Understanding Biophilic Design

Biophilic Design is an approach to Architectural Design that connects people more closely to the natural environment. To be able to smell flowers and plants around, feel the airflow and hear the water flow- such multi-sensory stimuli have their own set of positive health implications. Fallingwater designed by Frank Lloyd Wright exemplifies many Biophilic Features. The waterfalls and the existing foliage outside along with the fireplaces inside develop a seamless connection with nature.

This design concept is used at both the building and the city- scale. Considering the principles of Biophilic Design for a building, natural lighting, ventilation, water elements and landscapes serve as key features. This design creates a more productive and healthier built environment for the building Occupants. For instance, plants in interiors reduce stress and have a calming effect on the mind, whereas a sense of closeness to nature is mentally restorative for the occupants. Studies reveal that Biophilic Design at the city level, has environmental and economic benefits. Such designed cities prove to have higher social connectivity amongst their people, lower crime rates and subsequently better able to withstand life crises. People living in such green neighbourhoods have lower stress levels, enhanced creativity, clarity of thought, and improved well-being.

Before expecting any beneficial outcome, there are some fundamentals of Biophilic Design that need to be followed through the experience of Direct nature and Indirect Nature.

Direct Experience of Nature:

• LIGHT: Needless to say, natural lighting is essential for well-being. It ensures clarity of vision and thoughts, evokes a sense of comfort and enthusiasm. It links people to the outdoor environment and keeps them on track with their natural 24-hour cycle. Design large windows or fixed glasses, skylights or reflective materials to induce natural light indoors.
• VENTILATION: Windows allow the movement of air, which varies with temperature and levels of humidity. Such variations also affect occupants’ comfort and productivity. Studies have found that airflow stimulation keeps people awake, especially in an office setup, and consequently also improves their work performance.
• WATER: Our mind and body appreciate the presence of water through its touch, sound and movement. Lowered Blood Pressure and Lowered Heart Rate are some of the health benefits. For this, add water bodies, fountains, cascades or aquariums as a part of the landscape design.
• PLANTS: Adding plants to the interiors or the exteriors directly bonds people with nature. Green walls, gardens and landscapes with water bodies can be provided as desired. Also, flower-bearing plants are instant energy and mood boosters.

Indirect Experience of Nature:

• IMAGES OF NATURE: Images that mimic nature can also have the same healing effect mentally, emotionally and psychologically. Putting up paintings, artworks, sculptures or even murals will serve as a solution. The aim is to experience the nature indoors.
• NATURAL MATERIALS: Encourage the use of natural materials. To say, Stone and Wood, when used in their raw form, give a sense of being close to nature.
• NATURAL COLOURS: Warm colours are necessary to bring in lively vibes and elevate the mood of the occupants. Whereas, Earthy Tones or Natural Colours have a much softer visual impact.

Benefits of Biophilic Design

Adding physical natural elements such as plants, trees, green roofs are said to have numerous benefits on the occupants’ health and the environment as a whole. Let us get to know two of such major benefits:

• HEALTH BENEFITS: The most prominent reason Biophilic Design is being promoted, is the Physiological and Psychological health benefits that it provides. Since on average, a human spends 90% of his time indoors, it’s essential to improve the quality of life indoors. This form of design helps in creating happy work environments that also aim for a speedy recovery from illness.
• ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS: Adding these physical elements like Plants, trees or green roofs to create a natural habitat, benefits our environment also. Managing Stormwater runoff gets convenient due to fewer impervious layers resulting in better infiltration. Adding greenery reduces carbon emissions and increases biodiversity. Furthermore, Green rooftops also reduce heat absorption making the roof surface 30-40% cooler.

The successful application of the principles of Biophilic design will facilitate people to develop a sense of consciousness towards nature. And will enable them to realize how strongly they need to develop the long-lost ties with nature again!