BIOPHILIC DESIGN guide
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic Design is a bridge between interior design, nature and wellbeing. It takes the elements of nature that have a positive effect on us and reproduces them indoors, creating interiors that actively support our wellbeing.
How does Biophilic Design work?
Biophilic Design relies on a number of tools - called patterns – that are organized in 3 categories:
- Nature in the Space: incorporating natural elements in design.
- Natural Analogues: replicating natural shapes, patterns, colours and textures.
- Nature of the Space: reproducing the layout of natural environments.
Let's look at each one in turn!
Click on each pattern to read a dedicated article from the blog.
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.
Biophilic Design & Art Q&A
Watch the Q&A Instagram (opened in a new window/tab) live session I had with biophilic artist Debra Ferrari (opened in a new window/tab).
CONTENT:
- What is biophilic design? (00:08:44)
- What’s the easy steps we can do to include biophilic design in our homes and lives? (00:12:35)
- Which plants are best for a biophilic design? (00:17:11)
- In which way can a biophilic concept be seen as a piece of art to add in our home? (00:23:45)
- What’s the biggest challenge when designing biophilic spaces? (00:27:41)
- What inspires your art? Your personal experiences in nature (walks…), photos of nature? (00:32:46)
- I’m having to work from home, but I live in a small condo and I can’t concentrate. What would you suggest? (00:35:53)
- Do you think art can help people fall back in love with nature? (00:42:44)
- How to use risk/peril in biophilic design without it having an adverse effect? (00:46:51)
- Is biophilic design a trend? (00:54:58)
- Which techniques do you use in your art? (01:01:42)
- and more...
