Architecture originally evolved to provide human beings with shelter and protection from the hazards of environmental factors. However, today, we spend the majority of our time indoors, losing our connectivity with nature and becoming more reclusive. ‘Biophilic design’ is an architectural concept that aims to bring back this connectivity, which has significant positive effects on our lives. Continue reading to understand the biophilic design meaning, concepts and elements of biophilic architecture, why it’s important and how biophilic design has been used in modern buildings.
What is Biophilic Design?
‘Biophilia’—a term coined by psychologist Eric Fromm in 1973—refers to the intrinsic love and attraction that human beings have towards nature. A design that seeks to enhance the connection that human beings share with nature is called biophilic design. With the increased amount of time that we spend indoors, people often seek breaks from their daily routines to explore nature. However, biophilic architecture seeks to bring that same nature inside our buildings so that we can reap its numerous benefits everyday.
How Did Biophilic Architecture Evolve?
Although the biophilic meaning was first explored in the late 20th century, the concepts of biophilic design have been in practice for thousands of years because humans have always had an innate desire and tendency to be close to nature. For instance, ancient civilisations—such as the Indus Valley and Mesopotamian civilisations—developed along river routes. Much later, traditional Indian houses incorporated courtyards as a way of bringing nature inside. European mansions in the 14th-17th centuries had large, manicured gardens so that residents could enjoy outdoor walks.
However, since the Industrial Revolution in the 17th century, a major shift in human settlements across the world could be observed. Large-scale cities began developing, with high population densities and tightly packed buildings. The human connectivity with nature began diminishing, and the negative impacts of this change have only started emerging since the last few decades. Today, biophilic design has become an important concept in many fields, including architecture, redefining sustainable building practices and leading to a major evolution in design thinking.
Principles of Biophilic Design
Although there are no strict rules for biophilic design, a few common principles guiding it are:
- Biophilic architecture promotes the inclusion of natural elements that have benefits on human health and well-being.
- Exposure to nature must be a continuous process that has long-term positive impacts on humans. This cannot be replaced with isolated or fleeting experiences like taking vacations or breaks between work.
- Stimuli that appeal to all the human senses, including sight, touch, feel, smell and sound, play a large role in biophilic design.
- Spaces must form an emotional and personal connection with humans to have an impact on them. This connection is typically formed by using striking elements that get embedded in human memory.
Elements of Biophilic Architecture
Some of the common elements that are a part of biophilic architecture are:
Natural Elements
- Natural Light: Ensuring maximum natural light in buildings helps the human body to regulate and optimise its functions. Light also creates interesting patterns with shadows, forming striking design features.
- Flora and Fauna: Plants are a major part of biophilic design. Their inclusion ensures fresh air and peace of mind while also regulating indoor temperatures. Green walls, potted plants and terrace gardens are a few ways of incorporating them in enclosed spaces.
- Air and Water: Cross ventilation and air movement ensure thermal comfort in buildings. Water features, such as fountains, aquariums and ponds, stimulate multiple human senses like sound, touch and sight.
Elements that Represent Nature
People are naturally drawn to elements that mimic or remind them of nature, such as:
- Natural materials like rammed earth, wood, bamboo, mud walls and cob.
- Natural shapes, forms and textures such as those found on tree barks, natural stones, animals and wood.
- Biomimicry: This refers to design solutions that are inspired by the functioning of natural organisms or elements. For example, some passive cooling techniques are inspired by the working of termite mounds.
Why is Biophilic Design Important?
Biophilic architecture offers several benefits, the most important ones being:
- Sustainability: With a focus on enhancing passive design, biophilic buildings have a reduced dependence on mechanical ventilation systems like ACs, fans and heaters. This considerably promotes the green building movement globally.
- Physical Wellbeing: Enhanced thermal comfort, regulated body temperatures and circadian cycles, reduced transmission of air-borne diseases and decreased mortality rates are a few of the important physical health benefits that can be observed in humans.
- Improved Mental Health: Human minds appreciate the proximity of nature in our indoor spaces. Increased productivity, lower stress levels and enhanced cognitive performance can be witnessed as a result of this. Biophilic buildings also form emotional and spiritual connections with users, enhancing general comfort levels and social relationships.
Examples of Biophilic Design Architecture
Amazon Spheres, USA
Utilising expansive glass panels with steel frame construction, the Amazon Spheres or Seattle Spheres in the USA consist of three large geodesic domes. Designed by architectural firm NBBJ, these spheres are home to more than 40,000 plants. Meeting rooms that resemble treehouses, pathways amidst lush greenery and open seating spaces are some of the biophilic design elements that extensively enhance the productivity in this workplace.
Amazon Spheres, Seattle, USA
Image source: Link
The Jewel, Singapore
One of the most famous airports in the world, the Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore, is designed by Safdie Architects. Commonly called ‘The Jewel’, this airport utilises advanced space frame technology to seamlessly integrate a massive ‘paradise garden’ with commercial spaces like restaurants, markets and transit spaces. A gigantic waterfall, hedge mazes, botanical displays and scenic walks are some of the biophilic architecture features that have made this building a tourist destination.
The Jewel, Singapore
Image source: Link
Garden and House, Japan
Designed by architect Ryue Nishizawa, the ‘Garden and House’ is a five-storeyed residence in Japan. The house features only glass walls, with plant screens and gardens interwoven with the rooms to provide privacy and also ensure natural linkage. Built on a tight urban plot with an area of 350sq ft, this house is a glowing example of how biophilic interior design and architecture can be implemented even in small spaces.
Garden & House, Tokyo, Japan
Image source: Link
Biophilic Design for Tomorrow
In the modern era, when most of us are glued to digital screens for a large part of the day, biophilic design emphasises an important aspect that we are rapidly losing- connectivity with nature. Although the time spent indoors cannot really be minimised, bringing nature inside through biophilic architecture can enhance this connectivity while still residing within enclosed spaces. Thus, such architecture is an important design solution with multiple benefits and must be encouraged to ensure the wellbeing of future generations.
Brick & Bolt is a leading construction company in India with over 7000 completed projects. The company’s expert team of architects, structural engineers and other construction professionals strive to incorporate nature in their designs. To get your dream home or commercial construction executed by qualified experts, get in touch with Brick & Bolt today!
Apoorva H P Achar