"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."
Analysis of the beneficial effects of natural environments and elements within the built environment, with a focus on promoting well-being.
Biophilic design principles: The fundamental concepts behind the approach to designing with nature in mind, such as using natural materials, incorporating daylight, and creating connections to outdoor spaces.
Environmental psychology: The scientific study of how human behavior is affected by the built and natural environments, including factors like lighting, color, noise, and crowding.
Nature imagery and symbolism: The use of images of plants, animals, water, and other natural elements in design to evoke positive emotions and associations with nature.
Biophilic patterns: The specific ways in which humans tend to interact with nature, such as seeking refuge, experiencing fascination, and feeling a sense of connection.
Biophilic interventions: Design elements that aim to enhance human interactions with nature, such as green walls, indoor gardens, and natural light features.
Human health and well-being: The physical, mental, and emotional benefits that humans can experience by spending time in natural environments, such as reduced stress and improved cognitive function.
Sustainability and resource conservation: The importance of using environmentally conscious design practices to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Cultural relevance: The consideration of cultural values and beliefs in the design process, such as incorporating traditional designs or using materials with cultural significance.
Accessibility and inclusivity: The importance of designing spaces that are accessible and welcoming to diverse populations, such as those with disabilities or from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Urban design and planning: The role that biophilic design can play in shaping the built environment, including transforming urban spaces into more green and livable communities.
Direct Experience of Nature: This type of biophilic design involves incorporating natural elements like plants, water, and sunlight into the built environment in ways that make them easily accessible to people.
Indirect Experience of Nature: This type of biophilic design connects people to nature through representations of natural elements, such as images of landscapes, patterns of natural materials, and the sounds of birds and bugs.
Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli: This type of biophilic design involves using natural elements like textures, shapes, and patterns to evoke feelings of calmness and relaxation.
Thermal and Airflow Variability: This type of biophilic design focuses on creating opportunities for people to experience natural changes in temperature and air movement that can help regulate their physiological systems.
Presence of Water: Incorporating water features into the built environment has been found to have a calming and restorative effect on the mind and body.
Dynamic and Diffuse Light: This type of biophilic design focuses on creating spaces that have a variety of lighting conditions throughout the day, mimicking the natural changes that occur in the environment.
Connection with Natural Systems: This type of biophilic design involves creating spaces that are connected to larger natural systems, such as ecosystems or weather patterns.
Biomimicry: This type of biophilic design involves emulating natural shapes, patterns, and processes in the design of the built environment.
Functional Diversity: This type of biophilic design involves creating spaces that have multiple functions, allowing people to move between activities and experiences throughout the day.
Evolved Human-Nature Relationships: This type of biophilic design focuses on creating spaces that foster a deeper connection between people and the natural world, through activities like gardening or observing wildlife.
"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."