08/09/2022• 6 min read
Designing with nature has become the new norm
by Kamilia Dzulkifli
Have you ever wondered why the human race has relied on nature for centuries—and now more than we ever thought we would? When a challenge arises, we tend to seek answers from the natural environment around us to solve, or at the minimum, guide us in managing uncertainty. This is the reason you may have heard so much about how biophilia or biophilic design can offer solace and inspiration in spaces for people returning to the workplace following the COVID-19 pandemic.
But what is biophilic design? And how can we activate it in the workplace?
A way of tapping into biophilia is simply through actions such as adding greenery or making use of natural elements like sunlight and fresh air. The idea of biophilic design has been around for quite a while and received recognition as early as the 1980s by biologist and naturalist E.O. Wilson, who pioneered a new school of thought focusing on the importance of “bringing humans back into contact with nature.”
“Biophilia is not a single instinct but a complex of learning rules that can be teased apart and analyzed individually. The feelings molded by the learning rules fall along several emotional spectra: from attraction to aversion, from awe to indifference, from peacefulness to fear-driven anxiety.”
E.O. Wilson
The Biophilia Hypothesis
E.O. Wilson’s 1993 book, The Biophilia Hypothesis, puts forward a powerful argument by which biophilic design has biological diversity and does not simply rest in the form of physicality, but also charms our senses and provides a profound connection with the emotions and well-being of each individual. The principles are tangible and can be implemented, at different scales, in several kinds of spaces—both exterior and interior.
It is every designer’s priority to be able to create beautiful and functional spaces for the people who use them, but what is more significant is to grasp a meaningful direction and notion for each space.
Exterior Space – Architecture
Within the architectural context and the larger aspect of design—particularly in an urban environment—nature has become rather estranged to us. This has driven architects to thoughtfully consider ways to combine nature with human-made environments, focusing on creating a strong connection between the two. From a research standpoint, we can look at the work of two prominent architects: Frank Lloyd Wright and Antoni Gaudi. Both were awarded for the early adaptation of biophilic design principles in their masterpieces.
Interior Space – Workplace
As people return to the workplace, we are seeing how significant biophilic elements can be. Employers are keen to explore and upgrade the office environment for their people, bringing forth a new norm and creating a post-pandemic standard that integrates biophilia within the workplace. Multiple elements have been introduced to create distancing, separation, and an agile working environment. In parallel, these elements also support and benefit the mental health and well-being of employees. In other words, biophilic design serves as a key feature and prospect to designers and decision makers in creating a renewed environment.
Implementing biophilic design does not have to be a major undertaking. Guided by social ecologist Stephen Kellert’s 6 principles, an organization could start by making minimal changes to a space, which on its own could impact the environment and users positively. These biophilic design principles include:
1. Environmental features
2. Light and space
3. Natural shapes and forms
4. Natural patterns and processes
5. Place-based relationships
6. Evolved human-nature relationships
A good place to start incorporating biophilia in the workplace is to embrace the first three principles. Adding greenery, making better use of daylight, utilizing natural ventilation, and adding water features within a space can help bring some of nature’s key elements into the office.
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With easy execution for organizations preferring to start with a simpler approach, the principle of natural shapes and form can be applied simply by using images of nature, introducing nature-inspired forms, color, shapes, and patterns. With the expertise of a designer, on the other hand, a more in-depth approach may be taken. Driven by a professional background and knowledge in the utilization of space and materials, designers are skilled at adapting natural elements, textures, and colors within the built interior environment.
Biophilic Design for Social Sustainability
Using natural materials not only promotes sustainable behaviors in the workplace, it also impacts the social environment. Positive contact with nature taps into our emotions and can enhance our health and well-being. It acts as a calming element and stress reliever for those in its presence.
Social sustainability has a significant role in the digital era of space design, unfolding opportunities in digitalizing natural elements. This proves that even now, in the digital era, nature is paramount to us.
Future Work – Biophilic Design in Digital Footprints
Even when confronted by the recent pandemic, interior designers never stopped thinking about workplace design. Many surrealistic spaces emerged in the digital world, taking the place of physical spaces. Nature was brought into these spaces—either in lifelike forms or in their dreamlike interpretations—once again shining the spotlight on nature and our need to be unified with it. Haworth Europe’s Work from Anywhere virtual spaces, for example, allow visitors to tour digitally designed third spaces driven by biophilic design principles and a sustainability approach. Inspired by the essence of nature—from the selection of natural materials in the built interior, to sustainable fabric choices such as Oceanic, these are truly spaces in which people can “work beautifully.”
People often say that everything old becomes new again, in time, but nature inspired designs have never even grown old. Although time has passed and seasons have changed, Antonio Gaudi’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia from the 1930s, remains biologically inspirational—with its interior featuring columns that look like trees engulfed in beautiful stained-glass colors from natural light.
Biophilic design has stood the test of time and will continue to influence designers and the future to come. Whether we choose to hold on to the principles traditionally or futuristically, nature will remain a principal element in the eyes of humankind. It is and always will be profound in our lives—and in our spaces. Biophilic design deserves recognition even more so now, as a key element of the new norm in workplace design.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert and enthusiast. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics. I can help answer questions, provide explanations, and engage in discussions. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!
Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in the article "Designing with nature has become the new norm" by Kamilia Dzulkifli.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is an approach that seeks to incorporate elements of nature into the built environment, such as architecture and interior design. It recognizes the innate human connection to nature and aims to create spaces that promote well-being, productivity, and a sense of harmony with the natural world. Biophilic design principles can be implemented in both exterior and interior spaces .
E.O. Wilson and the Biophilia Hypothesis
Biophilia, a term coined by biologist and naturalist E.O. Wilson, refers to the innate human affinity for nature. Wilson proposed the Biophilia Hypothesis, which suggests that humans have an instinctive bond with other living organisms and natural environments. According to Wilson, biophilic design goes beyond physical elements and also encompasses emotional connections and well-being.
Biophilic Design Principles
Biophilic design principles provide guidelines for incorporating nature into the built environment. These principles include:
- Environmental features: Incorporating natural elements like plants, water features, and natural materials.
- Light and space: Maximizing natural light, views of nature, and creating open and airy spaces.
- Natural shapes and forms: Using organic shapes and patterns inspired by nature.
- Natural patterns and processes: Incorporating patterns found in nature, such as fractals or biomimicry.
- Place-based relationships: Designing spaces that reflect the local environment and culture.
- Evolved human-nature relationships: Creating spaces that foster a sense of connection and interaction with nature.
Biophilic Design in Architecture
In the architectural context, biophilic design aims to bridge the gap between human-made environments and nature. Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Antoni Gaudi have been recognized for their early adoption of biophilic design principles in their works. By integrating nature into architectural designs, a strong connection between humans and the natural world can be established.
Biophilic Design in the Workplace
Biophilic design has gained significance in the workplace, especially as people return to work after the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers are exploring ways to create office environments that prioritize employee well-being and mental health. Biophilic elements, such as greenery, natural light, and ventilation, are being incorporated to enhance the work environment and support employees' overall well-being. Implementing biophilic design principles in the workplace can positively impact the environment and the users.
Biophilic Design and Social Sustainability
Biophilic design not only promotes sustainable behaviors in the workplace but also has a positive impact on the social environment. Contact with nature has been shown to enhance health, well-being, and stress reduction. By incorporating natural materials and elements, biophilic design creates a calming and inspiring atmosphere for individuals. It plays a significant role in the digital era of space design, where opportunities for digitalizing natural elements are emerging.
Biophilic Design in the Digital Era
Even in the digital era, biophilic design continues to be relevant. Virtual spaces that incorporate nature-inspired designs have emerged, providing people with the opportunity to experience the benefits of biophilic design digitally. Nature-inspired elements, such as natural materials and lighting, are being integrated into these virtual spaces, emphasizing the importance of nature in our lives and spaces.
Biophilic design has stood the test of time and will continue to influence designers and the future of workplace design. Whether implemented traditionally or in a futuristic manner, nature will remain a fundamental element in the eyes of humankind.
I hope this information helps you understand the concepts discussed in the article. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
