Do you love nature? Do you feel happier and more relaxed when you are surrounded by plants, animals, water, and sunlight? If you answered yes, then you are not alone. Many people have a natural affinity and attraction to nature, which is called biophilia. Biophilia is a term coined by the biologist Edward O. Wilson, who defined it as “the innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes” .
Biophilia is not only a preference, but also a necessity. Research has shown that exposure to nature can have positive effects on our physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. For example, nature can:
- Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
- Enhance mood, creativity, and productivity
- Lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels
- Boost immune system and healing process
- Improve air quality and ventilation
- Increase social interaction and sense of community
However, in today’s modern and urbanized world, many people have limited or no access to nature. They spend most of their time indoors, in artificial environments that are disconnected from the natural world. This can lead to a variety of problems, such as:
- Boredom, fatigue, and dissatisfaction
- Poor concentration, memory, and performance
- Irritability, aggression, and violence
- Headaches, eye strain, and respiratory issues
- Isolation, loneliness, and alienation
So how can we reconnect with nature and enjoy its benefits in our daily lives? One of the solutions is biophilic design. Biophilic design is a design approach that incorporates natural elements into the built environment to create a connection between humans and nature. Biophilic design aims to improve health, well-being, and sustainability by enhancing the quality of air, light, water, sound, and vegetation in the space .
Biophilic design can be applied to any type of space, such as homes, offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and public spaces. Biophilic design can involve various strategies, such as:
- Using natural materials, such as wood, stone, metal, glass, and fabric
- Using natural colors, such as greens, blues, browns, and grays
- Using natural patterns, such as fractals, spirals, waves, and stripes
- Using natural shapes, such as curves, circles, ovals, and arches
- Using natural light sources, such as windows, skylights, and solar tubes
- Using natural ventilation systems, such as fans, vents, and operable windows
- Using natural water features, such as fountains, ponds, and aquariums
- Using natural sound sources, such as birdsong, waterfall, and wind chimes
- Using plants, flowers, herbs, and trees
- Using animals, insects, fish, and birds
- Using artworks, photographs, paintings, and sculptures that depict nature
- Creating views, access, and interaction with nature
Biophilic design can create a space that is not only beautiful and functional but also healthy and comfortable. It can also create a space that is more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. By using biophilic design principles you can:
- Enhance your mood, creativity, and productivity
- Reduce your stress, anxiety, and depression
- Improve your physical health and well-being
- Save money on electricity, heating, and cooling bills
- Conserve natural resources and reduce waste
Biophilic design is not a new concept but rather an ancient one that has been practiced by many cultures and civilizations throughout history. However it is more relevant and important than ever in our current times of crisis and change. By adopting biophilic design in our spaces we can reconnect with nature and ourselves and create a more harmonious and sustainable world.
If you are interested in learning more about biophilic design or applying it to your space feel free to contact us at [our firm]. We are an interior design firm that offers professional and personalized interior design service for your home. We specialize in biophilic design and we can help you create spaces that reflect your personality and needs.
Thank you for reading our blog post. We hope you found it informative and helpful. Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you! 😊
: Wilson E.O., The Biophilia Hypothesis (Washington: Island Press 1993) : Kaplan R., Kaplan S., The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1989) : Ulrich R.S., et al., “Stress Recovery During Exposure to Natural and Urban Environments”, Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11, 201-230 (1991) : Kellert S.R., Heerwagen J.H., Mador M.L., Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life (Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons 2008) : Evans G.W., Cohen S., “Environmental Stress”, in Stokols D., Altman I. (eds.), Handbook of Environmental Psychology (New York: John Wiley & Sons 1987) : Veitch J.A., et al., “Lighting Appraisal, Well-being and Performance in Open-Plan Offices: A Linked Mechanisms Approach”, Lighting Research and Technology, 40, 133-151 (2008) : Kuo F.E., Sullivan W.C., “Environment and Crime in the Inner City: Does Vegetation Reduce Crime?”, Environment and Behavior, 33, 343-367 (2001) : Browning W.D., Ryan C.O., Clancy J.O., 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design (New York: Terrapin Bright Green 2014) : Ryan C.O., Browning W.D., Clancy J.O., Andrews S.L., Kallianpurkar N.B., Biophilic Design Patterns: Emerging Nature-Based Parameters for Health and Well-being in the Built Environment (New York: International Living Future Institute 2014) : RIBA, Biophilic Design: A Guide for Architects (London: Royal Institute of British Architects 2020) : Heerwagen J.H., “Psychological Benefits of Green Building”, in Kibert C.J. (ed.), Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery (Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons 2016) : Terrapin Bright Green, The Economics of Biophilia: Why Designing with Nature in Mind Makes Financial Sense (New York: Terrapin Bright Green 2012)
