How to incorporate biophilic design - 10 Tips
What is Biophilic Interior Design?
Dear Luxury Lover,
Biophilic design is a design philosophy which incorporates elements of nature into infrastructure and today we want to discuss this trend and its application into your home. This trend is significantly gaining in popularity as it's an excellent way to create a relaxing atmosphere and nurture one's relationship with the outdoors.
Biophilic design is not a new phenomenon. While the term was coined in 1964, the concept seems to have its roots in the Ancient world.
I remember the first time I came across residential biophilic architecture was during my travel through Southeast Asia. I was amazed how big and modern cities like Singapore include nature into the architectural and interior design projects. I’m so glad to see that this incredible trend starts to gain momentum globally.
Why is biophilic design important?
Biophilic design is all about connecting with nature. Scientific research has demonstrated the beneficial impact of nature on our psychological and physiological well being such as reduced stress, enhanced performance, improvement of cognitive functions, creativity and even positive impact on health recovery processes. This trend features excess of natural light, use of raw materials and indoor tropical gardens which helps us feel more connected with nature.
Photo: Anez Ka Arts
Biophilic interior design elements
We have mentioned natural light and raw materials as the cornerstones of biophilic design. Relaxing and calming atmosphere can also be achieved through the nature inspired colour palette - natural colors, greens, earthy tones create calming organic spaces.
Think lush greenery found in tropical plants, forest green or alternatively more calm and soothing sage greens with a cool blue undertone, and olive greens that add warmth and coziness to any room. These can be complemented by neutral tones of beige and grey. This cohesive colour scheme will create a tranquil environment. We have discussed the most trendy colours in one of the previous blogs so I invite you to have a read if this is of interest.
As you can see this trend has so much to offer, and except for incorporating greenery to bring life and vibrancy to spaces, it can be characterized by the following features:
Natural shapes and forms
Biophilic design promotes spaces filled with natural shapes, organic forms and patterns that are common in nature such as leaves, animal motifs, references to vegetation, or structures created by nature such as hives and webs. The designs are characterized by flowy lines which are more common in nature than sharp edges and right angles. Very popular are arches, trees incorporated into the building structure, or as a plant, oval shapes, botanical motifs, shells and spirals. These elements coupled with natural or diffused warm light create a beautiful interplay of shapes, colours and shapes resembling outdoors daylight conditions.
Natural materials, air ventilation and textures in biophilic design
Biophilic interiors use natural materials like wood and stone to add warmth and texture. Texture can be added by the use of accents like natural fibre rugs and woven baskets which enhances the organic vibe of the space. Natural materials age very well which provides an additional layer of interest and richness to the space over time.
Each space has a clear focal point, while different parts of the interior can have their own distinctive character, the whole space is always perceived as a whole and complete through the use of common materials and complementary contrasts.
Air ventilation is equally important - biophilic architecture creates interiors that are airy and spacious to allow proper air circulation promoting wellbeing.
Water elements and plants in biophilic design
Addition of water elements like indoor fountain providing a calming sound and a welcoming ambience can make a subtle yet significant difference in setting the tranquil tone for your space.
Plants and greenery incorporated into the buildings, enhance the connection with nature. It is very common to see buildings working in harmony with the surroundings or complementing geological features.
If you are interested to see some beautiful biophilic projects, I invite you to be amazed by these 7 extraordinary biophilic projects.
I recommend some further reading if you are interested in this topic: “Biophilic design: the theory, science, and practice of bringing buildings to life” by Kellert, Heerwagen and Mador or this excellent paper discussing biophilic design in depth.
And also have a look at this amazing project and how beautifully it is incorporated in the natural environment of this wooded area.
