Biophilic design is an extension of the biophilia theory, which recognizes that the human species has evolved for more than 99 percent of its history in an adaptive response to natural factors rather than human-created or artificial causes. We were biologically programmed to recognize and associate with natural aspects and processes.
The term biophilic design is used in architecture to describe a method of increasing occupant connection to the natural environment by including direct and indirect nature, as well as space and place conditions. This kind of approach has several environmental, as well as health and economic benefits for building occupants and urban areas. Greenery, light, water, and other natural features in interiors also have a positive impact on people’s perceptions of space and the amount of time they spend there.
It’s critical to understand that biophilic design is more than just a new approach to make people more productive by employing a cutting-edge technological tool. The effective implementation of biophilic design is dependent on a shift in mindset toward nature and understanding how much our physical and emotional well-being is still directly related to the quality of our connections with the world beyond ourselves, of which we are still a part.
The three pillars of biophilic design are “nature in the space”, “natural analogues” and “nature of the space”. They provide a framework for understanding and intentional implementation of a wide range of methods into the built environment.
“Nature in the space” focuses on nature’s immediate, physical presence in a space or location. Water features, fountains, aquariums, courtyard gardens and green walls or vegetated roofs are some of the most common examples. The most powerful “nature in the space” experiences are created by establishing meaningful, direct connections with these natural elements, notably through diversity, mobility and multi-sensory interactions.
Organic, non-living and indirect evocations of nature are all addressed in “natural analogues”. Objects, colours, materials and patterns found in nature are reflected in the built world as artwork, ornamentation, furniture, décor and textiles.
“Nature of the space” is about natural spatial configurations. This includes our desire to see beyond our immediate surroundings. The most effective “nature of the space” experiences are accomplished by combining patterns of “nature in the space” and “natural analogues” with deliberate and engaging spatial configurations.
Our connection to nature has decreased over the years as our lives have gotten increasingly urbanized. However, technological advancements and changing attitudes toward design, as well as some compelling studies on the subject, are resulting in good change, although only in a few ground-breaking projects.
Here are some of the prominent examples of biophilic design in architecture we found:
Bosco Verticale
- Location: Milan, Italy
- Architect: Stefano Boeri Architetti and Barreca & La Varra
- Completed: 2014
The Bosco Verticale is a pair of residential towers in Milan’s Porta Nuova district. Designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti, these two residential skyscrapers became a key landmark of Milan almost immediately. The architects were inspired by the novel “The Baron in the Trees”, in which the main character decides to abandon the ground and live in the trees.
The twin residential buildings are 111 meters and 76 meters tall, respectively, and are covered in trees and various plants, equating to 10,000 square meters of forest, according to the designers. The plants are totally self-sustaining, thanks to the utilization of renewable energy and wastewater collection.
The Jewel
- Location: Singapore
- Architect: Moshe Safdie
- Completed: 2019
The goal behind Singapore’s ongoing redesign of its urban landscape is to create a city as environmentally friendly as possible. The result is a modern-day exemplar of biophilic architecture. Among many unparalleled biophilia projects, The Jewel stands out as a contemporary model for urban public areas.
On the landside of Changi Airport in Singapore, The Jewel is a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex. The “Rain Vortex”, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, is the highlight of the promenade, which connects three of the airport’s passenger terminals. This element not only looks impressive, but also helps to ease shopper and traveller fatigue. The building, built by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie, was added to a growing list of notable biophilic architecture in Singapore, confirming the tiny island’s image as a nature-infused city-state.
Other features inside the Jewel Terminal include the “Shiseido Forest Valley”, as well as attractions such as the “Manulife Sky Nets” in the elevated canopy park, the “HGdge Maze”, “Mirror Maze” and “Discovery Slides”, demonstrating that airports of the future will no longer be simply places of transit but destinations in themselves.
The Barbican
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Architect: Peter Chamberlin, Geoffry Powell and Christoph Bon of Chamberlin, Powell and Bon
- Completed: 1982
The Barbican Centre, which houses the magnificent Barbican Conservatory, was envisioned to become a self-contained ideal living and leisure space.
It was built in a area of London that has been devastated during World War II in a brutalism style that featured enormous pieces of building blocks featuring heavy and dramatic lines.
The incorporation of elements such as plants and water, suggestive of a natural pond, produces a beautiful and peaceful juxtaposition with the monumental design of the building.
The Garden House in the City
- Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
- Architect: Christos Pavlou Architecture
- Completed: 2019
The “Garden House” was inspired by a home that brings nature back to the city while also encouraging common spaces and social conversation among its members. The design highlights the potential for private urban gardens and the microclimates they produce to improve urban living conditions and decrease global warming.
Green areas are integrated into the house through the planting of gardens on 60% of the ground floor, the use of a green terrace on the first floor, the provision of bee-friendly landscapes, and the planting of 40 different types of native wildflowers. All interior spaces flow outwards and are designed around a central green courtyard sandwiched between two white cubic volumes. Making room for nature in the city not only adds beauty to the urban fabric, but it also supports the return of native bird species and bees. A project such as The Garden House is preserving urban biodiversity, as well as human health and well-being.
ARBORICOLE – The Inhabited Tree For Millennials
- Location: Angers, France
- Architect: Vincent Callebaut
With a lush vertical forest conceived as an innovative residential, multi-purpose habitat, Architect Vincent Callebaut, in partnership with Bouygues Immobilier, won the public vote in the “Imagine Angers” worldwide design competition. Arboricole, which translates to “tree” and “cultivation,” is a 50-unit apartment building project with a bar, concert theatre, brewery and art galleries.
By putting people in intimate contact with nature and allowing them to enjoy the urban world more thoroughly, the architects seek to engage individuals into a greater awareness of their environment.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Biophilic design is an architectural approach that aims to increase the connection between occupants and the natural environment by incorporating direct and indirect elements of nature into the built environment. It recognizes that humans have evolved in response to natural factors and have a biological inclination to associate with nature. This design philosophy has several benefits for both the environment and the well-being of building occupants.
Three Pillars of Biophilic Design
The three pillars of biophilic design are "nature in the space," "natural analogues," and "nature of the space." These pillars provide a framework for understanding and implementing various methods into the built environment.
"Nature in the space" focuses on incorporating nature's immediate, physical presence in a space or location. Examples of this include water features, fountains, aquariums, courtyard gardens, green walls, and vegetated roofs. The key to creating powerful "nature in the space" experiences is establishing meaningful, direct connections with these natural elements through diversity, mobility, and multi-sensory interactions.
"Natural analogues" address the use of organic, non-living, and indirect evocations of nature in the built environment. This can be achieved through the use of objects, colors, materials, and patterns found in nature, which are reflected in artwork, ornamentation, furniture, décor, and textiles.
"Nature of the space" focuses on natural spatial configurations and the desire to see beyond immediate surroundings. The most effective "nature of the space" experiences are achieved by combining patterns of "nature in the space" and "natural analogues" with deliberate and engaging spatial configurations.
Benefits of Biophilic Design
Biophilic design has several environmental, health, and economic benefits for building occupants and urban areas. Incorporating greenery, light, water, and other natural features into interiors has been shown to have a positive impact on people's perceptions of space and the amount of time they spend there. Some of the benefits of biophilic design include:
- Improved well-being: Biophilic design has been linked to improved mental health, reduced stress levels, increased productivity, and enhanced cognitive function.
- Connection to nature: By incorporating elements of nature into the built environment, biophilic design helps to reconnect people with the natural world, even in urban settings.
- Environmental sustainability: Biophilic design promotes sustainable practices by utilizing renewable energy, wastewater collection, and self-sustaining plant systems, as seen in projects like the Bosco Verticale in Milan.
- Urban revitalization: Biophilic design can transform urban areas into more livable and enjoyable spaces, as seen in projects like The Jewel in Singapore, which incorporates nature-themed entertainment and retail spaces.
- Biodiversity preservation: Projects like The Garden House in Nicosia, Cyprus, demonstrate how biophilic design can support urban biodiversity by integrating green areas and native wildflowers, attracting bird species and bees.
Prominent Examples of Biophilic Design in Architecture
Here are some notable examples of biophilic design in architecture:
- Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy: Designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti, these residential towers are covered in trees and plants, creating a self-sustaining forest within the city [[1]].
- The Jewel in Singapore: Designed by Moshe Safdie, The Jewel is a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex featuring the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the "Rain Vortex" [[2]].
- The Barbican in London, United Kingdom: The Barbican Centre incorporates elements of nature, such as plants and water, to create a peaceful contrast with its monumental design [[3]].
- The Garden House in the City in Nicosia, Cyprus: This project by Christos Pavlou Architecture integrates green spaces and native wildflowers, improving urban living conditions and supporting urban biodiversity [[4]].
- ARBORICOLE in Angers, France: Designed by Vincent Callebaut, this residential building features a lush vertical forest and aims to engage individuals in a greater awareness of their environment [[5]].
These examples demonstrate how biophilic design can be implemented in various architectural projects to create spaces that promote well-being, sustainability, and a stronger connection to nature.
In conclusion, biophilic design is an architectural approach that recognizes the human species' innate connection to nature and aims to incorporate natural elements into the built environment. It has numerous benefits for both the environment and the well-being of building occupants. The three pillars of biophilic design provide a framework for intentional implementation, and there are several notable examples of biophilic design in architecture around the world.
