Humans are biologically programmed to crave nature and the outdoors—which is at odds with
the fact that we spend most of our time indoors. Interior environments can be intentionally
designed to support this need for the natural world, and biophilia, a design
approach/philosophy, is becoming more prevalent in conversations with clients, design teams, and other project stakeholders.
Biophilic design seeks to connect that inherent need for nature and the natural world with the
modern built environment. Applying biophilic concepts doesn’t mean placing the occasional
indoor plant and using nature-related colors, though these aren’t necessarily bad ideas.
To be effective, biophilia must be understood and then thoughtfully integrated into the fabric of our built environments to foster a deeper connection with nature. This design approach provides many benefits by leveraging principles that resonate with our intrinsic need for nature, aiming to create spaces that promote health, well-being, creativity, and productivity.
Whether in offices, schools, healthcare spaces, or public spaces, applying biophilic design can
transform the way we experience our surroundings by incorporating elements like intentional
space planning, natural light, greenery, and natural materials. Below are some practical
strategies for implementing biophilic design regardless of type of project, the scale, or the
budget, and offer insights on how to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and
deeply nourishing to the human spirit.
Biophilic design researchers Stephen R. Kellert and Elizabeth F. Calabrese distill the (sometimes
daunting) idea of applying biophilia concepts into three ideas: direct experience of nature,
indirect experience of nature, and experience of space and place. We’ve unpacked those terms
into actionable concepts.
Direct Experience of Nature
You don’t have to design an indoor garden room or put a waterfall in a waiting room to
integrate direct experiences of nature into a project. Access to natural light is the easiest
method of providing a direct experience of nature and gets bonus points if the window provides
a view to nature.
Even if the view is not of a park or a tree, experiencing natural light provides a host of benefits,
including better sleep, improved mood, and improved focus and productivity—not to mention
the energy savings!
Integrating water features isn’t always practical for the project or the budget, but including
them when possible can provide a memorable moment while connecting to biophilic concepts.
Even a small electric-powered water feature on a desk or a table or a small aquarium with fish
can provide benefits; work with a professional designer to ensure that all design considerations
have been met.
Indirect Experience of Nature
Use your creativity when providing indirect experiences of nature! Incorporating colors/color
combinations found in nature and natural materials such as wood and stone can be lowthreshold ways of incorporating biophilic elements.
Designing and using elements that use naturalistic shapes, simulated natural light, and
biomorphic textures, forms and patterns in the project can also begin to help create the
biophilic ecosystem. Materials that patina over time can also provide a textural richness that
underscores the patterns of nature.
Designing wayfinding features that provide landmarks is not only a good practice but has its
roots in the way humans navigated before GPS. A building designed rigidly on a grid may seem
logical in plan view, but a plan that incorporates organic shapes and wayfinding that provides
views to the destination (or associated “landmarks”) can be a much more effective and pleasing
approach.
Curating an art package that evokes nature in general or that is specific to the project’s site
context can be an effective design tool that enhances the overall quality of the design as well as
the user’s experience with the environment. Art can often be overlooked, especially in a largescale project, but research has shown that it can have a significant impact on the overall wellbeing of the occupants—and it can serve as wayfinding landmarks if intentionally designed.
Consider the site of the project—is it in the mountains? Near the beach? Is there a particular
feature that the area is known for? By incorporating materials, imagery, and forms found within
the context of the site, the designer can create a connection of space to place, which creates
awareness of the natural world and the user’s location within it.
Experience of Space and Place
If given a choice, would you rather sit at a table in the middle of a big food court, or tucked
away in a booth near a wall or other large architectural feature? Because of our roots as huntergatherers, humans are drawn to spaces where they feel secure and protected—it’s why we
design offices so that the occupant’s back is not to the door. No one wants to feel vulnerable,
and providing places to retreat to, where the user feels secure but can still see out is a concept
called “prospect and refuge.”
The idea of transitional spaces is also a concept found in nature. You don’t often have a forest
that abruptly terminates into a river—no, there’s often a transitional space between the forest
and the water. The beach is a transitional space! We expect transitional spaces in interior
environments, and while we may not recognize when they aren’t present, a lack of transitional
space can often feel a little off.
When possible, incorporating a sense of discovery can enhance the experience of the space.
Just like finding a beautiful flower or a stunning overlook on the nature walk gives a sense of
discovery, a building’s user can also experience this. Perhaps it’s a hidden away nook with a
lounge chair and a plant, or maybe it’s a large art installation evocative of a local geographic
feature—regardless, surprises like this can make a design go from good to great.
Incorporating biophilic concepts into our designed spaces is not a trend but is a transformative
approach that reconnects us with the natural world. By integrating elements that evoke nature
both directly and indirectly, we create supportive environments. As we continue to navigate a
rapidly urbanizing world, the principles of biophilic design offer a antidote, reminding us of the
profound impact our surroundings have on our physical and emotional health. Embracing these
principles not only elevates our spaces but also fosters a deeper relationship with the
environment around us.
To incorporate these concepts into your next project, for more information on biophilic design solutions, or to be connected to Interior Elements, click here .
