BIOPHILIC DESIGN guide
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic Design is a bridge between design, nature and wellbeing. Translating the essence of nature into design solutions, it helps create spaces that actively support health and wellbeing.
How does Biophilic Design work?
The theory behind biophilic design has been described with a framework of tools - called patterns – that are aimed at facilitating biophilic design applications.
These 14 patterns 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.
[Framework conceptualized by Terrapin Bright Green]
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 recalling those happening in nature (birds chirping, 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
Use of water and water mimicking solutions as design features.
6. DYNAMIC & DIFFUSE LIGHT
Varying lighting intensities and light changes over time evoking the natural cycle of day and night.
7. CONNECTION WITH NATURAL SYSTEMS
Awareness of seasonal and temporal changes stimulated by design solutions.
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 features recalling natural spatial hierarchies (otherwise called fractal patterns).
11. PROSPECT
Uninterrupted view over a distance creating feelings of calm and safety.
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
Balanced combination of a perceived sense of risk and the rational knowledge of safety.
Biophilic Design Guide - e-book
free downloadable e-book
This Biophilic Design Guide is an illustrated journey across the 14 patterns of biophilic design. A unique publication to retrace the blog series Biophilic Moodboards, where we've explored the principles of biophilic design over the past 2 years.
Download your Biophilic Design Guide (free) (opened in a new window/tab)
Note: this guide is the first brick of a wider biophilic design project that will come in the coming months, so stay tuned!
