Photo by Watermark Designs on Unsplash
We commonly hear about the many wondrous benefits having plants in our lives will bring us, but biophilic interior design expands this idea much further, helping humans to reap the advantages of nature in even the most concrete of jungles. But what is biophilia? And what exactly are the benefits of biophilic interior design? In this blog, we provide you with a thorough exploration, so sit back and be inspired.
What is biophilic interior design?
Biophilic interior design is the use of nature to decorate and style living spaces, guided by the notion that humans have an evolutionary need to be in or near the natural world. The word ‘biophilia’ means the innate human affinity with nature.
Biophilic interior design should focus on and incorporate natural light and ventilation, as well as natural colour schemes and plants. The use of natural materials is important, as is the inclusion of natural geometries and patterns that you find in the natural world.
Biophilic design is sometimes referred to as ‘the architecture of life’ and is governed by five key principles.
What are the principles of biophilic design?
1. The natural elements used must nourish human life
Biophilic design is about nourishing human life, therefore, the elements of nature that are incorporated in any design that follows biophilic principles must help the human body stay fit and healthy. For example, deserts or the deep sea are not seen as habitable and therefore do not nourish life.
2. Avoid superficial inclusion of nature
Biophilic interior design puts emphasis on the overall setting. One potted plant isn’t going to cut it. An entire space has to be considered when it comes to the inclusion of nature and natural elements.
3. It needs to be thoughtful
Effective biophilic design needs to be thoughtful and cohesive. The building or space should be designed around real connections with nature and natural elements should be complementary.
4. Provoke an emotional connection
Having an emotional connection to a building might seem strange, but when you consider your emotional connection to your childhood home, or even your home now, it makes sense. Successful biophilic design fosters emotional attachments to settings and places through the inclusion of natural elements. It should evoke a positive emotional response.
5. The connection with nature must be nurtured
Far from exploiting nature, biophilic designs encourage humans to live with nature. But it’s not a one-time deal, where a space is filled with natural elements and that’s it. The space should encourage a connection between people and their environment, encouraging a nurtured connection over time.
Direct and indirect biophilic interior design
Applying biophilic interior design can be challenging. It’s not always possible to erect a living wall, nor is it always appropriate. A living wall would be described as a ‘direct’ experience with nature in biophilic design, but there are other applications that can be used.
Indirect experiences with nature are just as valid. A mix of indirect and direct is the real sweet spot when it comes to biophilic interior design and enjoying the benefits of such an approach.
Examples of indirect experiences might include:
images of nature
the use of natural materials like wood
the use of natural colours
the use of patterns found in nature
Examples of direct experiences with nature might include:
access to natural light
plants
animals
access to clean and natural air
Photo by Watermark Designs on Unsplash
Photo by Watermark Designs on Unsplash
What are the benefits of biophilic interior design?
The benefits of biophilic design go well beyond just looking pretty!
1. Feel happier
Being around nature increases pleasant feelings. Spending time in and around nature gives us a more cheerful outlook and nourishes a more positive perspective. By increasing our connection with nature in our home and workplaces, we create a more harmonious ambience.
2. Increase your motivation
Exposure to natural light is proven to boost productivity and increase Vitamin D absorption - the NHS suggests going for walks in the day to experience sunlight as a method of tackling Seasonal Affective Disorder. Studies have also shown that workplaces with more plants increase work productivity, suggesting our proximity to nature can make us more motivated.
3. Reduce your carbon footprint
The use of natural materials is a much more sustainable approach to interior design and styling and reduces our exposure to potentially harmful chemicals used in lots of materials commonly found in the home. For example, as long as it is responsibly sourced and replaced, wood is carbon negative, making it the perfect biophilic material to use in your home.
4. Sleep better
There have been studies into how spending time in nature can help us to sleep better. It seems one of the biggest reasons for this is access to natural light and how that can more naturally align our body clock. We’re often surrounded by artificial light, which can thwart our sleep. As biophilic design is also a great destressor, our sleep benefits from a calmer environment, too.
5. Decrease stress
Biophilic design reduces anger, fear and stress. Exposure to thoughtful elements of nature in your living spaces help you to feel better emotionally as well as reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the production of stress-inducing hormones.
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