BIOPHILIC DESIGN guide
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic Design is a bridge between interior design, nature and wellbeing. After observing the elements of nature that have a positive effect on us, it reproduces them indoors, creating interiors that actively support our overall wellbeing.
How does Biophilic Design work?
Biophilic Design relies on a number of tools, organized in 3 categories:
- Nature in the Space: literally bringing nature indoors.
- Natural Analogues: imitating the features of nature that have proven to be beneficial to our wellbeing.
- Nature of the Space: reproducing natural "space layouts" indoors.
Let's dive into each one of them in turn:
1. VISUAL CONNECTION WITH NATURE
View of natural elements from within the interior.
2. NON-VISUAL CONNECTION WITH NATURE
Interactions with nature through other senses: sound, touch, smell and taste.
3. NON-RHYTHMIC SENSORY STIMULI
Unpredictable and non-repetitive movements that happen in nature like birds chirping or leaves moving in a breeze.
4. THERMAL & AIRFLOW VARIABILITY
Variability in air temperature and flow, changes in relative humidity and varying surface temperatures.
5. PRESENCE OF WATER
Water as a design feature.
6. DYNAMIC & DIFFUSE LIGHT
Varying lighting intensities and light changes over time that recall the natural cycle of day and night.
7. CONNECTION WITH NATURAL SYSTEMS
Awareness of seasonal and temporal changes.
8. BIOMORPHIC FORMS & PATTERNS
Nature-inspired textures, shapes and patterns.
9. MATERIAL CONNECTION WITH NATURE
Natural materials and elements that reflect the local environment in terms of ecology or geology.
10. COMPLEXITY & ORDER
Rich sensory information recalling natural spatial hierarchies (i.e. fractal patterns).
11. PROSPECT
Uninterrupted view over a distance.
12. REFUGE
Sense of protection from movements and activities happening in the surroundings.
13. MYSTERY
Partially obscured views stimulating curiosity about the unknown.
14. RISK/PERIL
Balance between a sense of risk and the feeling of protection.
