What (Really) is Biophilic Design?
Biophilia and biomimicry are two terms often heard in the same conversation, but they are not the same thing. There is overlap and shared qualities, however, and one characteristic can be named for both concepts: recognising the value of the natural environment.
What is biophilia and biophilic design?
Biophilia - originating from the Greek words “bios” meaning “life”, and “philos” meaning “affection” - refers to humanity’s innate connection to the natural world. Humans are part of nature and most of us can’t deny that we feel in some way connected to other forms of life.
Biophilic design refers to incorporating natural elements into built environments to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This could include biomimetic architecture emulating form, or simply bringing other living organisms into a built environment like plants, water features or natural building materials like wood.
You can also read: Top 10 Examples of Biomimicry in Architecture here.
What is the difference between biophilic design and biomimicry?
Biophilic design focuses on integrating nature into spaces and cultivating a connection between humans and nature.
Biomimicry is the practice of learning from and emulating nature's genius to solve challenges within the human design world, but can be practiced in any context (not only the built environment). Biomimicry goes beyond bringing nature closer to humans - it learns from the forms, functions or processes of living organisms. You can read more about what biomimicry is, here.
Above are different terms that are often incorrectly used interchangeably, or that get confused with biomimicry. This image may be freely used, provided the user credits Learn Biomimicry and hyperlinks to www.learnbiomimicry.com
Good biophilic design often aligns with some of Life’s Principles adhered to in biomimicry, such as:
- Being attuned and responsive to the local environment where the building will be constructed, and sourcing local materials
- Using life-friendly chemistry when creating new building materials and interior products
- Being resource efficient, utilising existing materials and products, and using bio-degradable materials where possible
The benefits of biophilic design
So, nature makes us feel good? You bet. Spaces where biophilic design has been implemented, such as exposure to natural light, water and plants, have been shown to improve cognitive performance, productivity and concentration, as well as enhancing the emotional state. You can read more about the scientific research supporting these statements here.
“The primary findings indicated that exposure to natural environments had a medium to large effect on both increasing positive affect and decreasing negative affect.” - Frontiers of Psychology
Research also indicates that spending time in biophilic environments has similar physiological effects to spending time outdoors, including lowered blood pressure and a decreased release of stress hormones.
The 14 patterns of biophilic design
There are 14 patterns that have been identified within biophilic design in the built environment, as set out masterfully in this report by Terrapin Bright Green. The report also explains the relationship of each pattern with the physiological, cognitive and emotional responses they elicit in humans.
Here is an overview of the 14 patterns.
- Visual Connection with Nature. A view to elements of nature, living systems and natural processes.
- Non-Visual Connection with Nature. Auditory, haptic, olfactory, or gustatory stimuli that engender a deliberate and positive reference to nature, living systems or natural processes.
- Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli. Stochastic and ephemeral connections with nature that may be analyzed statistically but may not be predicted precisely.
- Thermal & Airflow Variability. Subtle changes in air temperature, relative humidity, airflow across the skin, and surface temperatures that mimic natural environments.
- Presence of Water. A condition that enhances the experience of a place through seeing, hearing or touching water.
- Dynamic & Diffuse Light. Leverages varying intensities of light and shadow that change over time to create conditions that occur in nature.
- Connection with Natural Systems. Awareness of natural processes, especially seasonal and temporal changes characteristic of a healthy ecosystem.
- Biomorphic Forms & Patterns. Symbolic references to contoured, patterned, textured or numerical arrangements that persist in nature.
- Material Connection with Nature. Materials and elements from nature that, through minimal processing, reflect the local ecology or geology and create a distinct sense of place.
- Complexity & Order. Rich sensory information that adheres to a spatial hierarchy similar to those encountered in nature.
- Prospect. An unimpeded view over a distance, for surveillance and planning.
- Refuge. A place for withdrawal from environmental conditions or the main flow of activity, in which the individual is protected from behind and overhead.
- Mystery. The promise of more information, achieved through partially obscured views or other sensory devices that entice the individual to travel deeper into the environment.
- Risk/Peril. An identifiable threat coupled with a reliable safeguard.
5 real-world examples of biophilic design
1. The Jewel at Changi Airport, Singapore
This airport in Singapore boasts the largest indoor, human-made waterfall on earth, and a massive forest threaded through the terminals, restaurants and shops. There are multiple different gardens with walkways and viewpoints.
Image credit: Changi Airport
The 9,600 glass panels in the "Jewel" section allow for ample natural light. The airport also includes the Sunflower field - a children's play area - and various other attractions, like the Water Lily Pond and Hedge Maze that bring different natural worlds together under one roof.
2. The Amazon Spheres, USA
Image credit: aboutamazon.com
These three glass domes that make up Amazon's Puget Sound headquarters in Seattle, USA, are filled to the brim with greenery, waterfalls and even fish. Visitors will find a living wall of 371 square metres containing 200 different plant species. The three domes mimic a rainforest, creating a unique working space for employees, or an awe-inspiring outing for visitors.
3. Bosco Verticale, Italy
Image credit: Stefano Boeri Architetti
The Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy consists of two "vertical forest" buildings of 80 and 112 metres high, housing a total of 800 trees, 15,000 perennials and 5,000 shrubs. It houses up to 300 people. The apartment buildings were built to promote the flourishing of nature in an urban setting, and offers a habitat to various birds and insects, too. The trees contribute to a local microclimate that can filter pollutants and dust from the air and combat noise pollution. The buildings run on solar energy and a water recycling system.
4. Ruins Studio, Scotland
Image credit: © Sergio Pirrone via Lily Jencks Studio
This private home was rebuilt on the ruins of an old farm house in Dumfries, Scotland and was designed to retain many of the natural elements from the original building, including the stone walls. The house has large windows and several skylights, allowing in natural light and stunning countryside views. The majority of the interior materials are made from wood, glass and stone. The house is powered by solar energy.
5. Tanner Springs Park, USA
Image credit: Dreiseitl Consulting
This park in a residential neighbourhood in Portland, USA is a mixed-use leisure area built around a restored wetland. Years ago, a lake called Tanner Creek was drained and filled for railroad construction, but has since been revived as part of a government project. In fact, even stormwater runoff is directed back into the pond. The walkways, made from recycled basalt cobblestones, and the lawns are surrounded by the pond and its native vegetation, where the local ecosystem is flourishing.
In Closing
Biophilic design is a great way to (re)connect humans and nature and to cultivate an appreciation for nature's genius. Biophilia can definitely be combined with biomimicry, and (no surprise here) biomimics are often massive biophilics too!
If you're ready to learn more about biomimicry, download our free eBook: Field Guide to Biomimicry here and get stuck into the wonders of nature.
You can also explore our Biomimicry Short Courses, where you'll get practical knowledge of how to apply biomimicry to your own design, get a Learn Biomimicry certificate which is recognised globally (and endorsed by the Biomimicry Institute), and so much more.
Reference: Header image of The Jewel at Changi Airport sourced from Safdie Architects via Billion Bricks