Biophilic Design: 6 Practical Ways for Architecture

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 7 min read

Biophilic design, an approach that infuses nature and organic elements into architectural and interior design, is a unique, soothing, and refreshing way to liven up living spaces. This design philosophy is more than just aesthetics; it's about creating spaces that promote health, stimulate the senses, and make you feel closer to nature. Let's dive into six practical ways you can apply biophilic design principles to your architecture.

1. Incorporate Natural Light

One of the foundational elements of biophilic design is the use of natural light. By allowing sunlight to flow freely into your spaces, you create an environment that feels vibrant, airy, and connected to the outdoors.

Benefits of Natural Light

Why is natural light so important in biophilic design? First, natural light has been proven to improve mood and productivity. It helps regulate our bodies' circadian rhythms, which in turn affects our sleep patterns and overall well-being. Not to mention, it can make a space look bigger and more inviting. So, next time you're thinking about your design, remember: natural light isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have.

Ways to Incorporate Natural Light

So, how can you maximize natural light in your design? Here are some ideas:

Use large windows: Big, wide windows not only let in tons of sunlight, but they also provide impressive views of the outdoors, further enhancing the biophilic effect.
Skylights: By installing skylights, you can bathe your space in daylight, even if wall space is limited.
Translucent materials: Materials like frosted glass allow light in, while also providing privacy.
Reflective surfaces: Surfaces that reflect light can help distribute sunlight throughout the room, ensuring no corner is left in the dark.

As you can see, incorporating natural light is a vital aspect of biophilic design. Not only does it make your spaces look beautiful and feel comfortable, but it also fosters a deep connection with the natural world.

2. Integrate Plants

Another simple yet effective way to infuse nature into your architectural and interior design is by integrating plants. Plants breathe life into a space, provide visual interest, and even offer health benefits.

Selecting the Right Plants

When it comes to selecting plants for your biophilic design, it's important to choose species that are suitable for the specific environmental conditions of your space. Here are some considerations:

Light conditions: Some plants require lots of sunlight, while others can thrive in low-light conditions. Consider the amount of natural light your space receives when choosing plants.
Maintenance requirements: Some plants require regular watering and pruning, while others are more low-maintenance. Choose plants that fit your lifestyle and capabilities.
Size: Consider the size of the plants in relation to the space. Large plants can create a dramatic impact in spacious areas, while smaller plants can be used to accentuate specific features or areas.

Maintaining Plants in Architecture

Keeping your plants healthy and vibrant is crucial in biophilic design. Here are some tips:

Regular watering: Most indoor plants require watering once a week. Always check the soil's moisture level before watering to avoid over or under-watering.
Proper lighting: Ensure that your plants receive the right amount of natural light according to their needs. If necessary, you can use artificial grow lights to supplement natural light.
Pruning: Regularly prune your plants to maintain their shape and remove dead or dying leaves.

By integrating and maintaining plants in your architecture, you can create an environment that not only looks stunning but also promotes a sense of wellbeing and connection to nature.

3. Use Natural Materials

Biophilic design isn't just about adding plants to a space. It's about creating a deeper connection with nature through the use of natural materials. These materials can add texture, warmth, and authenticity to your design, making it feel more organic and grounded.

Types of Natural Materials

There's a wide array of natural materials that you can incorporate into your design. Let's explore some of them:

Wood: With its warm tones and unique grain patterns, wood is a popular choice for floors, walls, and furniture. From oak and maple to walnut and cherry, there's a type of wood for every style and budget.
Stone: Stone can add a touch of elegance and durability to your design. It's great for countertops, walls, and floors.
Clay: Clay and other earth materials can add a rustic, earthy feel to your space. They are great for pottery, tiles, and accents.
Fabrics: Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool can add a cozy, tactile element to your design. Use them for upholstery, curtains, and rugs.

Benefits of Natural Materials

Using natural materials in your design offers several benefits:

Sustainability: Many natural materials are renewable, making them a great choice for eco-friendly design.
Health and wellbeing: Natural materials can improve indoor air quality, reduce stress, and create a more comfortable and healthier living environment.
Aesthetics: Natural materials have an inherent beauty that can add character and depth to your design.

Using natural materials in your architecture is a great way to infuse nature and organic elements into your design, creating a space that is not only beautiful but also promotes health and wellbeing.

4. Create Open Spaces

Another key element in biophilic design is the creation of open spaces. Open spaces are areas in a building where you can see and move freely, without any barriers. These spaces are important because they mimic the openness of nature—think about standing in a field or on a mountaintop. Now, let's see how you can create these refreshing open spaces in your design.

Importance of Open Spaces

So why are open spaces so important in biophilic design? Here are some reasons:

Improves Mood: Open spaces can help reduce stress and make us feel happier. Just like being in nature can lift your spirits, so can standing in an open space in your home or office.
Increases Productivity: Studies show that open spaces can boost productivity. They provide room to move, think, and collaborate.
Enhances Connectivity: Open spaces can foster a sense of community by allowing easier interaction with others.

Designing Open Spaces

Designing open spaces doesn't mean you have to knock down all your walls. Here are some practical ways to create open spaces:

Use Glass Walls: Glass walls can make an area feel more open while still maintaining separate rooms.
Open Floor Plan: This design concept merges living, dining, and kitchen areas into a single open space.
High Ceilings: High ceilings can also create a sense of openness and freedom.

Open spaces are a practical and effective way to infuse nature and organic elements into architectural and interior design. They not only create a feeling of freedom and openness, but also foster a sense of community and collaboration.

5. Optimize Water Features

Have you ever noticed how soothing it is to listen to the gentle sound of a babbling brook, or watch the graceful movement of a koi fish in a pond? Water features can create a similar calming effect in built environments, making them a vital component of biophilic design. They bring in a touch of nature, promote relaxation, and add aesthetic appeal. But how do we optimize these features? Let's dive in!

Types of Water Features

There's a variety of water features you can incorporate into architectural and interior design:

Fountains: From grand outdoor fountains to compact indoor ones, these are a classic choice for adding the element of water.
Ponds: Ponds, whether indoor or outdoor, can create a sense of tranquillity and add visual interest.
Aquariums: Not only do they house beautiful aquatic life, but they also add a captivating element of movement and color.
Water Walls: These can create a stunning visual effect and a soothing auditory experience.

Benefits of Water Features

Water features in biophilic design go beyond mere aesthetic value. Here's what they bring to the table:

Relaxation: The sound of flowing water can have a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Improved Air Quality: Water features can help increase humidity in dry indoor environments, improving air quality.
Visual Appeal: Well-designed water features can significantly enhance the beauty of a space.

So, whether it's a miniature indoor fountain or a stunning outdoor pond, water features can make a significant contribution to biophilic design by infusing nature and organic elements into architectural and interior design. They offer a host of benefits, from promoting relaxation to improving air quality. So why not take the plunge and incorporate a water feature into your next design project?

6. Promote Views and Connectivity

Imagine sitting in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at a lush green park, or a bustling cityscape. Doesn't that create a sense of connection with the outside world? That's exactly what promoting views and connectivity in biophilic design aims to achieve. The idea is to make architectural and interior environments feel less enclosed and more in tune with the natural world. Let's explore how we can achieve this.

Importance of Views and Connectivity

Views and connectivity play a key role in biophilic design, and here's why:

Mental Wellbeing: Natural views can lower stress levels, improve mood, and increase focus.
Physical Health: Exposure to natural light can improve sleep patterns and overall health.
Sense of Space: Clear sightlines and open layouts can make a space feel larger and more inviting.

Achieving Views and Connectivity

Now, how do you incorporate views and connectivity into your designs? Here are some tips:

Maximize Natural Light: Use large windows, skylights, and glass doors to let in as much natural light as possible.
Use Mirrors: They can help reflect light and make a room seem larger and brighter.
Open Layouts: Opt for open floor plans that allow for unobstructed views and easy movement.

By promoting views and connectivity, you're not just making a space look good; you're also enhancing the health and wellbeing of the people using that space. It's a win-win situation, wouldn't you agree? So, let's make the most of biophilic design by infusing nature and organic elements into architectural and interior design!

If you're looking to further explore the concept of biophilic design, consider checking out the workshop 'Using Nature and Photography as a Form of Meditation' by Louis Bever. This workshop will provide you with a unique perspective on how to incorporate nature into your architectural projects, while also teaching you how to use photography as a form of meditation to enhance your creativity.