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THE HOLISTIC POWER OF NATURE.
WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
By Johanne Morin, LEED AP, ASID, IIDA
Biophilic Design is a new innovative way of designing the places where we live, work, learn, and play. We need nature in a deep and fundamental fashion to survive and thrive. The goal of Biophilic Design is reconnecting us to the natural world, the missing piece in the puzzle of sustainable development. Biophilic Design points the way toward creating healthy and productive habitats for modern humans. The intent is to introduce natures’ elements into a space to reduce stress, enhance creativity, innovations, and clarity of thought. Humans have a psychological need to be around living things and Biophilic Design focuses on this dynamic and creative symbiosis.
Did you know?
“Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder. But when we see beauty—whether in a glorious sunset, a majestic mountain, an inspired building, or a fellow human being—we know it. Visual beauty is tangible.” “Nature and beauty are inseparable—and humans are part of it”
“Research has shown that humans have an innate love of and need for nature,” says Jason McLennan, CEO of the International Living Future Institute and the founder and creator of the Living Building Challenge, the world’s most progressive and stringent green building program. “Our ‘biophilia,’ according to studies, is hard-wired,” he
says. “We naturally seek out environments where nature is present and react negatively to environments that are sterile, cold, and without any connection to nature.”
Reference: “What Does Beautiful Thinking Mean? Jean Nayar November 16, 2015” for INTERFACE
Some notions of Biophilic Design and how you can apply to your environment. ∙ Visual Connection with Nature
Stimulating views to elements of nature, living systems and natural processes, such as a window with a garden or sea view, potted plants, flower beds, courtyard gardens, green walls and green roofs.
∙ Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
The rich sensory stimuli of nature in consistent, yet unpredictable, motion, such as the gentle sway of grasses in a breeze or ripples on water.
∙ Presence of Water
To see, hear or touch it.
∙ Dynamic & Diffuse Light
Clever use of light and shadow to mimic the lighting conditions or circadian processes occurring in nature. ∙ Connection with Natural Systems
An awareness or proximity to natural processes, such as seasonal changes, reminding us of the process of healthy ecosystems. ∙ Biomorphic Forms & Patterns
Symbolic representations within the design of the patterns, shapes, textures or numerical arrangements found in nature. ∙ Thermal & Airflow Variability
The subtle changes in air and surface temperature, humidity and airflow across the skin that mimic natural environments. ∙ Material Connection with Nature
Using materials, grains, textures and elements in design that distinctly reflects the natural environment to create an overarching sense of the natural world.
A few visual inspirations of Biophilic Design.
