A home displaying biophilic design

At Home With Nature: What is Biophilic Design, and How Can I Incorporate It Into My Space?

What is biophilic design?

Biophilic design is the principle of incorporating nature into the design process and styles of your space. This can range from the architecture and urban planning in a neighbourhood to the decorative styles and pieces you fill your home with. Biophilia is defined as ‘an innate affinity of human beings with the natural world’, and focusing design choices around this concept can enhance our wellbeing and promote sustainable choices and appreciation of nature.

What are the benefits of biophilic design? 

If biophilia is an innate drive to connect with nature, then our technological advances and growing detachment from the natural world through our built environment could be having negative effects on us. Shifting to focus on biophilic principles in our homes could counteract this to create better outcomes and improve our wellbeing.

Wellness 

Biophilic design can reduce stress levels and improve mood, lower blood pressure and increase productivity. It’s often referred to as having a healing effect, particularly within architecture and urban planning. In fact, increased exposure to tree canopy reduced chances of ‘psychological distress’ and improved community mental health.

A hand outstretched outdoor in nature

Something as simple as repotting a houseplant can reduce ‘physiological and psychological stress compared with mental work’ to create feelings of comfort. By bringing natural elements into a space through plants and use of light and ventilation, we’re provided with a constant connection to essential stress-relieving effects.

Sustainability 

While biophilia and sustainability aren’t inherently the same, they both promote natural environments and support wellbeing. Using natural materials in a space is generally a more sustainable option and creates a deeper sense of connection to nature for individuals. This in turn can improve awareness and interest in environmental issues and sustainable practice to improve our relationship with nature on an individual and community level.

Examples of biophilic design

Incorporating nature and biophilia is a popular design choice, and can be seen in homes, workspaces, and public places everywhere. Below are some of our favourites.

1.     Maggie’s, Yorkshire – Cancer support charity

The Maggie’s centre in Leeds was designed by Heatherwick Studio, who wanted to create a space that was ‘soulful and welcoming’. They utilised biophilic architecture and design throughout, using only natural and sustainable materials and making plentiful use of plants in the rooftop garden.

2.     Compound House – Singaporean home

Compound House sits on an otherwise modest street in a row of houses dating from the 1950s. Architect Ling Hao worked with the family who reside there to create an open, inviting space, filled with organic curves and natural light. Timber and concrete combine to create a space that isn’t completely closed off to the outdoors, and instead leans into inviting nature in.

3.     The Cork Studio – London studio

Studio Bark challenged themselves to create a zero waste, low cost, robust studio which uses cork as the primary structure. Not only did this remove the need for frames, linings, membranes, and other materials to create an almost completely biodegradable building, it also created a beautiful liveable structure with its own live-in sycamore tree!

How can I incorporate biophilic design into my home?

Incorporating environmental features can create a sense of connection with nature. This can include utilising plants and natural materials, as well as using colour, space, and light to promote wellbeing. Bringing nature closer doesn’t have to be a difficult or extensive process, and even small changes can create a more positive environment.

A home displaying biophilic design

Biomimicry uses nature as a model in the design process to emulate shapes, structures, materials, and processes. It’s not a new idea; humans have studied and copied animals and other natural processes to better equip themselves to different environments and come up with effective solutions to problems for millennia. From Da Vinci’s flying machines inspired by the flapping of avian wings to the slime mold inspired rail network in Tokyo, we have always looked to nature for answers and inspiration.

Organic shapes and forms can emulate the natural world and easily be integrated into the design of our space. Increasing the natural light in a space through considering the orientation of windows and skylights can add to biophilic design. If you’re already in a built space that can’t be changed, consider increasing the use of reflective surfaces to maximise light, or use light, linen curtains around existing windows to improve the daylight. This use of natural materials can also extend to furniture or decorative pieces; stone, glass, or wood can be used to create a more organic environment, as can seagrass and rattan.

A set of linen curtains hung

Conclusion

In conclusion, biophilic design is a powerful approach to creating spaces that foster a deeper connection with nature, ultimately benefiting our well-being, productivity, and mental health. By incorporating natural elements, materials, and light into our homes or workspaces, we can enhance our environment in ways that promote comfort and sustainability. Even small adjustments can significantly improve our daily experiences, reminding us of our innate affinity for the natural world and encouraging a healthier, more mindful lifestyle.

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