Biophilic Design (or How Can Architecture Contribute to a Healthier Life)

If you’re one of those people who are into the latest trends in architecture – welcome to the club! Biophilic design is one of them, so stay with us and keep on reading if you want to learn more about its main goals and major benefits. Here are some of the most important facts about this approach, so check them out and enjoy!

What is biophilic design actually?

The fact is that biophilic design is gaining more and more popularity these days, but do you actually know what it is and what does it encompass? Well, first of all, you should know that biophilia literally translates as ‘love of life’, but in these terms, it refers to a specific approach in architecture that can contribute to a much healthier and less stressful life. This approach is based on a belief that holistically designed buildings can positively affect your physical and mental health much more than individual elements like putting plants in a room. The main benefits of this approach can occur only when a wide range of diverse factors reinforce our experiences of nature, which is the goal of biophilic design. Even though some people say that it’s just another name for green architecture, the truth is a bit different. Whereas green building principles put a focus on responsibility towards the environment and efficient use of sustainable resources only, biophilic designs emphasize the well-being of people who use particular spaces and put it in the first place.

What are the main elements of biophilic design?

The first and one of the main elements typical of biophilic design is natural light, so be sure to get enough of it from windows, skylights, and clerestory openings. Besides these, there are also other artificial light sources that can complement daylight and therefore make your home much brighter and more pleasant to live in. When speaking of biophilic designs, we also have to mention the importance of exterior views which can help you see the world around you from a different perspective and get a sense of connection to a wider ecosystem. Water is another essential factor when it comes to this approach, so make sure you incorporate different sources like ponds, fountains, and other water features you can see, hear, and touch whenever you feel the need.

It’s also important to state that sensory stimuli that reference nature are of the utmost importance here, too, so be sure to incorporate a lot of minimally processed tactile materials that reflect the local ecology. Handmade objects, as well as fabrics like stone, timber, and leather are always a good choice, as well as plants that change their color seasonally and those positioned to move in breezeways. Needless to say, only the organic shapes should be used in biophilic approach, which means that everything else has to go. This is true for furniture that features geometric or any similar shapes which can’t actually be found in nature, as well as for bright colors that are more likely to stress you out than to help you relax. So, if you want to get rid of such pieces in order to make your home more biophilically-friendly, be sure to find a removal service like Kyle Bay Removals which can help you sort things out properly and remove everything you no longer need.

How to incorporate biophilic design into your own home?

As already stated, biophilic design puts your well-being in the first place, simply because an environment devoid of nature can negatively affect your health and productivity. The main goal of this design is to include nature into our environment and therefore create inspirational and restorative place that will connect you to your surroundings. Of course, not every place can be designed to incorporate principles of this approach, but you don’t have to worry at all because there are always ways to include some elements that can improve your interior and help you feel better no matter what. This doesn’t mean that you have to knock your house down in order to build a new one according to biophilic design principles – all you have to do is to add pot plants all over your home, as well as all kinds of natural fabrics and materials that’ll help you connect with nature once again. One of the best ways to use these principles in your home is to incorporate them into your working space, so that you can feel less anxious and stressed out while working. This is actually the main goal of biophilic design, so make sure not to skip it and you’ll accomplish that goal, without a doubt!

As you can see, biophilic design is becoming more and more popular these days for a good reason. Apart from being responsible towards the environment and using sustainable resources efficiently, its main focus is your own health and well-being. Does it get better than that? We don’t think so!