The rise of biophilic design & its importance

Biophilic design, an architectural revolution, forges a deeper bond between humans and nature. Derived from “biophilia,” Greek for “love of life,” this philosophy harmoniously blends built spaces with the environment, enhancing well-being and sustainability. Stemming from biologist Edward O. Wilson’s 1984 “Biophilia” hypothesis, it taps into our intrinsic connection with nature. Architects and designers adopt this concept to craft spaces resonating with our inherent appreciation for living entities. By integrating nature into architecture, it profoundly enhances physical, emotional, and cognitive health.

Elements of Biophilic Design: Biophilic design encompasses key components, with a leading example being natural materials. Incorporating elements like wood, stone, and bamboo fosters comfort and establishes a connection to nature. Along the same line, natural lighting (e.g. natural light through skylights, clerestory windows, or light shelves) promotes a healthy indoor environment and positively influences circadian rhythms. Other elements of biophilia design include water features like fountains and ponds, access to nature – provided through balconies or courtyards and greenery by incorporating plants and trees.

Benefits of Biophilic Design: Beyond individual well-being, biophilic design offers broader advantages. A key advantage is improved air quality – integration of greenery and natural ventilation systems elevates indoor air quality, which promotes a healthier living environment. Reduced stress is another benefit for access to nature and natural light lowers blood pressure, and enhances overall mental and physical well-being. Furthermore, natural elements stimulate cognitive function, creativity, productivity and learning abilities therefore enhancing our cognitive function. Lastly, biophilic design also offers one sustainable living as it aligns with sustainable practices, encouraging the use of natural materials and green infrastructure.

Notable Examples of Biophilic Design: Impressive instances of biophilic design span the globe. Our first example comes from Singapore and is the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. Winner of the Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award, this hospital intertwines a rainforest garden with its structure to promote healing. Next, the University of Melbourne six-star Green Star Biosciences Building in Australia is also a key example of biophilic design, integrating natural materials and light to enhance cognitive performance. Other instances where biophilic design shone through is with The Spheres retreat in Seattle, USA, the Pasona Urban Farm in Tokyo, Japan and the Metropol Parasol in Seville, Spain. All of these structures are prime examples of nature-incorporated architecture and goes on to promote greenery and environmentalism.

In conclusion, biophilic design represents a transformative shift in architecture, uniting the built environment with the natural world to enhance human well-being and environmental sustainability. This approach reflects a profound understanding of our innate connection to nature and its potential to shape the way we design and inhabit spaces.