"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."
The incorporation of natural elements, such as plants and water features, into the built environment to improve human well-being and environmental sustainability.
Biophilia: The concept that humans have an innate connection to nature and its elements, which can have positive effects on mental and physical health.
Environmental Design: The design of environments that are sustainable, and provide benefits to human health and well-being.
Nature-Inspired Design: The use of natural elements, patterns, and materials in design to create natural-looking and feeling spaces.
Biomimicry: The practice of designing structures, systems and materials that are modeled after biological systems in nature.
Green Infrastructure: The use of natural processes and green spaces, such as trees, gardens, and waterways, to improve the environment and people's lives.
Sustainable Building Practices: The integration of sustainable practices, such as energy and water conservation, renewable energy, and green building materials, into the construction and maintenance of buildings.
Biophilic Design Elements: The use of natural materials, patterns, light, and views to create spaces that connect people to nature and provide health benefits.
Health and Well-being Benefits of Biophilic Design: The scientific evidence supporting the positive effects of biophilic design on human health, productivity, and well-being.
Regulatory Standards and Certifications: The policies, laws, and certifications related to sustainable and biophilic design.
Case Studies and Best Practices: Examples of successful biophilic design projects and the strategies used to achieve them.
Biomorphic Forms and Patterns: Mimicking organic shapes and patterns, often using flowing curves, circles, and spirals that elicit a sense of nature’s complexity.
Naturalistic Colors and Materials: Using the colors, textures, and patterns of natural materials, including wood, stone, water, and greenery, which create a sense of harmony and balance within a space.
Light and Shadow: Utilizing natural light throughout the day and in various ways, such as dappled light, artistic shadows, or sunlight streaming through trees to evoke a connection to surrounding nature.
Plants and Living Walls: The use of plants, moss, and grasses to improve air quality, noise reduction, and visualization of natural scenery.
Natural Airflow and Ventilation: Incorporating natural ventilation strategies, such as operable windows, passive solar design, and ventilation stacks that bring fresh air and aid in indoor air quality control.
Indoor Water Features: Adding natural water elements into interior design, such as fountains, streams or ponds that mimic the sound and movement of water in a natural setting.
Multi-sensory Experiences: The practice of stimulating various senses through biophilic design elements, such as a sound of birds chirping, natural scents or even natural patterns.
Biomimicry: Utilizing the form, function, and adaptations of natural systems (like spider webs) in technological design and functionality.
Photo-realistic Nature Scenes: Using photographs or mural of natural scenery (such as trees or sky views) as wallcoverings in a room can help create visually stunning effects.
Coherent Cities: Urban planning efforts that integrate green spaces and public parks, and improve the connectivity between urban spaces to create harmony with surrounding natural areas.
"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."