The Most Important Benefits of Biophilic Design

What is biophilic design? Put simply, it’s incorporating natural elements into a manmade or inorganic environment. From hospitals to offices, homes to hotels, biophilic design can be implemented beautifully into any setting.

Studies have shown that there are many benefits to biophilic design. Biophilic design takes into account the human need for contact with nature. This can be done in various ways (like incorporating plants into an office space or using natural materials in the construction of a rooftop deck).

However you decide to incorporate biophilic design into your building, one thing is for certain – the benefits are real.

Let's explore some of the key elements of biophilic design and why you should consider biophilic design for your next project.

The Rise of Biophilia

With the ever-increasing pace of life, it’s no surprise that biophilia has been on the rise in recent years. People are looking for new ways to reconnect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Biophilic design offers a way to do this.

Biophilic design aims to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and good for your health. There are several different aspects of biophilic design, each of which can have different benefits.

The Main Categories of Biophilic Design

There are four main categories of biophilic design:

Water features — Water has a calming effect and can help to reduce stress levels. It can also help to improve focus and concentration.
Plants and greenery — Plants improve air quality and can help to reduce stress levels. They can also boost your mood and energy levels.
Natural light — Natural light can help improve your mood and increase your vitamin D levels. It can also help to improve your sleep patterns.
Textures and patterns — Natural textures and patterns can help create a sense of calm and can be visually pleasing.

The Core Features of Biophilia

There are four core features of biophilic design:

Connection to nature — This can be achieved using live plants and incorporating water features into a space. It can also include using natural materials, colors, and patterns.
Natural light — This is achieved by using skylights, windows, and other forms of natural light.
Ventilation — This is achieved by using fresh air systems and ensuring that the space has adequate ventilation.
Acoustics — This is achieved by using sound-absorbing materials and ensuring that the space has a good acoustic design.

The Key Benefits of Biophilic Design

There are several benefits of incorporating biophilic design into your space. These benefits typically include:

Improved mental health
Increased productivity
Improved sleep quality
Increased creativity
Improved physical health
Reduced stress levels
Improved air quality
Improved focus and concentration

How Can You Incorporate Biophilic Design Into Your Office Or Community Space?

Incorporating biophilic design into your business or home is likely much simpler than you may think it is. Here are a few quick tips on how to embrace biophilia in your space:

Use natural materials — Wood, stone, and bamboo are all good choices.
Use plants — Incorporate plants into your space. Potted plants are a great option if you don’t have a lot of space.
Use water features — A water fountain or a fish tank can help create a sense of calm.
Use natural light — Make sure that your space has plenty of windows and skylights.
Use sound-absorbing materials — Use carpet or rugs to reduce noise levels.
Use fresh air systems — Ensure that your space has adequate ventilation.

What is the Future of Biophilia?

As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, biophilic design will likely become a more popular trend in architecture and interior design. This is because people are looking for ways to reconnect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Biophilic design offers a way to do this.

With the goal of creating spaces that connect people with nature, research has shown significant health benefits associated with this type of environment, including reduced stress levels, improved cognitive function, and increased well-being.

Biophilic design elements, i.e., natural light, views of nature, live plants, water features, and materials are inspired by nature. In our mechanical and digital environment, there is a growing appreciation for the importance of creating spaces that allow people to connect with the natural world. Biophilic interior design is one way to achieve this goal.

As biophilic interior design continues to gain popularity, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about and design community spaces. And with our understanding of the link between environment and health continuing to grow, biophilic design will likely become increasingly popular in the world of architecture.

How To Get Started with Biophilic Design

When it comes to designing buildings and interior spaces, you may want to adopt this growing trend toward incorporating elements of nature. This trend seeks to create more connected environments with the natural world.

One way to bring nature into your space is through the use of plants. Green walls are a popular option for those looking to add a bit of greenery to their space. These living walls are created by mounting plants on a vertical surface. They can be used to create an accent wall or cover an entire wall.

Another way to incorporate biophilic design into your space is by connecting with the surrounding environment. This can be done by opening up views to the outdoors and bringing in natural light. It can also be achieved by incorporating natural materials, such as wood, stone, and live plants.

If you’re interested in incorporating biophilic design into your space, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to consider the scale of your space. Biophilic design can be applied to both large and small spaces. Second, think about how you want to incorporate nature into your space. There are many different ways to do this, so it’s important to find the best approach for you. Finally, don’t forget to consider the maintenance required for green walls and living plants.

If you’re ready to get started with biophilic design, our free course on Biophilic Design and Rooftop Deck Systems is a good start for architects. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you create a nature-infused space.