What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is an approach to architecture and design that incorporates natural elements and patterns into the built environment to improve the well-being and health of occupants. It aims to reconnect people with nature and promote a sense of well-being, comfort, and tranquility.

Biophilic design is based on the theory that people have an innate tendency to connect with nature and that this connection is important for our physical and mental well-being. The approach is based on the fact that humans have evolved for two million years in natural environments, and that only a small portion of our evolution has been spent in the modern-age that consists of living in cities which many refer to as ‘concrete jungles’. In addition to this, many of our houses and workplaces offer poor lighting & air conditions, and add to our mental fatigue as opposed to acting as spaces for rejuvenation and increasing productivity.

Studies have shown that mindful exposure to nature reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts cognitive function. We can incorporate natural elements into the built environment in a variety of ways such as through: circadian lighting strategies, indoor and outdoor landscaping, air purifying plants, natural soundscapes and aromatherapy, providing views of nature, creating scenes of natural beauty, and through the deliberate use of natural patterns, colours, textures, materials and fabrics - to name just a few. Biophilic design includes the use of fractal patterns and geometries, which are inherently found in nature, to create a sense of order and connection in our built environments.