Biophilic Design: What is it and what are the benefits?

A new trend is taking over the architectural world that seeks to enhance the connection between built forms and nature. It's called biophilic design, and you'd be forgiven if you don't quite understand what it means. Let's break it down.

What is biophilic design?

Biophilic design is a design approach that seeks to incorporate elements of nature into the built environment. The goal of biophilic design is to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also promote wellbeing and support human health and productivity.

There are several key elements of biophilic design. One is the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and plants. These materials can help to create a sense of warmth and connection to the natural world. 

Another element is the incorporation of natural light, which can help to improve mood and cognitive function. Biophilic design also often incorporates natural patterns and shapes, such as curved lines and organic forms, as well as colour schemes that are inspired by nature. Outdoor spaces and the incorporation of natural elements like water and greenery are other key facets of biophilic design. 

What are the benefits of biophilic design?

Biophilic design has been shown to have several benefits. These include:

Improved productivity

Biophilic design can create a more comfortable and enjoyable environment for you to work in, which can in turn lead to increased productivity and creativity. Exposure to natural light has also been shown to decrease fatigue and improve mood, while exposure to natural sounds can decrease stress levels and therefore help you focus your attention.

Health & wellbeing 

Spending time outdoors can help improve concentration and reduce stress levels, which may help to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety while also improving mental health. People who spend time in green spaces are more likely to experience lower stress levels and increased feelings of calm. Thus, incorporating biophilic design to your home will expose you  to nature, which will help you to improve your overall wellbeing. 

Improved physical health

Biophilic design can provide an opportunity for physical activity and exposure to fresh air and sunlight. Increased exposure to green space has been linked to lower rates of cardiovascular disease. So when you are actively  engaging with nature through biophilic design in your home, it can positively impact your physical health, including lower blood pressure and enhanced immune function. 

Learning and cognitive function

Biophilic design can create an environment that is more conducive to learning and cognitive function. For example, children with access to nature in their learning environments tend to have better academic performance and improved cognitive function compared to those who don’t.  Having access to natural sunlight and views of green spaces can also help to improve a child’s mood and focus. 

So, is biophilic design worth trying?

Biophilic design is an approach that seeks to incorporate elements of nature into the built environment to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and supportive of human health and wellbeing. 

By bringing elements of nature into the built environment, biophilic design can create spaces that are more comfortable, productive, and enjoyable for people to be in. Overall, biophilic design is an important approach to creating environments that support human health and wellbeing, and is well worth considering in the design of any built space.

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