Biophilia, Biophilic Design, and the Three Pillars

Biophilia and biophilic design are quickly developing concepts that highlight the notion that humans possess an inherent desire to connect with nature. It involves incorporating natural elements into contemporary spaces, and has been scientifically validated to improve the mental and physical health of inhabitants. Let's delve into biophilia and biophilic design, as well as explore the three main principles of biophilic design.

Are you a nature enthusiast? Are you always seeking adventures in locations surrounded by nature because it brings you calm?

Welcome to our blog on biophilia and biophilic design! Discover how our innate connection to nature can enhance living and working spaces. We’ll explore biophilic design principles, the three pillars, and the basics of biophilia. Learn how to create an environment that promotes well-being and harmony with the natural world.

Understanding Biophilia

It is normal for humans to feel connected to nature as opposed to the built environment. This concept is called biophilia. The word “biophilia” means “love of life” from the Greek words “bio” (life) and “philia” (love).

Essentially, humans have an innate biological and genetic connection to nature and other living things, including an emotional dimension to this connection. That means people tend to respond positively to natural aspects of the environment, such as greenery, natural materials, water bodies, flora and fauna, sunlight, and earthy tones.

So, we can say that biophilia is our tendency to be attracted to nature and environmental experiences.

Biophilic Design

Biophilic Design is about integrating nature into our built environment to connect with our ecosystem and enhance human well-being. It aims to incorporate natural elements into man-made spaces to improve mental, physical, and emotional health.

History and research suggest that our natural affinity for life – biophilia – is the very essence of our humanity and binds us to all other living species. The scale of findings across a wide range of sectors (work, education, health, recreation, housing, and community) supports the belief that nature still profoundly impacts human fitness and quality of life.

This prompts us further to understand the benefits of biophilic landscaping and architecture.

Benefits of Biophilic Design

Biophilic design has various benefits, from mental to physical and environmental. Statistically, studies found:

  • 37% drop in anxiety and tension
  • 58% decrease in depression/dejection
  • 44% reduction in anger/hostility
  • 38% decrease in fatigue
  • 6% increase in productivity
  • 15% to 45% boost in creativity

Elaborating on the benefits of biophilic landscape and architecture:

  1. Physical and Mental Wellbeing: Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements like water, light, and greenery, can create a calming environment that may help reduce stress and benefit overall health.
  2. Sharpen Our Senses: Biophilia relies on elements that stimulate our 5 senses, such as visual enhancement through colors and design, auditory stimulation using water features, and aromatic surroundings created by plants and flowers.
  3. Mental Restoration and Productivity: Chaotic, cluttered spaces with no natural light can cause stress and fatigue, but biophilic design promotes open, natural environments, which can improve productivity and wellness.
  4. Enhanced Retention: Biophilic landscapes in offices can lead to a 10% reduction in absenteeism and sick leaves, as well as increase employee satisfaction and retention.
  5. Technological Advances: Biophilic Design encourages technological advances inspired by nature, such as artificial rain and algae-filled bio-curtains that reduce pollution and convert it into oxygen.
  6. Bond with Nature: Biophilic Design seeks to integrate natural elements into the built environment, promoting well-being and sustainability. It aims to foster a deep connection with nature while encouraging us to safeguard it.

Three Pillars of Biophilic Design

Biophilic design can be organized into 3 categories and sub-divided into 14 patterns. These pillars provide a framework for understanding and enabling the incorporation of nature and natural elements into the built environment.

1. Nature in the Space:

Nature in Space directly refers to integrating nature into livable space. This includes plants, trees, water features, custom gardens, green walls, vegetable gardens, etc. Nature in space is further categorized in 7 patterns:

  • Visual Connection: Adding natural elements that stimulate visuals, such as a garden with wild and unrestrained trees, will resemble a forest.
  • Non-Visual Connection: Stimulating other senses by creating auditory similarities, aromas, etc. identical to the elements of nature.
  • Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli: Momentary exposure to unpredictable noises, smells, and visuals. For example, birds chirping, rustling of leaves, the faint scent of flowers, and even manicured gardens.
  • Thermal and Air-Flow Variables: Greenery and water bodies enhance ventilation, reduce heat, and improve the micro-climate of the property.
  • Water Bodies and Features: The touch of water enhances the experience of the surroundings.
  • Dynamic and Diffused Light: Using light and shadows to create and improve the design and experience of the space.
  • Connection with Natural System: Understanding natural processes, particularly the seasonal and temporal variations of a thriving ecosystem.

2. Natural Analogues:

Natural Analogues refers to the patterns, textures, materials, and objects that evoke the sense of nature. So, patterns and finishes can mimic the textures of timber and wood; organic shapes and natural materials can look like shells, leaves, etc; or even the use of artificial plants, grass, moss, and vertical gardens can help to create an indirect connection with nature.

There are 3 patterns in which we divide natural analogues:

  • Biomorphic Forms and Patterns: Nature’s enduring presence through symbolic representations of contours, patterns, and textures, such as wood-textured laminates or artificial grass and plants.
  • Materials from Nature: Emphasizing the use of unprocessed materials and elements from nature to mirror the local environment and cultivate a strong sense of location. For example, use of materials like wood, bamboo, cane, etc.
  • Complexity and Order: Spatial hierarchy resembling those found in nature, with rich sensory information, like an artificial waterfall surrounded by an untamed plantation.

3. Nature of the Space:

Nature of the Space concept explores the arrangement of natural surroundings and our inclination to desire a broader view beyond our immediate environment. Natural patterns and similarities create captivating spatial compositions.

The Nature of the Space is divided into 4 patterns:

  • Prospect: Unrestricted view of the property spanning a long distance, especially for surveillance and planning.
  • Refuge: A semi-enclosed place, covered from behind and overhead, that allows individuals to withdraw from their surroundings and find protection from environmental conditions.
  • Mystery: Using partially obscured views and sensory devices to create an aura of mystery and ambiguity for people to explore the environment and surroundings.
  • Risk/Peril: Designing a risky space that is exciting and slightly daring. It might not be truly dangerous, but it’s intriguing and tempting to explore.

These three foundations and fourteen biophilic design elements aim to emphasize the significance of human interaction with nature in our constructed surroundings. The purpose is to inspire people to rethink traditional approaches by incorporating biophilic components to create healthy homes, workplaces, and urban areas.

Conclusion

The research on biophilic design is still in progress, but there’s enough evidence to support its benefits. Unfortunately, much of our modern design ignores this important knowledge.

Indeville Design Studio intends to revive the connection between humans and nature in the built environment through our landscapes and designs. The need for biophilic designs is essential for our health and well-being. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Contact us today at +919625940950 or drop an email at contact@indeville.com to learn more about affordable biophilic designs and landscape services.

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