Biophilic design puts the focus on those aspects of nature which most benefit our health and wellness! It’s about bringing together natural elements to create a complete environment that supports human wellbeing. Think beyond just single plants or animals – think bigger picture, like what makes up an ecosystem; connecting us back with nature in powerful ways.
1. REPEATED AND SUSTAINED EXPOSURE
Biophilic design is much more than a one-off intervention; it needs to be an integrated and ongoing part of the environment. We may all have natural tendencies for connecting with nature, but this only reaches its full potential when we remember to nurture our relationship through frequent engagement. it’s important that the engagement be repeated and sustained for us to really experience its perks! A one-off or sporadic exposure won’t quite do the trick; only committed interaction with elements from the natural world are proven paths for success. When done right, biophilic design can become not just casually enjoyed in passing moments—but something embedded deeply into our lives!
2. HARMONIZATION OF THE ELEMENTS
To truly reap the benefits of being close to nature, it’s vital that a connection between distinct elements is established. Nature must harmonize with existing characteristics in its environment for us to experience positive effects on our wellbeing and performance.
Creating a space that authentically embraces nature and all its elements is key to biophilic design. Connecting with the surrounding environment ensures optimal functioning of organisms, where every component contributes positively towards an interconnected whole. So when looking for inspiration – simply adding one isolated plant or out-of-place picture may not make your room come alive in the same way as if you were able to create a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors!
bringing nature inside using biophilic principles – harmonization
3. CONNECTION WITH OUR SURROUNDINGS
Biophilic design helps bring us closer to nature and create a strong bond with our environment. Not only does it invigorate, but research has shown how these emotional connections to place can – help people feel more connected to their surroundings. and even more dedicated to preserving them! With an expectancy of 70% of the population to be urbanized by 2050 it is clear that we cannot continue to build sensory deprived artificial setting if we are truly looking for the well being of people and planet. It is clear that the people who live in housings that are closer to nature and integrated to nature are usually neighbourhoods with a higher level of security . According to The nature conservancy, studies on inner cities public housing show that buildings with more nature nearby have 48% less of property crimes and 52% less of violent crimes. Furthermore the more people feel part a positive surrounding the even more dedicated they are to preserving it, and integrate it also into their indoor environment
NEIGHBOURHOOD WALKS – connecting with our surrounding nature
4. CONNECTION AMOUNG PEOPLE
Biophilic design encourages a meaningful connection amoung people and with the surrounding natural environment, strengthening personal relationships in ways that are both beneficial for our wellbeing and essential for communities. By creating spaces where humans feel part of something greater than ourselves, biophilic design not only improves security but also draws from the energizing power of the natural world! Effective biophilic design fosters connections between people and their environment, enhancing feelings of relationship, and a sense of membership in a meaningful community.
One observational study in the US looked at 59 outdoor common spaces in residential neighbourhoods, 32 of which were relatively barren, while 27 had more greenery; results showed higher levels of social activity in common spaces with more greenery. The presence of nearby nature appears to enhance the strength of social ties among neighbours by encouraging use of common spaces.
Brera Design district Milan
These biophilic common spaces can also be incorporated into buildings, be them halls for residential blocks, offices , healthcare education or recreation. Biophilic design in common areas provides a comfortable space where people can feel at ease and can socialize together.
5. REINFORCEMNT AND INTERCONNECTION
Biophilic design also encourages the reinforcing, interconnected and integrated architectural solution. This implies that It would be best to design not only the building , but the interiors the landscape the neighbourhood and possibly the entire city using the principles of biophilic design and then find a way to even connect the different areas together. Nature-centered neighbourhoods are springing up as are biophilic cities. Examples can be found from Serenbe a small community in the United States to Singapore now a world famous biophilic city, with many public buildings build on the principles of biophilic design as well as the urban planning.
CONCLUSION
So without going deep into the single protocols of biophilic design, I believe it is important always to bare in mind what the end game is. That is we want to create spaces were we feel good and more often then not this also means feeling good with our ourselves and in our surroundings that again comes back to nature, because we are nature and this is where we are instinctively led.
If you would like to delve deeper making our spaces more healthy and aligned with nature or if you are just curious , come join us in our community THE BIOPHILIC HUB and discover more click HERE
And if you would like to start your very own Biophilic journey in 2023 why don’t you check out our article Why Biophilia it could be a good start.
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