In today’s fast-paced world we can forget the importance of intentionally designing spaces that support human health and well-being. One way to enhance interior environments and create a sense of place is by applying biophilic design concepts. Incorporating biophilia into a project can have remarkable benefits and can have a significant impact–even if the project isn’t pursuing LEED or WELL accreditation, or if it’s a small project, or one with a limited budget!
Discussing the application of biophilic design can be a layered conversation, so we put together some best practices for practitioners who are interested in exploring the practicalities of biophilia with their clients.
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Bring It Up Early
Incorporating biophilic design concepts often requires early planning—especially if the project is new construction. It’s much easier to adjust the amount and size of windows, evaluate the space planning, select appropriate finish materials, adjust the art budget, and make sound decisions regarding the furniture selection and finishes when the value and reasoning is discussed up front.
Understand the Why
Designing a project using biophilic design principles doesn’t mean painting everything earth tones and adding a plant to the reception desk. Proper implementation can provide huge benefits to the occupants of the space, which can in turn benefit the company as a whole! Increased productivity, creativity, and occupant well-being affects everyone. Understanding the “why” can create buy-in from your client in a way that discussing an abstract concept may not.
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Include All Stakeholders
Don’t just discuss the “why” with your client—when possible, educate all stakeholders on why the project is using a biophilic design approach. In addition to the client, consider including the design project manager, contractor, project expeditor, furniture dealer, and IT team. It will save time in the long run and will help stakeholders make consistent and informed decisions about design decisions, design standard variances, and what is appropriate to value engineer, even when you’re not there. You also might be surprised by some clever ideas you hadn’t thought of!
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The Gestalt & The Details
When talking to your client, make sure you’re communicating both the big picture vision as well as the details necessary to convey the design and obtain signoff. Avoid vague and sweeping statements, and instead be specific about how the project could implement biophilic design concepts—at the macro and the micro level. Describing the intent and the research behind it underscores the care that you have undertaken in the design of the project.
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Make Manageable Choices
Ultimately you need to make the best choices for the project constraints. A living plant wall is a great idea—but it’s often not the best choice due to initial budget, life cycle cost, the maintenance required…etc. Sit down with your client and discuss their goals and the outcomes they’d like to see at the end of the project, then make a priority list. Maybe a water feature in the lobby is a “wish” but not a “need,” so if the choice has to be made between cutting the water feature and decreasing the number of windows in the space, you know which decision to make.
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Consider discussing the realistic maintenance the client’s team can provide after the project is completed. Who is going to maintain the indoor plants? How often? What type of chemicals are used to clean the furniture and finishes? How much leeway does the client have in making those decisions with the maintenance staff? All this information is much more useful to have before you start planning, when you can make informed recommendations.
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Working with a client on a biophilic design project involves more than just applying natural elements; it requires a collaborative and attentive approach to truly capture and enhance their vision. By actively listening to their needs, understanding their space, working within their budget, and thoughtfully integrating biophilic principles, you can create environments that not only meet their aesthetic and functional goals but also deeply resonate with their well-being. Clear communication, creative problem-solving, and a shared vision for creating a supportive and inspiring space can transform the way we think about the environments we inhabit and create.
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