Being in nature has a tremendous impact on our physical and especially our mental state. Anyone who has ever taken a stroll through a garden or some other green space will tell you that it is an experience that rejuvenates both your body and soul.
Unfortunately, humans and nature are constantly getting farther apart by the day owing to rapid urbanization. Despite all the progress that urbanization brings humans are longing more than ever to have contact with nature and other living beings on the planet.
This is what is known as Biophilia “The intrinsic human desire to closely associate with nature.”
The CEO of B A Barry Group and the founder of Geohoney, Mr Basem Barry says
“Biophilic design has the power to satisfy the inherent human need to have a deeper connection with nature.”
But what exactly is biophilic design and how humans can benefit from it? This is what this blog is all about so keep on reading till the end to learn more.
Biophilic Design simply refers to the addition of natural elements like plants, natural, light, green spaces, water features, etc. to our surroundings with the aim of bringing us a little closer to nature.
This design has less to do with aesthetics and more with the satisfaction of our internal desire and biological affinity for the natural world.
Humans have evolved in nature for thousands of years and that is why when surrounded by a similar environment we tend to feel rejuvenated and fresh both physically and mentally.
The concept of Biophilia was first coined by psychologist Erich Fromm in 1964 and then re-introduced by the biologist Edward O. Wilson. The term refers to the human instinct to stay in touch with nature as well as other forms of life on the planet.
Modern living and climate change have become a major concern and biophilic design can help us mitigate the adverse effects to some extent.
This design is a reminder that despite all the technological achievements and progress the bond between humans and nature is as strong as ever.
Following are a few main elements of biophilic design that can help you create a nature-inspired indoor ambiance
The introduction of living architecture indoors is the best way to implement the biophilic design. Adding plants and flowers to your indoor spaces not only enhances aesthetics but also leads to better air quality, low thermal costs, and reduced VOCs which helps us fight climate change as well.
You can add small plants to windowsills or your desks or incorporate living walls into your interior space to get that necessary dose of nature with minimum effort.
You can also make your floors, furniture, ceilings, and overall finishes appear more natural by utilizing natural materials like bamboo, wood, stone, etc. for making them These building materials mimic the natural textures which creates a soothing ambiance.
Another key element of biophilic design is the enhancement of natural lighting. You can do this by adding more windows and skylights in your interior designs which enhance your connection with the outdoors. You can also increase the use of reflective surfaces which minimizes energy consumption.
Adding water features like indoor ponds, fountains, or aquariums is another way to get closer to nature. Adding the sights and sounds of water indoors can calm your nerves and enhance focus.
You can also use textiles, wallpapers, or artwork that are inspired by nature. They should have natural patterns that blend with your other biophilic design elements to create a very harmonious look.
You need to prioritize the use of colors that enhance the beauty of your natural elements. You can use receding colors of blues, greens, purples, or neutrals that reinforce your biophilic design even further.
Design your indoor spaces with windows and balconies in a way that you get beautiful outside views all the time. You can strategically place windows so that you get a clear view of the surrounding greenery or water bodies without any effort.
Finally, you can add outdoor elements like gardens, courtyards, and patios with greenery to your space. This encourages you to go out into nature more which has a positive effect on your health.
Biophilic design has countless proven benefits for your mental state and well-being. The following are the main ones to give you a better picture
Being in the presence of greenery can actually calm your nerves. This results in lower blood pressure as well as mental stress. The presence of indoor plants and other biophilic elements creates a soothing and calm atmosphere which reduces your cortisol levels which are responsible for stress control.
Our atmosphere has a very significant impact on our moods and behaviors. Spending more time in a serene environment surrounded by natural materials, colors, and textures can thus lead to an overall mood improvement.
Our creativity and cognitive functioning can also improve when we live in an environment that is created on the principles of biophilic design. Apart from reducing the effects of global warming, the natural elements of the biophilic design soothe and stimulate the brain which improves focus and enhances creativity. This is especially helpful in workspaces where problem-solving and critical thinking are extremely important.
With large windows, balconies, and other structures that you get from the biophilic design you are able to feel a connection with the outdoor world. The constant views of nature and open spaces reduce the feeling of confinement that you normally get in closed spaces.
Natural light has the ability to regulate the circadian rhythm of your body. With a biophilic design, you maximize the use of this light which leads to much better sleeping patterns as well as sleep quality. An uninterrupted full night’s sleep also has a very positive impact on your mental agility and alertness which is made possible by the biophilic design.
The main concept behind the biophilic designs involves the addition of natural elements to our indoors as well as surroundings. These elements allow us to stay connected with nature even when we live in highly urbanized settings.
By implementing this design, it is possible to ensure our houses as well as workspaces where we spend most of our time have a natural ambiance. This can enhance our physical as well as mental wellness by creating a harmonious and healthier indoor atmosphere.
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