The disconnect between humans and nature is becoming more pronounced in our increasingly urbanized world—a separation that affects our well-being, productivity, and creativity. Enter biophilic design, a revolutionary approach seeking to bridge this gap by integrating natural elements into our built environments. Biophilic design is more than just a trend, however. It is a fundamental shift in how we create spaces that honor our innate connection to nature.
Stephen Kellert, the godfather of Biophilic Design developed six principles rooted in scientific understanding and human psychology. These principles aim to create environments that foster biophilia.
Below, we’ll delve into these six core principles, each playing a critical role in shaping spaces that feel both inherently human while being effectively functional.
1. Environmental Features: Bridging the Gap Between Indoors and Outdoors
The most visible aspect of biophilic design is the integration of environmental features. This principle goes beyond merely placing a potted plant in the corner of a room. It involves strategically integrating natural elements like flowing water, abundant natural light, and diverse plant life throughout a space. The addition of these features isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about reducing indoor pollutants and creating a visual connection to the outdoors. Water features, for example, can be particularly powerful, as the sound of flowing water has been shown to lower blood pressure and enhance focus. Natural materials like wood and stone bring warmth and texture, making spaces feel more grounded and inviting.
2. Natural Shapes & Forms: Biomimicry in Architecture
Straight lines and sharp angles dominate much of modern architecture, but biophilic design challenges this norm by embracing the natural shapes and forms found in the environment. Curves, spirals, and botanical motifs mimic the forms we see in nature, from the unfurling of a fern to the curve of a riverbend. The result is an environment that subtly evokes the natural world, engaging our innate affinity for organic forms and evoking a sense of comfort and familiarity. Incorporating these forms can be as simple as choosing furniture with organic curves or designing spaces that mimic the flow of natural landscapes so that they feel more harmonious and aligned with the human experience.
3. Natural Patterns: Tapping into Nature’s Intricacies
Nature is full of patterns—fractals in tree branches, the texture of bark, or the weathering of stone over time. Biophilic design seeks to incorporate these patterns into our environments to enrich our sensory experiences. Natural patterns have been shown to reduce stress and enhance cognitive function. This can manifest in various ways, such as using weathered materials that show the passage of time, incorporating textiles with nature-inspired patterns, or designing spaces with rhythmic elements that mirror natural processes. The key is to create spaces that feel dynamic and alive, encouraging a deeper engagement with the environment.
4. Light & Space: Harnessing the Power of Natural Light
The effective use of natural light is a dynamic force that influences our circadian rhythms, mood, and overall health. This principle advocates for designing spaces that maximize natural light through the thoughtful use of windows, skylights, reflective surfaces, and light wells. The aim is to create environments that feel open, airy, and aligned with the cycles of the day. Additionally, it emphasizes the creation of diverse spatial experiences, a variety that mirrors the diversity found in natural landscapes—from expansive, open areas that evoke a sense of freedom to cozy nooks that provide refuge.
5. Place-Based Relationships: Honoring Local Context
Effective biophilic design is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is deeply rooted in the context of place by recognizing the importance of rooting design choices in the local ecological and cultural context. This principle encourages the use of native plants, locally sourced materials, and design elements that reflect the region’s natural and cultural heritage. By doing so, while we are creating spaces that connect us to nature, we are also creating spaces that feel authentic and connected to our surroundings.
6. Evolved Human-Nature Relationships: Designing for Exploration and Refuge
Throughout history, humans have sought spaces that provide both opportunities for exploration and a sense of refuge. The final principle acknowledges this history and focuses on creating opportunities for discovery, and hands-on interaction with natural elements. This could mean creating spaces where people can both engage with and withdraw from the environment. A few examples are incorporating gardens that change with the seasons, creating indoor-outdoor transitions, or designing spaces that allow for unstructured nature play.
Embracing Biophilic Design
Implementing these six principles of biophilic design is about creating beautiful spaces and fundamentally changing how we interact with our built environment. As we face global challenges like climate change and urbanization, biophilic design offers a path forward that harmonizes human needs with ecological imperatives. And in an increasingly urbanized world, these principles are not a luxury—they are a necessity for creati
