"Biophilic design is a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions."
- An approach that integrates nature and natural elements into the design of buildings and spaces, based on the idea that contact with nature promotes well-being and productivity.
Biophilic design principles: The foundational principles of biophilic design focus on creating connections between humans and nature, including elements such as natural light, water, plants, and views of the outdoors.
Human well-being: Biophilic design prioritizes human well-being by considering the ways in which people interact with their environment and how that environment affects their physical, emotional, and mental health.
Sustainable design: Biophilic design naturally lends itself to sustainable design practices, such as utilizing local materials, reducing waste, and incorporating natural ventilation and lighting.
Neuroscience: Biophilic design takes into account the ways in which our brains respond to natural environments and how that can positively impact our health and well-being.
Urban planning: Many biophilic design principles can be applied to urban planning, including the integration of green spaces and the creation of walkable, pedestrian-friendly communities.
Biomimicry: Biophilic design can be inspired by the patterns and structures found in nature, leading to innovative design solutions that mimic natural systems.
Indoor air quality: Biophilic design can improve indoor air quality by incorporating natural ventilation and filtering systems through the use of plants and greenery.
Acoustics: Biophilic design can improve the acoustics of a space by incorporating natural materials that absorb sound, such as wood or plants.
Lighting: Biophilic design recognizes the importance of natural light and how it can positively impact our mood, productivity, and health.
Aesthetics: Biophilic design can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space by including natural elements such as plants, water features, and natural materials like wood and stone.
Biomimicry: This approach involves emulating natural patterns, processes, and forms in the design of buildings, systems, and products.
Biomorphic Design: This design style incorporates elements and shapes found in nature, such as curves and flowing lines.
Bioclimatic Design: This design approach aims to create structures that are naturally adapted to the local environment, optimizing energy conservation, and working with passive climate control principles.
Green Design: This is design which prioritizes the use of sustainable materials, renewable energy sources, and minimizing the environmental impact.
Permaculture: This design method is centered on creating human ecosystems that mimic natural systems, such as food forests and rainwater harvesting systems.
Living Architecture: This approach involves fully integrating natural elements, such as plants and animals, into the building design to create a living system.
Sensory Design: This design approach encourages the engagement of the senses in the built environment, incorporating natural light, textures, sounds, and smells.
Regenerative Design: This is design that develops a more respectful and symbiotic relationship between human activities and natural systems, attempting to restore and revive ecosystems rather than merely reducing environmental harm.
Ecological Urbanism: This approach aims to address the challenges of urbanization by integrating ecological principles into the design of cities, creating more livable and sustainable urban environments.
"Used at both the building and city-scale..."
"...it is argued that this idea has health, environmental, and economic benefits for building occupants and urban environments..."
"...with few drawbacks."
"Although its name was coined in recent history..."
"...indicators of biophilic design have been seen in architecture from as far back as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon."