Biophilic Interior Design

Imagine stepping into a space that feels alive. Sunlight streams through large windows, illuminating vibrant green walls adorned with living plants. Natural wood textures and soft, earthy colors create a sense of calm and connection. This isn’t a far-off dream, but the tangible reality of biophilic interior design. This innovative approach recognizes our innate human need to connect with nature, even within our homes and workplaces. By thoughtfully incorporating natural elements, patterns, and processes, biophilic design transforms our built environments into spaces that nourish our well-being and inspire our senses.

Biophilic design, as defined by one of its pioneers, Stephen Kellert, is a “deliberate attempt to satisfy the need of contact with natural systems and processes in the contemporary built environment, and to improve people’s physical and psychological health” (Lee & Park, 2021). This design philosophy leverages our evolutionary-rooted attraction to the natural world, known as biophilia, to create spaces that elicit a positive emotional response, enhance our cognitive function, and support our overall well-being.

In today’s increasingly urbanized world, where much of our time is spent indoors, the principles of biophilic design have become more crucial than ever. (Panagopoulos et al., 2021) The impacts of climate change on crop production and ecosystems highlight the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between the built and natural environments. (Afandi, 2017) (Hansen, 2015) Biophilic design offers a solutions-oriented approach, providing practical insights and inspirational ideas for creating spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also restorative and sustainable.

Principles of Biophilic Interior Design

Biophilic design isn’t just about adding a few plants to a room. It’s about understanding the multifaceted ways humans interact with nature and translating those principles into the built environment. Let’s explore the core principles:

a. Environmental Features

This principle involves directly incorporating natural elements into the space to create a strong connection to the natural world. Some of the key environmental features include:

Plants and vegetation: Integrating lush greenery, such as potted plants, living walls, or even miniature indoor gardens, can purify the air, boost mood, and bring a sense of vitality to the space.
Water features: The soothing sounds and visual tranquility of water elements, like fountains, pools, or streams, can have a calming effect and evoke feelings of being in a natural setting.
Natural materials: Incorporating materials like wood, stone, and natural fibers adds warmth, texture, and a grounded, organic feel to the space, reinforcing the connection to nature.
Natural light and views: Maximizing natural light through large windows, skylights, or light wells, and framing views of the outdoors, can regulate circadian rhythms, improve mood, and create a seamless flow between the interior and exterior environments.
Air flow and ventilation: Ensuring ample air circulation and the integration of natural ventilation strategies, such as operable windows or strategically placed vents, can enhance the sensory experience and mimic the refreshing qualities of the natural world.

b. Natural Shapes and Forms

This principle uses design elements inspired by nature to create a stronger connection to the natural world. These elements can include:

Botanical motifs: Incorporating forms and shapes found in plants, flowers, and foliage to add organic vibrancy and visual interest.
Tree and column-like supports: Using structural elements that mimic the strong, elegant forms of tree trunks and branches to evoke a sense of being surrounded by nature. As seen in nature, these forms can create a sense of openness, stability, and vertical movement within the space.
Arches, vaults, and domes: Incorporating curved, sweeping architectural features that echo the soft, flowing forms found in the natural environment.
Shapes resisting straight lines and right angles: Incorporating organic, asymmetrical shapes and undulating contours that resist the rigid geometries of built environments and instead reflect the dynamic, irregular patterns of the natural world. example as:
Simulation of natural features: Replicating the look and feel of natural phenomena, such as rock formations, water ripples, or the branching patterns of trees, to create a more immersive and biophilic experience.

By incorporating these natural shapes and forms, biophilic interior design can foster a deeper sense of connection to the natural world, even within the confines of the built environment.

c. Natural Patterns and Processes

This principle of biophilic interior design incorporates natural patterns, textures, and arrangements to create a deeper connection to the natural world. Some key elements include:

Sensory variability: Incorporating a diverse range of natural textures, shapes, and materials that engage multiple senses and mimic the rich sensory experience of being in nature.
Fractals and Fibonacci sequences: Utilizing design elements that reflect the intricate, self-repeating patterns found in nature, such as the branching patterns of trees or the spiraling structure of seashells. These fractal-like forms can induce a sense of visual interest and connection to the natural world.
Patterned wholes: Arranging design elements in a way that reflects the holistic, interconnected patterns observed in nature, rather than rigid, compartmentalized structures. This can create a sense of balance, harmony, and flow within the space.
Integration of parts to wholes: Designing spaces where individual elements seamlessly integrate to form a cohesive, natural-feeling whole, much like the way natural systems and organisms function.
Transitional spaces: Incorporating design features that create a gradual, seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments, blurring the boundaries and fostering a stronger connection to the natural landscape.

d. Light and Space

This principle of biophilic interior design focuses on the quality of light and spatial configuration to create a harmonious and rejuvenating environment. Some key elements include:

Natural light: Maximizing the use of natural daylight through large windows, skylights, and light wells can have profound benefits on human health and well-being. Natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, boosts mood, and reduces reliance on artificial lighting.
Filtered and diffused light: Incorporating elements like sheer curtains, translucent screens, or strategically placed reflective surfaces can create a soft, diffused lighting that mimics the natural filtering of light found in nature.
Light and shadow interplay: Leveraging the interplay of light and shadow can add depth, texture, and a sense of drama to a space, evoking the natural patterns and variations found in the outdoors.
Warm light: Using warm color temperatures in lighting design can create a cozy, inviting ambiance that emulates the comforting glow of natural light sources.
Spaciousness: Promoting a sense of openness, height, and expansiveness can instill a feeling of freedom and connection to the greater natural world.
Spatial variability: Incorporating diverse spatial configurations, such as nooks, alcoves, and different ceiling heights, can mirror the rich variety found in nature and provide opportunities for restoration and exploration.
Inside-outside spaces: Blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior environments, through the use of large windows, sliding doors, or transitional spaces, can foster a seamless connection to the natural landscape.

By carefully considering these light and spatial elements, biophilic interior design can create restorative and rejuvenating environments that enhance the overall well-being of the occupants.

e. Place-Based Relationships

This principle of place-based relationships aims to connect the design to the local environment and context. It involves:

Using indigenous, locally-sourced materials that have a strong connection to the regional landscape and culture. This grounds the design in the unique characteristics of the local geography and natural resources.
Orienting the design to respond to the surrounding landscape, climate, and environmental conditions. This ensures the building form and layout are optimized for the site’s specific features.
Incorporating geographic features, such as topography, waterways, or prominent natural landmarks, to define and shape the building’s design. This allows the structure to seamlessly integrate with the existing environment.
Integrating local cultural elements, traditions, and ecological considerations into the design. This fosters a stronger sense of place and community identity.
Avoiding a “placeless” design approach that could be replicated anywhere, regardless of location. Instead, the design should be distinctly rooted in its geographical and cultural context.

f. Evolved Human-Nature Relationships

This principle of biophilic interior design taps into fundamental aspects of the human-nature connection, harnessing our innate preferences and responses to the natural environment. Some key elements include:

Prospect and Refuge: Balancing open, expansive spaces that offer a sense of prospect and exploration with more enclosed, protective areas that provide a sense of refuge and security. This dynamic interplay mirrors the human experience of surveying the landscape while also having a safe haven.
Order and Complexity: Incorporating design elements that reflect the harmonious balance of order and complexity found in nature. This can include patterns, textures, and forms that engage the senses and foster a sense of visual interest and discovery.
Curiosity and Enticement: Designing spaces that pique the occupant’s curiosity and encourage further exploration, much like the way natural landscapes invite us to wander and uncover new sights and experiences.
Security and Protection: Incorporating design cues that evoke a sense of safety, comfort, and protection, akin to the feeling of being sheltered within a natural environment.
Mastery and Control: Allowing occupants to have a sense of agency and control over their environment, while also acknowledging the limits of human dominion over nature, creating a balanced experience.

By thoughtfully integrating these fundamental human-nature relationships, biophilic interior design can create spaces that resonate deeply with our innate biological and psychological needs, fostering a profound sense of connection to the natural world.

Biophilic interior design creates spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also promote well-being, reduce stress, and enhance our connection to the natural world.(Ma et al., 2022)(Zhao et al., 2022)(Alves et al., 2022)(Zhong et al., 2021)(Panagopoulos et al., 2021)

Benefits of Biophilic Interior Design

The benefits of biophilic interior design extend far beyond aesthetics, profoundly impacting our well-being, productivity, and the health of our planet.

Kellert, one of the pioneers of biophilic design, defines it as “a deliberate attempt to satisfy the need of contact with natural systems and processes in the contemporary built environment, and to improve people’s physical and mental health, productivity and wellbeing” (Zhong et al., 2021).

This concept has gained widespread attention in the past two decades, as designers and researchers seek to restore the critical connection between humans and nature that has been disrupted by the rise of urbanization and industrialization. Some of the established benefits are:

Improved Well-being

Imagine a workspace that reduces stress and promotes mental clarity. Biophilic design can achieve this by tapping into our innate connection with nature. Studies show that exposure to natural elements, even in indoor settings, can:

Reduce Stress: The presence of plants, natural light, and water features has been shown to lower cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Improve Mood: Natural settings and elements have been linked to increased feelings of happiness, tranquility, and overall well-being.
Enhance Cognitive Function: Studies suggest that biophilic design can improve attention span, memory, and problem-solving abilities by providing a sense of mental restoration and reducing mental fatigue.

Enhanced Productivity and Creativity

Imagine a learning environment that fosters focus and sparks imagination. Biophilic design can transform spaces into hubs of productivity and creativity.

Improved Focus: Natural elements can help reduce distractions and create a sense of calm, allowing for better concentration and focus on tasks.
Increased Inspiration: Exposure to nature has long been linked to creativity and innovation. Biophilic design can inspire new ideas and solutions by providing a stimulating and engaging environment.

Sustainable and Healthy Environments

Biophilic design isn’t just about personal well-being; it also contributes to a healthier planet.

Improved Air Quality: Plants act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels, leading to healthier indoor air quality.
Reduced Energy Consumption: By maximizing natural light and using sustainable materials, biophilic design can contribute to lower energy consumption and a reduced carbon footprint.
Connection to Nature: By fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world, biophilic design can inspire more sustainable practices and a greater commitment to environmental stewardship.

Incorporating biophilic design principles is an investment in the well-being of individuals and the planet, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional, healthy, and inspiring.

Beyond the individual-level benefits, biophilic design has also been shown to have broader societal and environmental implications.

Implementing Biophilic Design: Key Considerations

Successfully integrating biophilic design goes beyond simply adding greenery. It requires a thoughtful approach that considers the unique context of each space and the needs of its occupants.

Space Analysis

Function: How is the space used? A bustling office will have different needs than a tranquil spa.
Context: Consider the building’s location, orientation, and existing features. How can you maximize natural light or views?
Scale and Proportion: The size and layout of the space will influence the type and scale of biophilic elements you can incorporate.

User Needs

Occupant Activities: What are the primary activities in the space? Design choices should support those activities, whether it’s focused work, relaxation, or social interaction.
Preferences and Well-being: Consider the occupants’ preferences for natural elements, colors, and textures. Aim to create a space that promotes comfort, well-being, and a sense of connection to nature.

Budget and Feasibility

Cost-Effective Solutions: Biophilic design doesn’t have to be expensive. Prioritize strategies that offer the most significant impact within the budget constraints.
Maintenance and Sustainability: Choose durable, low-maintenance materials and plants that thrive in the given environment. Consider the long-term sustainability of your design choices.

Examples of Biophilic Interior Design

Let’s explore how biophilic design principles can be applied in different settings:

Offices

Stimulating Workspaces: Incorporate living walls, natural textures, and ample daylight to create a vibrant and inspiring work environment.
Collaborative Zones: Design breakout areas with comfortable seating, natural light, and views of nature to foster creativity and collaboration.
Stress-Reducing Elements: Introduce water features, indoor plants, and natural materials to create a sense of calm and reduce stress levels.

Healthcare (This Modern Healthcare Startup Is Using Design to Heal, 2019)

Calming and Healing Environments: Use soft, natural colors, natural materials, and views of nature to create a sense of peace and tranquility, promoting healing and reducing anxiety.
Wayfinding and Orientation: Incorporate natural light, visual landmarks, and clear sightlines to improve wayfinding and reduce patient stress.
Therapeutic Gardens: Design outdoor spaces with walking paths, seating areas, and therapeutic gardens to provide patients with opportunities for restoration and connection to nature.

Homes

Relaxing and Restorative Living Spaces: Use natural light, soft textures, and warm colors to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
Connection to the Outdoors: Design living spaces that seamlessly connect to outdoor areas, such as balconies, patios, or gardens, to blur the lines between indoors and out.
Sustainable Choices: Prioritize natural, sustainable materials and energy-efficient design strategies to create a healthy and environmentally responsible home.

Biophilic interior design is a transformative approach that connects us with nature. By integrating natural elements, patterns, and processes into our spaces, we create environments that nurture well-being, boost productivity, and inspire creativity.

The benefits of biophilic design extend beyond just aesthetics, from reducing stress to improving air quality.

As we spend more time indoors, this design philosophy is crucial for our physical and mental health. By bringing the outdoors in, we’re cultivating spaces that allow us to thrive, innovate, and reconnect with our natural roots.

The future of biophilic interior design lies in harmonizing our modern lives with the timeless wisdom of nature, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also profoundly healing and restorative.

References:

Lee, E J., & Park, S J. (2021, March 4). Toward the Biophilic Residential Regeneration for the Green New Deal. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 18(5), 2523-2523. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052523
Panagopoulos, Τ., Sbarcea, M., & Herman, K. (2021, March 14). A biophilic mind-set for a restorative built environment. , 17, 68-77. https://doi.org/10.22616/j.landarchart.2020.17.08
Afandi, G E. (2017, November 1). Impact of Climate Change on Crop Production
Hansen, J E. (2015, January 1). Environment and Development Challenges: The Imperative of a Carbon Fee and Dividend
Ma, X., Shao, N., & Yin, Y. (2022, August 16). Embodiment and Technical Application of Biophilia in Private Space. , 10, 209-214. https://doi.org/10.54097/hset.v10i.1257
Zhao, Y., Zhan, Q., & Xu, T. (2022, July 6). Biophilic Design as an Important Bridge for Sustainable Interaction between Humans and the Environment: Based on Practice in Chinese Healthcare Space. Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2022, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8184534
Alves, S., Gulwadi, G B., & Nilsson, P. (2022, April 13). An Exploration of How Biophilic Attributes on Campuses Might Support Student Connectedness to Nature, Others, and Self. Frontiers Media, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.793175
Zhong, W., Schröder, T., & Bekkering, J. (2021, August 31). Biophilic design in architecture and its contributions to health, well-being, and sustainability: A critical review. Elsevier BV, 11(1), 114-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2021.07.006
Gillis, K., & Gatersleben, B. (2015, August 25). A Review of Psychological Literature on the Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Biophilic Design. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 5(3), 948-963
Tondro, K L T. (2019, November 14). This Modern Healthcare Startup Is Using Design to Heal