Biophilic Design Is Important for Healthy Buildings

Biophilia is a term that describes how humans respond emotionally when they are connected to the natural world. In simple terms, it is in our DNA to connect with nature because we seek it for its healing and calming properties. The term “biophilic design” refers to creating healthier living spaces by working with natural principles and materials. The intent is that our living spaces are greatly improved for both our physical and mental health.

E.O. Wilson, a Harvard biologist, wrote many books, including The Biophilia Hypothesis. Here Wilson explains the scientific reasons why we have this response. However, most of us already know that it is a good feeling that we gravitate towards.

Indoor Plants and Living Walls in Biophilic Design

We could keep plants living happily outside and share views of windows framed by landscaped greenery or a private garden while allowing more ambient light in.

Interior elements of wood, cork, bamboo, and stone all work together to bring the outside in. Not just for flooring but treatments such as cork wallpaper, bamboo ceilings, and stone counters are finding new uses and entering the marketplace. Including plant or landscape images on the walls and using raw fabrics like linen, silk, and wool are part of this pallet. Collecting shells, sea glass, pebbles, or pine cones in bowls are even simpler ways to bring nature inside. Not to forget how the vase of flowers upon entry is a welcoming breath of fresh air.

How Real Estate Can Benefit From Biophilic Design

Emotions play a large part in making significant purchases like real estate. Especially when staging a property for showings. To include features such as biophilic elements is invaluable. In public spaces, consider how often this may be the reason people might linger longer in certain commercial spaces. This is design practice is effective for workplaces, shopping, or dining. Notice if plants, artwork, water features, or natural elements caused this pause. No wonder why Biophilia is being searched over seven million times on Google.

Mimicking Patterns In Nature

The discipline of eco-architecture studies biophilia and mimics patterns in nature. Consider the spiral pattern found in seashells, water eddies, and sunflowers. Natural patterns are repeated because they have worked since the beginning of time. The next time you are outside, notice branch patterns and compare them to rivers. Soon you will see more correlations repeated in all of nature.

Knowing the Landscape

Ultimately new buildings or renovations should consider the land they will rest on as the first phase of biophilic design. Understanding all exterior attributes a site offers will offer more natural elements for the inside. Simple items beyond a view include topography and rooflines for drainage, morning versus afternoon light, and predominant wind directions.

An excellent example of this is CCY Architects, from Basalt, Colorado. They intensively study the proposed homesite before anything is done. They call it interviewing the site for all-natural attributes. Air and water drainage, light, and everything are reviewed in-depth on-site before considering building orientation and materials. As a result, the building fits the location with optimum function and expresses Biophilic traits.

The most Valuable Benefit: A Nature Connection.

Since the beginning of time, the systems in nature have been in practice. Biophilic design applications can bring us a deeper awareness and appreciation of nature and begin to see repeated patterns. This is an art of great value in future building designs.

We have gained much from modern living but lost just as much in having a connection with the natural world. Let Biophilia be your leading edge and share examples here about how you work with nature to enhance property value.

With In Green Living, Joni Keefe shares nature-based design choices for urban greenspaces and Interior Design. Her interests follow sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly building products, and the latest trends in green design. She is a published writer with horticultural design work featured in national publications, this is her newsletter.