Recent design trends have seen the introduction of many natural elements into the built environment such as green walls, interior water features and nature patterns incorporated into wall and floor coverings. This is not just down to the lavish tastes of the interior designer but it is part of an ever growing design trend which is proven to have great psychological and psychological benefits to the buildings occupants – Biophilic Design.
Nature in Place
What is Biophilic design?
Biophilic Design is the incorporation of nature and natural elements into the built environment. The benefits of Biophilic Design are proven and are shown to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, expedite healing and recovery and boost creativity and productivity. Biophilic design not only benefits the human aspect of the built environment but it can also have a dramatic effect on commercial elements by increasing customer hang time which is known to have a direct influence in consumer spending. Increased employee productivity and wellbeing is also a proven benefit of Biophilic Design which leads to increased turnover.
The correct implementation of Biophilia in the built environment is essential to achieving the desired health, wellbeing and financial benefits. Not all aspects of nature are known to create the beneficial elements for good Biophilic Design so knowledge is key when deciding to enhance your space with Biophilic elements.
What is Biophilic design?
The 14 patterns of Biophilic Design were devised by consulting firm Terrapin Bright Green in order to define the fundamental principles of Biophilia to serve as a guide in the application of Biophilic Design in the design of both interior and exterior environments.
The 14 patterns of Biophilic design as defined by Terrapin Bright Green are
Nature in the Space
- Visual Connection with Nature
- Non-Visual Connection with Nature
- Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
- Thermal & Airflow Variability
- Presence of Water
- Dynamic & Diffuse Light
- Connection with Natural Systems
Natural Analogues
- Biomorphic Forms & Patterns
- Material Connection with Nature
- Complexity & Order
Nature of the Space
- Prospect
- Refuge
- Mystery
- Risk/Peril
The key to good Biophilic design is understanding the needs of the space and the nature of the surrounding environment. Each of the elements listed above can be incorporated individually into a space but to achieve the maximum potential of Biophilia, it is advised to adopt as many patterns as possible and to support each pattern with additional patterns.
To find out how Enhance Acoustics can help you incorporate Biophilic Design elements into your project please click here.
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