Biophilic Design - A Nature Based Approach

 

Before we get started, take a moment and think back on the best days you’ve had in the past year. Chances are many of them involve the outdoors, sunshine, water, and trees. It’s no coincidence that we get great value from time spent in and among nature, its Biophilia.

“BIOPHILIA IS THE INNATE HUMAN ATTRACTION TO NATURE AND NATURAL PROCESSES. ”

So taking this one step further, Biophilic Design is is the practice of connecting people and nature within our built environments and communities. It’s about the relationship between people, and planet and the idea that our planet can supply us with everything we need to survive and thrive. Biophilic designed buildings incorporate things like plants, natural lighting and sunshine, proximity to water or water features, ventilation, natural landscape features and other elements for creating a more productive and healthy built environment for people. It also means using more natural materials in the overall construction of the building and interior design. Let’s take a closer look at why it is so important.

 

HEALTH BENEFITS - PEOPLE

Studies show that stress and anxiety are set to become the epidemic of the 21st century. Putting more emphasis on how our spaces make us feel is part of biophilic design. Aside from the visual appeal of natural spaces and design, there are a number of physical, psychological, and emotional benefits that come with biophilic design:

  • Reduced stress levels 

  • Increased productivity 

  • A reduction in sick days and absenteeism 

  • Higher attractivity for job candidates 

  • Reduced pollution and cleaner air 

  • Lower noise levels 

  • Creativity boost 

 
 

CLIMATE BENEFITS - PLANET

As important as health benefits are the positive outcomes for our planet that come with an increase in biophilic design. The more we can incorporate this theory into our practice the greater impact we can have on our future.

  • Better air quality and reduction in toxic pollutants

  • Carbon reduction and sequestration and increase in oxygen

  • A natural cooling effect from more plants and trees

  • More efficient buildings and less reliance on electricity and fossil fuels

 
 

INCORPORATING BIOPHILIC DESIGN - THE CORE PRINCIPLES

  • Incorporating things like plants, water, skylights, outdoor spaces so that people can experience more touch points with nature and the outside world.

  • Incorporating natural materials into the design of the buildings physical structure. This is predominantly observed in the return to using wood in the built environment.

  • Building spaces to reflect natural environments, shapes, and patterns found in the outdoors (ie: natural curves, reflection ponds, expansive views of nature, higher ceilings, etc.)

 

THERMALLY MODIFIED WOOD AND BIOPHILIC DESIGN

As an all natural, real wood product, thermally modified wood is a leading material choice for biophilic design. Capable of being used in both indoor and outdoor applications with 25+ year expectancy (even when left unfinished), it is clear to see why its popularity has grown alongside the growth of biophilic design. It doesn’t stop there either, thermally modified wood has been increasingly popular among landscape architects and fine furniture manufacturers as another way to incorporate real wood products into their designs for residential and commercial applications.

 
Andrew Ellingson