Biophilic Design has received increasing attention as a design philosophy in recent years. It is a lesser-known human-centric design principle and of particular interest to Human Factors professionals, architects and designers interested in indoor environments. The pandemic has put the spotlight on how much time we spend indoors as well as the benefits to our mental and physiological wellbeing of being outdoors.

Why as Human Factors professionals should we be interested in Biophilic Design?

As Human Factors professionals we are aiming to create environments that;

are physically, physiological and mentally healthy

comfortable & happy

improve cognitive function > creativity, less error, improve concentration & performance

improve productivity

lower levels of absenteeism (cost and manpower impact)

lower employee turnover, improve employee retention, creating environment that enhance social connections

It may be of surprise that these are compatible and in-tune with Biophilic Design. As HF’s professionals we consider the individual, task, processes and environment. Quite often though, there is more emphasis placed on the first three and less so on environment and that’s why we are taking a special interest in Biophilic Design in this article.

biophilia - an inherent need for humans to interact with nature 


The study of biophilia has evolved from within the fields of environmental and evolutional psychology, sociology, biology & physiology and has now been adapted to the fields of neuroscience, endocrinology and architecture. Nature and biophilia is one of the most researched areas of environmental psychology; there is a vast amount of evidence. In particular Biophilic Design is being considered by sustainability professionals, designers and beyond. Whatever the science, it all relates back to the desire for a (re)connection with nature and natural systems.

Biophilic Design, an extension of biophilia, incorporates natural materials, natural light, vegetation, nature views and other experiences of the natural world into the modern built environment. It integrates elements of nature into architecture and urban planning projects. It goes far beyond adding a simple plant to your desk.

Biophilic Design is used within the building environment and interior design sectors to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions.

Biophilic Design

-Human-centred design approach

- Used in building and urban community design

-harnesses power of nature to make our built environment healthier and happier

- creates spaces that respond to out innate human needs

- encourages an emotional attachment to particular settings and places

introduces nature direct and indirectly to our indoor spaces

creates inspirational and restorative spaces that connect occupants to their indoor surroundings

- is a design approach that considers how a space makes you feel and in doing so supports the activity of the place

new area of sustainability that focuses on Health & Wellbeing

scientific, evidence-based design - psychology, biology, physiology, neuroscience, neuroscience, endocrinology and architecture

it is not a ‘Green’ Building (this is a different concept)

promotes positive interactions between people and nature that encourage an expanded sense of relationship and responsibility for human and natural communities

Biophilic Design is based on 15 principals or ’15 patterns of design’ including visual and non-visual connections with nature, dynamic and diffuse lighting, biomorphic form and patterns, material connections with nature, mystery, refuge and awe.

What might typically go into a biophilic design concept?

Biophilic Design ‘tools’ include indoor gardens, vertical plant or moss walls, air-purifying plants, aromatherapy, soundscapes, lighting strategies, interior design, views of nature, use of natural materials, colours & fabrics, access to open space. Water features and biodiversity can also be highly beneficial. Even nature photos are shown to have significant mood and productivity benefits.

Biophilic Design has been proven to improve our cognitive function and performance, increase creativity, productivity and social connectiveness as well as having restorative and calming benefits and is relevant and beneficial in our office workplaces, healthcare, educational, hospitality, home settings and even manufacturing. It has also been seen to reduce crime and even increase perceived sales values in retail units. Other reasons professionals are interested in Biophilic Design are to attract the best people, increase value of real estate, company kudos, improve recovery rates in healthcare settings and improve learning outcomes in schools.

Biophilic Design also promotes sustainability by creating more awareness to nature, need to protect and benefits of creative use of nature; it balances up sustainability initiatives to factor in people as much as planet. By design, in urban planning nature can educate, strengthen and connect communities.

Words associated with Biophilic Design -

wellbeing

improved physiological response

stress reduction

improved cognitive function

focus

creativity

restoration

recuperation

sustainability

value

Research shows Biophilic Design is good for physiological and psychological health. Health outcomes include;

improved physiological response - lowered blood pressure & heart rate, reduce stress levels, comfort, calmness, perceived safety or refuge - restorative qualities

improved cognitive function - task performance, creativity, behavioural performance, learning, decision making, productivity, stimulated, focus

preferred emotions and mood - visual preference, increased happiness, reduced boredom, fatigue, increased social behaviour

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of healthy indoor environments and this has been a springboard for Biophilic Design. Air quality in particular has been an area that has had a lot of focus and so the addition of incorporating greenery such as plants and more increasingly green walls as successful ways to improve the indoor air we breathe has given Biophilic Design an opportunity to take the conversation further and showcase its full scope and benefits. Biophilic Design is certainly attracting increased interest amongst human-centred design and wellbeing communities. There are most certainly lightbulbs going on across the built environment sector as to hugely untapped benefits of Biophilic Design.