Bringing the Outdoors Inside: The Art of Biophilic Design

As society becomes increasingly entrenched in urban living, units become smaller, and our daily encounters with nature diminishes, the role of Biophilic Design has become extremely significant. The term "Biophilia" refers to the innate human affinity and love for nature, and Biophilic Design has come to involve the incorporation of natural elements and materials into architectural design, creating an indoor space that is more in contact with nature.

The concept of Biophilic Design is inspired by Biophilic Therapy, where people are placed in natural settings to provide an environment that fosters healing. Biophilic Design principles work to bring the outdoors within four walls to affect the psychology of the people occupying that space positively. Getting in touch with nature can provide an array of therapeutic benefits such as reducing stress, anxiety and increasing cognitive function. Therefore, the ideas behind Biophilic Design provide valuable solutions for creating indoor spaces and harmonizing them with natural elements.

The application of Biophilic Design involves using natural materials such as wood or stone to create an interior environment that mimics the environment found in nature. Furniture or layout choices are meant to stimulate feelings of being in nature, and there is an increased use of natural light in the design concept. Vertical gardens, hanging planters or green walls can also be added to create that sense of being outdoors.

One popular example of Biophilic Design is in the Amazon Spheres, the popular corporate edifice situated in the heart of Seattle's downtown. Amazon created three interconnected glass domes that feature a multitude of plant life, providing a habitat for office workers to enjoy the benefits of being in nature. Apart from the aesthetic appeal, the environment allows employees to work in a more relaxed and calm environment, resulting in increased productivity, morale and a reduction in stress-related illnesses.

The application of Biophilic Design in residential spaces can also be seen in the integration of floor to ceiling windows, indoor water features, and using wood accents to improve the overall aesthetic quality within the home. Furthermore, skylights and solar tubes can be included to provide indirect natural light that creates a sense of sunshine.

In the quest to incorporate Biophilic Design in our living spaces, we must remember that the objective is to create a harmonious relationship between human beings and their environment. By making conscious design choices, we can create outdoor-like experiences indoors, increasing not just the vitality of our spaces but our overall health and well-being. Bringing the outside in positively impacts the people that occupy our spaces and has a positive effect on our communities and the planet.