lives, we may not have the opportunity to be as close to nature as we would like. However, introducing biophilic features into the built environment can bring people closer to nature and have an extraordinary impact on physical, mental, and psychological health and well-being.
Biophilic design may be implemented in any building, workplace, educational, public, and recreational spaces. It can transform an ordinary space into a stimulating and relaxing environment while offering significant benefits to the people who live, move, and work in and around it.
