Biophilic design

        Biophilic design 

 

• What is biophilic design? 

                Biophilic design is a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions. 

                    The word “Biophilia” was first introduced by a psychoanalyst named Erich Fromm who stated that biophilia is the “passionate love of life and of all that is alive…whether in a person, a plant, an idea, or a social group”. Some notable mentions of biophilia include Edward O. Wilson’s book Biophilia (1984) where he took a biologist’s approach and first coined the “Biophilia hypothesis” and popularized the notion. Wilson defined biophilia as “the innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes”, claiming a link with nature is not only physiological but has a genetic basis. 

• Key principles of Biophilic design 

1. A View of Nature:  

A visual connection with nature has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, improved mental engagement and attentiveness as well as contributing to an overall improvement in happiness. 

2. Non-Visual Stimuli:  

By invigorating the other senses through biophilic design, studies have shown that systolic blood pressure and stress hormones are reduced, and cognitive performance is enhanced. 

3. Airflow Variability: 

 A natural, variable airflow has been shown to positively impact comfort, wellbeing, productivity, concentration and perceived temporal or spatial pleasure. 

4. A Presence of Water:  

A flow of water within the building has been associated with reduced stress, lower heart rate and blood pressure, an increased feeling of tranquility and improved concentration. 

5. Dynamic Lighting:  

Natural, dynamic lighting systems in sync with the 24-hour day positively impact circadian system functioning, therefore improving sleep patterns too. 

6. Biomorphic Patterns and Shapes:  

Biomorphic patterns and shapes are known to enhance concentration and reduce stress due to an induced shift in focus. 

• Biophilic design elements and their corresponding attributes  

Environmental features   • Color   • Water   • Air   • Sunlight   • Plants   • Animals   • Natural materials   • Views and vistas   • Façade greening   • Geology and landscape   • Habitats and ecosystems	Natural shapes and forms   • Botanical motifs   • Tree and columnar supports   • Animal (mainly vertebrate) motifs   • Shells and spirals   • Egg, oval, and tubular forms   • Arches, vaults, domes   • Shapes resisting straight lines and right angles   • Simulation of natural features   • Biomorph   • Geomorphology   • Biomimicry	Natural patterns and processes   • Sensory variability   • Information richness   • Age, change, and the patina of time   • Growth and efflorescence   • Central focal point   • Patterned wholes   • Bounded spaces   • Transitional spaces   • Linked series and chains   • Integration of parts to wholes   • Complementary contrasts   • Dynamic balance and tension   • Fractals   • Hierarchically organized ratios and scales
Light and space   • Natural light   • Filtered and diffused light   • Light and shadow   • Reflected light   • Light pools   • Warm light   • Light as shape and form   • Spaciousness   • Spatial variability   • Space as shape and form   • Spatial harmony   • Inside-outside spaces	Place-based relationships   • Geographic connection to place   • Historic connection to place   • Ecological connection to place   • Cultural connection to place   • Indigenous materials   • Landscape orientation   • Landscape features that define building form   • Landscape ecology   • Integration of culture and ecology   • Spirit of place   • Avoiding placelessness	Evolved human-nature relationships   • Prospect and refuge   • Order and complexity   • Curiosity and enticement   • Change and metamorphosis   • Security and protection   • Mastery and control   • Affection and attachment   • Attraction and beauty   • Exploration and discovery   • Information and cognition   • Fear and awe   • Reverence and spirituality

 

• Best examples of Biophilic designs 

1. The Spheres, Seattle 

 

 

2. The Wardian, London 

 

3. Karolinska Institute gym by Bio fit, Stockholm 

 

4. The Jewel – Singapore, Singapore