Biophilic design: past the hype

The attention for biophilic design is growing. Where the design principle in the past might have been seen as an interesting ‘green’ trend, the hype has been long past. Especially since the breakout of COVID-19; our need to connection to nature is bigger than ever.

THE UPRISE OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN

Biophilia means ‘love for nature’. The term was first introduced by social psychologist Erich Fromm and made popular by biologist Edward O. Wilson in the eighties. Both acknowledged biophilia as an innate natural need for people to be in touch with nature. With the increased urbanisation and technological developments we lost this connection. Biophilic design was on the rise and ever since countless studies have shown the positive effect of nature on our physical and mental health. For instance, exposure to nature relieves stress, reduces the heart rate and blood pressure and increases our creativity, productivity and our well-being.

The POSITIVE IMPACT of BIOPHILIC DESIGN

The positive impact of biophilic design in the built environment and interior is dazzling. Studies show the productivity at the office can increase with 8% and employees experience a highered degree of well-being of 13%. In healthcare a shorter recovery time after surgery is measured and a reduction of pain medication of 22%. And research in the hospitality industry has demonstrated that hotel guests are willing to pay up to 23% more for a room with a view on nature or natural elements.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN IN the INTERIoR

Who thinks biophilic design is putting some plants in a vase here and there, is completely wrong. Biophilic design is about the complete integration of nature and natural elements into the interior design. You can think of the application of direct nature, like living green walls, complete inner gardens or a proper vegetable and herb garden in your (company) restaurant. But also involving the outdoor space to the indoor space and the other way round. Besides the use of green and plants, biophilic design is also about the integration of indirect references to nature. For example the use of natural materials, colours, textures and designs. Even images an resembling nature already prove to work stress reducing. Natural light, (flowing) water and fresh air are also important topics.

INFLUEnCE CORONA PANDaMIc

Due to the corona pandamic our need for connection with nature has increased even more. In our time we go to parks, woods and nature areas by the masses. The outdoors feels like a safe space where we can forget all worries this time brings along for a while. And where we experience the relaxing and calming working of nature on body and mind. Sitting inside a lot has also made us even more conscious of our environment. If on top of this you consider we spend 90% of our time indoors, corona can only give an enormous boost to the attention for health and well-being in the interior. With a big role for biophilic design; not as hype but as motive for our well-being.