Biophilic design is a trendy term that describes the design of buildings and rooms that integrates natural elements. In this article, you will find out what biophilia is, what positive effects on our health have been proven and how biophilic design can be implemented in rooms.
The Zurich Office from berry. (Picture: berry)
The Biophilic Hypothesis
The origin of biophilic design lies in the biophilic hypothesis according to Wilson (1986). He uses it to describe people's innate affinity for life - which is also reflected in the literal translation of biophilia: The Geek words bíos means life and philía means love. This innate affinity is still inherent in humans today, as our lives have taken place predominantly (or exclusively) outside for almost the entire history of evolution. It is only since industrialization that people have increasingly spent more time indoors. However, as the human organism has developed in a natural environment, these still provide peace and security today. The hypothesis therefore states that humans are attracted to natural elements because they are part of our evolutionary history.
A study from 2001 (Allen & Macomber, 2020, p. 38) shows that modern people in North America and Europe spend up to 90% of the day indoors - which can have a negative impact on our health: poor indoor air quality is a negative factor for human health and performance (e.g. Kumar et al., 2023; Sadrizadeh et al., 2022; Windlinger et al., 2018). The WHO also warns against getting too little (outdoor) exercise, as this significantly increases the risk of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease (WHO, 2023). In contrast, natural environments can reduce physiological stress ( Gaekwad et al., 2023) and improve affectivity and cognitive performance (Allen & Macomber, 2020; Aristizabal et al., 2021; Garrido-Cumbrera et al., 2022; Sharam et al., 2023).
Biophilic Elements
What are biophilic elements that we are automatically attracted to? They are everything that can be found in natural environments: On one hand they are physical entities such as plants, stones, wood, water and light. On the other hand - and this is important to bear in mind when implementing biophilic design - it is also about immaterial aspects such as privacy, retreats, views and foresight. The concept of biophilic design therefore not only includes the integration of natural elements in the built environment, but also the consideration of evolutionary human thought and behavior patterns (Kellert, 2018, p. 17-18).
Biophilic Design
The biophilic hypothesis was transformed into a design concept in 2008 by Kellert, Heerwagen and Mador. The core of this is to take into account the human affinity to natural systems and processes when designing built environments in order to achieve positive effects on people (Kellert, 2018, p. 17). The biophilic design concept consists of three complementary components: the nature of the space, which includes physical elements, natural analogies such as biomorphic forms and patterns, and the nature of the space, which includes, among other things, sufficient places of retreat and views (Browning, Ryan & Clancy, 2014).
The Tadah Co-working Space. (Picture: Gataric Fotografie)
Scientific Results
These were the basics of biophilia in a nutshell. Due to the increasing spread of biophilic design, various studies have been carried out on different biophilic elements that go beyond the aesthetic enhancement of rooms. The results show that biophilic elements have a demonstrably positive influence on human health.
As around 54% of people in Switzerland still work exclusively in the office even in the post-corona era (Flexsurvey, 2022) and we spend an average of six hours a day in gainful employment (gfs.bern AG, 2023), the design concept has enormous potential in the work context.
Below are some of the most exciting research findings:
Wood paneling has a positive immediate effect on mood, anxiety and stress levels (Ojala et al., 2023, p. 10)
High air quality promotes productivity and reduces fatigue and concentration difficulties (Kropman et al., 2023, p. 665)
Plants have a positive effect on the reduction of stress symptoms and general well-being, perceived privacy, the attractiveness of and satisfaction with the workplace as well as on dry air and health complaints. They also serve as natural barriers to privacy, which has a positive effect on satisfaction with the office (Aristizabal et al., 2021, p. 12)
Views of the outdoors, especially nature, can have a positive impact on productivity and reduce fatigue and stress symptoms (Bergefurt et al. (2022, p. 8) and increase cognitive performance (Boubekri et al., 2020)
Aveniq's Office in Baden (from JOP Architekten). (Picture: René Dürr)
Doing Biophilic Design
So what does this mean for the implementation of biophilic design in practice? The most important key takeaways are:
Consideration and integration of all three components of the design concept are necessary to maximize the positive effects
There is no one-fits-all concept: the elements must be coordinated with each other, the spatial conditions and the needs of the people (working in them)
Biophilic design can achieve great health and productivity effects with relatively little effort because it creates an environment in which people feel comfortable
Biophilic elements are beautiful to look at and have a positive impact on human health - so it's time to implement the design concept! Need more inspiration? You can find it here.
Next Article: Why Biophilic Design is the Future for Modern Offices
An insight in the Headquarter from Rahn & Bodmer in Zürich. (Picture: Oxygen at Work)
This article was brought to you by Julia Hornstein
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