Not too long ago, the words 'design of the future' might have conjured images of austere concrete and steel structures devoid of color, let alone green spaces. We saw the built environment of the future as indifferent, if not hostile, to our innate human need to be connected with the natural environment.
Biophilic design was born and continues to grow as a counterbalance to this vision of the future. In this article, I’ll be sharing the historic roots of biophilic design, the health benefits of living and working amongst the natural world, and trends to look out for in the future.
What is biophilic design?
Biophilia is a design ethos that emphasizes the integration of natural elements into urban development and the built environment to enhance the mental health, well-being, and productivity of its occupants. This could be by way of maximizing natural light, airflow, and natural materials or including natural features in interior spaces such as plants, vegetation, or water.
Biophilic design recognizes the philosophy that humans are part of the natural world and that the built environment should nurture us as such. This may be achieved through mimicking (biomimicry) or integrating living organisms or elements that facilitate their flourishing into the design.
“We are human in good part because of the particular way we affiliate with other organisms. They are the matrix in which the human mind originated and is permanently rooted.”
- Frank O. Wilson, Author of Biophilia
Image by Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects, Liljewall Architects, and Lasse Herbo Madsen
The history of biophilic design
“If you have a garden in your library, we will want for nothing”
Cicero - circa 50 BC
While they may not have had a fancy name for it, the fundamental aspects of biophilic design have been around and present in architecture around the globe for millennia. Courtyards with lush green gardens, green walls, and elaborate water features are synonymous with Roman architecture.
There were Chinese Scholar Gardens in the 11th century (more commonly known as Chinese Gardens), where the intellectual elite of the time escaped for contemplation and artistic expression.
Research has shown that medieval Islamic Madrasas (similar to a university) were intentionally designed with biophilic design principles and environmental features in mind. The idea being that the human connection with natural landscapes would facilitate the students' academic and spiritual growth.
Fast forward to 1984, American biologist Edward O. Wilson coined the phrase Biophilia in his treatise on incorporating natural elements into the built environment. Central to the book is the concept that human beings love nature and are innately connected to it, and for humans to thrive, this connection needs to be reflected in the built environment.
The benefits of biophilic design
Health and well-being
One of the major benefits of biophilic design is how it enhances health and well being. An immense body of research correlates time spent in the natural environment with nearly all aspects of human health flourishing. Whether it be a walk in the forest or a trip to the beach, the vast benefits of being in nature for our mental health and physical health are now well documented.
These effects are multi-sensory. From taking in natural sunlight through the eyes, the sound of wind rustling through leaves, and even exposure to the scent of natural aromas have been found to offer unique benefits. Biophilic design seeks to create spaces that allow us to experience these benefits in the home and the workplace.
Productivity and creativity
A 2004 study found that the presence of leafy plants in a room resulted in a significant increase in both mood and creative task performance. Other research demonstrates that offices with more natural light and windows reduce stress and improve sleep quality for the workers than those without them.
Fascinatingly, the presence of a few plants and other natural elements in hospitals was even positively correlated with accelerated recovery time and less pain medication required for post-surgery patients, emphasizing the health benefits of interior spaces with natural features.
Sustainability and environmental impact
Buildings that incorporate biophilic design use less energy, use sustainable materials, and minimize waste. These modern buildings can provide a net-positive environmental impact by generating their own power and enriching water reserves. LEED-certified buildings generate 50% less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional buildings.
Natural temperature regulation reduces buildings' negative impact and minimizes their carbon footprint. Living spaces with proper ventilation and water features, for example, stay cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning.
Challenges of biophilic design
Despite its incredible promise, putting this design philosophy into action can come with unique challenges.
Cross-disciplinary expertise
Cross-disciplinary expertise is vital for biophilic design, but it can be challenging as it requires architects to collaborate with engineers, botanists, and landscape designers and navigate differing priorities and perspectives.
Budget constraints
While elements of biophilic design are always possible to integrate, no matter the budget, going big and bold is likely to be costly.
Maintenance burden
Unlike natural settings with self-sustaining ecosystems, natural elements incorporated into design can come with a heavy maintenance burden. An elaborate vertical garden, for instance, will require specialist maintenance.
Biophilic design in action: Biotope
Though challenges exist, with the right tools, and team, even the most audacious visions can be executed.
Take the European Metropolis of Lille, for example. Guided by the philosophy of “rethinking urban design and creating healing architecture by developing 21st-century alternatives from a humanist, positivist, and ecological perspective,” Olivier Riauté and his team at Keurk have created a monument to what biophilic architecture can achieve: Biotope.
Image by KeurK
Biotope was designed with health and renewal firmly in mind. With open-air balconies, terraced green roofs, indoor trees, and open-air balconies, the design and build process required constant refinement and communication between stakeholders to bring all the elements together.
This was made possible through Enscape's real-time rendering solution.
“I stumbled upon Enscape just before the Biotope project. I liked it because it’s friendly and easy to use, which is why I decided to use it for it,” said Riauté.
“VR helped us to make an impression. We were able to make important decisions, and we were also able to show our clients how monumental the staircase would look like in the atrium,” he explains.
Image by KeurK
It also allowed seamless collaboration between KeurK and the construction team.
“Enscape used with the BIM model and Revit allowed us to communicate our concept and keep everyone up to date. It was useful for collaborating with the contracted construction team. It was a really flexible way of working together.”
Emerging trends and the future of biophilic design
As we continue to reconnect with nature in our homes and workplaces, the future of biophilic design is looking bright. Here are some trends to look out for.
Sustainability
The embrace of sustainable materials will continue to trend. Biophilic designers are increasingly embracing eco-friendly options like recycled composites and repurposed woods, creating designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and sustainably responsible.
Indoor-outdoor fluidity
The seamless transition between indoor and outdoor space, known as indoor-outdoor fluidity, continues to gain traction within the biophilic design space. This includes continuous aesthetic features from inside to out, such as indoor gardens and courtyards, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor space.
Multi-sensory engagement
As the science of how our various senses respond to nature progresses, so too will the demand for richer sensory environments in the home. Our olfactory sense (the sense of smell) is one of the fastest and most direct routes to memory and emotion. With this in mind, fragrant natural materials are increasingly sought after to create an emotionally nourishing environment in the home.
Innovative technology
As biophilic design gains popularity, expect advances in real-time visualization and building performance software to bring even the most audacious visions to life. Software tools like Enscape enable us to visualize intricate designs, communicate project requirements with various stakeholders, and facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Enscape white mode
Conclusion
Biophilic design offers designers a powerful way to create healthier and more sustainable living and working environments. By embracing this philosophy, you can enhance well-being, boost productivity, and foster a deeper connection with the natural environment in your projects.
With the right tools and knowledge, leading designers will be equipped to lead the way in creating a future where the built environment nourishes its occupants and sets a new standard for urban design that benefits both people and the planet.
