More and more people are beginning to see the importance of incorporating nature into our lives. This is where biophilic design comes in. Biophilic design is a green architectural and design strategy that brings the natural world indoors, creating a more peaceful and productive environment for people to live and work in.
Research over the years has shown that biophilic design can have a positive impact on our mental and physical health, so it’s definitely something to consider for your next building project.
What Is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is an approach to design that incorporates nature into the built environment. This can be done in a number of ways, such as bringing plants and water features into a space, using natural materials or providing views of nature.
Additionally, biophilic design seeks to create a connection between people and nature, which can be achieved through the use of natural light, fresh air and comfortable temperature and humidity levels. Not only that, but biophilic design can also incorporate nature-based sounds, smells and even tastes. For example, using essential oils or diffusers with nature-inspired scents can help to create a more calming and relaxing environment.
What Are the Benefits?
There are a number of benefits associated with biophilic design, both for people and businesses. This approach to design can benefit our mental and physical health, as well as our productivity. For example, it can help to reduce stress levels, improve cognitive function, boost our mood and increase our overall sense of well-being.
In fact, one study found that workers in an office with views of nature were better able to sustain their attention spans than those who didn’t have access to nature.
In addition, biophilic design can also help to improve our physical health. For example, it can increase our sense of well-being, reduce blood pressure and heart rate, and even improve our immune system.
This is likely due to the fact that exposure to nature can help to reduce stress levels, which in turn has a positive impact on our physical health. Plus, being in nature can also help to increase our level of physical activity, which is beneficial for our overall health.
Can Pests Be a Problem?
Pests can be a problem in any type of building, but they are less likely to be an issue in a space that incorporates biophilic design. If you do feel that pests are becoming a problem, there are a number of steps you can take to address the issue.
You can use natural pest control methods, a humane rat trap or a pest control professional who specializes in environmentally and ethically sound practices. Plus, you can always contact your local pest control company for assistance.
What About Maintenance?
Maintenance is always something to consider when incorporating any type of design into your space. However, biophilic design is actually quite low maintenance, as most design strategies are contrived to create a long-lasting, durable space (the use of natural materials like stone, for instance).
If you do have to do any maintenance to living features, that maintenance will only involve the tasks that come with surrounding yourself in nature, such as watering plants or sweeping up leaves. And those tasks amplify the benefits of biophilic design.
For example, if you have a water feature, you’ll need to make sure that it is properly cleaned and maintained. This is important not only for aesthetics but also for safety, as dirty water can harbor bacteria and other harmful organisms.
Also, if you have any plants in your space, you’ll need to make sure that they are getting the proper amount of sunlight and water. Otherwise, they may become unhealthy or even die. Just remember that too much water can be just as bad as too little, so be sure to check the soil before watering.
How Can I Incorporate Biophilic Design into My Space?
There are a number of ways you can incorporate biophilic design into your building projects. For example, you can create a living wall or vertical garden, use natural materials such as wood and stone, incorporate water features or provide views of nature.
You can also use lighting strategies like dappled light and architectural shapes that resemble natural features like trees or rock to create a connection between people and nature.
You might want to consider adding a skylight to your space to let in natural light or providing access to a patio or balcony so that people can enjoy fresh air.
Additionally, you can use features such as scent diffusers to add pleasant smells to your space or incorporate a fountain to add the sound of running water.
Where Can Biophilic Design Be Used?
Biophilic design can be used in any type of space, both commercial and residential. However, it is particularly well-suited for offices, as it has been shown to boost productivity.
It’s also a good choice for healthcare facilities, as exposure to nature can have a positive impact on physical and mental health.
Lastly, biophilic design is a great option for schools, as it can improve students’ cognitive function and concentration, as well as create a more calming and relaxing environment.
Summary
Biophilic design is becoming an increasingly popular way to make a space more inviting and productive. The benefits of biophilic design are many, and they include reducing stress levels, improving cognitive function and boosting productivity.
Pests are less likely to be a problem in a biophilic design space, and maintenance is relatively easy. There are a number of ways you can incorporate biophilic design into your space, such as by bringing plants and flowers indoors, using natural materials or providing views of nature.
If you’re looking for a way to improve your space, biophilic design is a great option to consider. At the end of the day, incorporating nature into our lives is good for us, and biophilic design is one way to make that happen.
Feature image: Andrew Doucette; Image 1: Ricardo L
