How can you use biophilic design to create a calming building environment? (2024)

Biophilic design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also has many psychological and physiological benefits for the occupants of a building. Research has shown that exposure to natural elements can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, as well as boost immune system and cognitive function. Biophilic design can also increase happiness, satisfaction, and emotional stability, as well as reduce anxiety, depression, and fatigue. By creating a calming building environment, biophilic design can improve the quality of life and work for the people who inhabit it.

Biophilic design is based on three main principles: direct experience of nature, indirect experience of nature, and experience of space and place. Direct experience of nature involves the presence of living systems, such as plants, animals, water, and air, that can be seen, heard, touched, or smelled. Indirect experience of nature involves the use of natural materials, colors, shapes, patterns, and images that evoke nature, such as wood, stone, greenery, and landscapes. Experience of space and place involves the creation of spatial configurations, views, orientations, and transitions that mimic natural environments, such as open, diverse, complex, and dynamic spaces.

Biophilic design can be implemented in various ways to suit a project's context, budget, and preferences. For example, adding indoor plants, water features, and maximizing natural light and ventilation can create oxygen, humidity, soothing sounds, reflections, texture, warmth, and durability. Incorporating natural colors and shapes can create harmony and contrast while stimulating curiosity and creativity. All of these elements work together to create a connection between the interior and exterior of a space.

Biophilic design can be seen in a variety of buildings, such as offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, and residences. An example of this is The Edge in Amsterdam, a smart office building that has a central atrium with plants, waterfalls, and natural light. Additionally, sensors monitor and adjust the temperature, humidity, and lighting levels according to the users' preferences. The Parkroyal on Pickering in Singapore is a hotel resembling a vertical garden with lush greenery, pools, and terraces that cover 15,000 square meters of the facade and the roof. The Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore integrates nature into its design with gardens, ponds, courtyards, and green walls to provide healing and comfort for patients and staff. Lastly, the Bosco Verticale in Milan is a residential complex featuring two towers with 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 11,000 plants that filter the air, reduce noise, and create biodiversity.

Incorporating biophilic design into your building environment can be a great way to create a calming atmosphere. First, you should assess the site and context of the project, and identify natural features that can be enhanced or preserved. Involve users and stakeholders to understand their needs, preferences, and expectations. Then, choose the appropriate biophilic design strategies and elements that suit the function, scale, and style of the project. Finally, evaluate the performance of the biophilic design and measure outcomes related to satisfaction, productivity, health, and well-being.

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Architecture

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