Biophilic Design

 

Biophilic design is a design approach that incorporates elements of nature into the built environment. The goal of biophilic design is to improve the health, well-being, and productivity of people who interact with these spaces.

There are many different ways to incorporate biophilic design into buildings and other spaces. Some common elements include:

• Natural light: Natural light is one of the most important elements of biophilic design. It has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and boost the immune system.
• Plants: Plants are another essential element of biophilic design. They can help to purify the air, reduce noise pollution, and create a sense of calm and well-being.
• Water features: Water features can also be used to create a sense of calm and relaxation. They can also help to improve air quality and reduce stress.
• Natural materials: Natural materials, such as wood, stone, and brick, can help to connect people with the natural world. They can also improve the acoustics of a space and create a more comfortable environment.
• Views of nature: Even if there is no way to bring nature indoors, views of nature can still have a positive impact on people's health and well-being.

Biophilic design is a growing field of study, and there is still much that we don't know about its effects. However, the research that has been done so far is very promising. Biophilic design has the potential to improve the health, well-being, and productivity of people who interact with these spaces.

Here are some of the benefits of biophilic design:

• Reduces stress: Biophilic design can help to reduce stress by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels.
• Improves mood: Exposure to nature can boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Boosts the immune system: Studies have shown that people who spend time in nature have stronger immune systems.
• Improves cognitive function: Exposure to nature can improve cognitive function, including memory and attention.
• Reduces pain: Spending time in nature can help to reduce pain, both physical and emotional.
• Promotes healing: Exposure to nature can help to promote healing, both physical and emotional.
• Increases creativity: Spending time in nature can help to increase creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Improves sleep: Exposure to nature can help to improve sleep quality and duration.
• Increases social interaction: Spending time in nature can help to increase social interaction and bonding.

The six main elements of biophilic design are:

1. **Natural light: Natural light is one of the most important elements of biophilic design. It has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and boost the immune system.
2. **Plants: Plants are another essential element of biophilic design. They can help to purify the air, reduce noise pollution, and create a sense of calm and well-being.
3. **Water features: Water features can also be used to create a sense of calm and relaxation. They can also help to improve air quality and reduce stress.
4. **Natural materials: Natural materials, such as wood, stone, and brick, can help to connect people with the natural world. They can also improve the acoustics of a space and create a more comfortable environment.
5. **Views of nature: Even if there is no way to bring nature indoors, views of nature can still have a positive impact on people's health and well-being.
6. **Natural patterns and forms: The use of natural patterns and forms in the built environment can help to connect people with the natural world. This can be done through the use of shapes, textures, and colors that are found in nature.

The 14 biophilic design patterns are a framework for incorporating nature into the built environment. They were developed by Terrapin Bright Green, a biophilic design consultancy.

The 14 patterns are:

1. Visual Connection to Nature: This pattern refers to providing views of nature from the built environment. This can be done through windows, skylights, or other openings.
2. Non-Visual Connection to Nature: This pattern refers to incorporating natural elements into the built environment that cannot be seen, such as the sound of running water or the smell of flowers.
3. Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli: This pattern refers to incorporating natural elements that provide unpredictable or irregular sensory stimuli, such as the wind blowing through leaves or the movement of water.
4. Thermal and Airflow Variability: This pattern refers to providing thermal and airflow variability in the built environment, which is similar to the natural environment.
5. Presence of Water: This pattern refers to incorporating water features into the built environment. Water features can help to improve air quality, reduce stress, and create a sense of calm.
6. Dynamic and Diffuse Light: This pattern refers to providing dynamic and diffuse light in the built environment. This can be done through the use of skylights, light shelves, and other techniques.
7. Connection with Natural Systems: This pattern refers to incorporating natural systems into the built environment, such as green roofs and rain gardens. Natural systems can help to improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and create a sense of connection to nature.
8. Biomorphic Forms & Patterns: This pattern refers to using forms and patterns that are found in nature in the built environment. This can be done through the use of shapes, textures, and colors that are found in nature.
9. Material Connection with Nature: This pattern refers to using materials that are found in nature in the built environment. This can be done through the use of wood, stone, and other natural materials.
10. Complexity & Order: This pattern refers to creating a balance of complexity and order in the built environment. This can be done through the use of a variety of natural elements and materials.
11. Prospect: This pattern refers to providing views that offer a sense of openness and possibility. This can be done through the use of windows, skylights, or other openings that provide views of nature or the outdoors.
12. Refuge: This pattern refers to creating spaces that offer a sense of calm and security. This can be done through the use of soft materials, subdued lighting, and other features that create a sense of enclosure.
13. Mystery: This pattern refers to creating spaces that offer a sense of intrigue and discovery. This can be done through the use of unexpected elements, such as hidden pathways or secret gardens.
14. Risk/Peril: This pattern refers to creating spaces that offer a sense of challenge and excitement. This can be done through the use of elements that create a sense of risk or danger, such as a rock climbing wall or a zip line.

The 14 biophilic design patterns can be used to create a variety of spaces, from office buildings to hospitals to schools. They can also be used to create a variety of moods, from calm and relaxing to stimulating and energizing.