Biophilic Design: Using Nature to Create Positive and Productive Spaces

 

BIOPHILIC DESIGN HAS BECOME A SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STANDARD IN ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS, CONNECTING NATURE WITH OUR LIVING SPACES.

 
 
potted succulents sit on a wooden counter inside an office with biophilic design elements,,

As urbanization and technology develops, we spend less time outside and more time indoors and in front of screens. This living pattern disrupts our circadian rhythms, increasing stress and unhappiness (Arch Daily, 2019). Human Spaces, an online resource dedicated to biophilic research and exploration, found that the presence of nature was consistently associated with higher reported levels of happiness, well-being, and productivity.

faux greenery hangs from circular metal frames on a cement wall inside The Friesian gastropub,
a bathroom with deep blue walls and views of the lakefront,
a residential living area with textured furniture and rugs and several green plants,

Elements of biophilic design relate to our senses. Open water, natural light and nature patterns, greenery, wood and stone materials are just a few visual and tactile connections that can create a positive response (Urbanland, 2019). For businesses, it is an economic investment to include biophilic components in the design of their space: people working around elements of nature reportedly use fewer sick days and are more efficient than employees who do not work in a biophilic workplace.

a row of small offices with blue walls and natural lighting,
a bright and open break room with natural colors,
a bright and open break room with light blue chairs,
wood features and green plants inside an office space with biophilic design details,

In visionary meetings with two of our commercial office clients, ITS Partners and Lighthouse Group, it was decided that private offices and meeting rooms  be pulled away from walls to allow for the most light exposure throughout the workspace. Natural wood details, a calming blue and green color palette, and various plants are also biophilic features.

 
 
LifestyleDavid Daniele