Biophilic design – Learn all about it.

Interior design and the concept of Biophilic design seeks to connect the inherent human need to associate with nature in the confines our steel, cement and brick buildings. As humans, we are organically programmed to associate with natural features and processes. We spend most our time indoors and Covid-19 pandemic only made things worse.

As a solution to this very modern age problem, is the biophilic design. It seeks to satisfy our need to connect with nature within the confines of modern buildings and cities. So, the aim of biophilic design is to create good habitat for people in modern structures. Accomplishing this objective depends on meeting 3 characteristic conditions.

1. Biophilic design focuses on those aspects of the nature that have contributed to human health and productivity. Obscure aspects of nature are largely irrelevant to the concept of Biophilic design because they contribute very little, if any.
2. It emphasises on the overall setting or habitat and NOT a single or isolated occurrence of nature. The effectiveness of biophilic design depends on interventions that are connected, complementary, and integrated within the overall environment.
3. It emphasizes on engaging with and repeated contact with nature. Although we may be inclined to associate with nature, for this contact to be useful, it must be nurtured through repeated and reinforcing experience. The benefits of biophilic design depend on engaging contact with nature.

It is quite unfortunate that our evolution into extreme dependency of the digital screens has shaped our society to insufficiently support the human need to connect with nature, erecting various obstacles to the satisfying experience of the natural world, often treating nature as simply raw material to be transformed through technology. This increasing separation from nature is reflected in much of our modern agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare, urban development, and architectural design.

The erroneous assumption that humans no longer need to connect with nature is revealed in the widespread practice of placing people in sensory deprived and artificial settings such as office buildings, hospitals, schools, shopping centres–with little contact with natural forces and stimuli. Much of today’s-built environment is designed lacking adequate natural light, natural ventilation, natural materials, vegetation, views, environmental shapes and forms, and other evolved affinities for the natural world.

We are just beginning to find that these environmentally impoverished habitats fester fatigue, disease, and impaired performance, and the simple introduction of natural lighting, outside views, and vegetation can result in enhanced health and productivity.

The fundamental challenge of biophilic design is to address these deficiencies in the modern built environment by initiating a new framework for the beneficial occurrence of nature. The effective application of biophilic design begins with adhering to the previously described 3 basic principles. From there, particular practices of biophilic design can be employed to help implement positive and beneficial outcomes. Applications of biophilic design can be a direct experience or an indirect experience as listed below:

Direct experience of nature – For a direct experience of Biophilic design, you need elements of light, air, water, plants, animals, natural landscapes and ecosystems and weather to be a part of the interior design. This enhances the functionality and positively contributes to nature and the health and productivity of the humans who live or work in the specific location that is up for a biophilic makeover.

Of course, it is obvious that the logistics and maintenance of such expensive designs are not an affordable option for most of us. So, the concept of indirect experience of nature in Biophilic design exists in the realm of interior design and décor.

For example: The concept of biophilic design can be worked out with well-designed windows that are airy and open that can bring in a flood of morning and evening light instead of harsh artificial lighting. A soothing presence of a well-placed and perfectly maintained aquarium space can bring in the design element of aforementioned nature. Perfectly designed windows and ventilation spaces will ensure healthy breathing and contribute to the health and productivity of the people living and working in the Biophilic space.

Indirect experience with nature – For an indirect experience of nature in Biophilic design, there are design elements that are images of nature, natural materials, natural colours, mobility and wayfinding, cultural and ecological attachment to place, simulating natural light and air, naturalistic shapes and forms, evoking nature, information richness, age, change, and the patina of time, natural geometries and biomimicry.

For example: The concept of Biophilic design for indirect experience of nature can be achieved through well-intentioned creativity that contributes to health and productivity. Usage of soothing, warm and natural colours and soft, curved shapes and natural texture of wood in place of sharp steel and iron will bring in the warmth of nature in the home or work environment with a Biophilic design.