There are many sources to the numerous studies, but most can be found in the white papers that we have written on Biophilic Design, which can be found and downloaded here:
There are many sources to the numerous studies, but most can be found in the white papers that we have written on Biophilic Design, which can be found and downloaded here:
Currently it has been more deeply investigated in commercial spaces where there is a need for a clear business case for creating spaces that put occupants (and staff) in a better more positive state of mind – to mitigate stress, aid mental and physical recuperation and also enhance community engagement and communication.
However, there is now a growing interest in how these ideas can be translated into the home – in part caused by the current pandemic and the work from home requirement
Biophilic design is how we design our environments to enhance a human nature connection – its aim is to enhance wellbeing and reduce the negative impacts of our busy urban lives, such as stress and burn out, but illicit a similar response to our built environment as we do to the natural world.
By contrast Biomimcry takes inspiration from natures design process as developed over the last 3.8 billion years. It is a more engineering focused approach that seeks to mimic natural forms, efficiencies, and circular processes. For instance, the aerodynamic shape of the nose of a kingfisher has informed the nose cone of the Japanese Bullet train to make it quitter as it entered tunnels.
Firstly, I would deliver some of the metrics around the impact of poor space and the benefits of Biophilic Design – this will pique their interest.
Next you will want to understand the existing organizational situation by undertaking a pre occupancy study to look at the quantitative and qualitative data of the spatial conditions – to create a baseline. This should form an intrinsic part of ones brief to work to.
Next, we put together a business case outlining our design proposal and the suggested return on investment and then we implement.
Once the project s complete we would aim to undertake a post occupancy assessment to measure the value of our designs to the occupants and the business.
Bring nature indoors – create a planting scheme and use artificial light to supplement any natural light. The plants will love having a controlled and regular light source and if managed properly, will grow well.
If real plants are out of the budget explore artificial elements of nature such as dried plants, flowers or preserved moss wall panels.
We would always look to reference local elements of nature but this is more likely to be in colours, materials, or imagery. The aim being to remind occupants of positive memories and times spent in nature and so illicit a positive emotional response to that space.
This is more difficult to do with plants as many are tropical and so not ordinarily found within much of Europe.
I believe that evidence based design of all types should be included in architectural and interior design. I find it deeply distressing that so much of my time studying architecture was looking at architectural heroes and not enough of the work and outcomes of environmental psychologists.
This train of thought leads me onto a belief that we should encouraged all designers to learn from nature and bio based design systems – after all what better design process could there be than one that has developed over 3.8 billion years as a means to refine and improve?
Id recommend looking at the Enterprise Centre at the University of East Anglia by Architype – it’s a stunning building constructed of locally sourced natural materials.
https://www.architype.co.uk/project/the-enterprise-centre-uea/
Do read the work of Stephen Kellert – one of the godfathers of Biophilic Design he was a creative and brilliant thinker on the subject.
I’d also recommend reading some of the white papers that we have written on the subject, which can be found here: https://www.oliverheath.com/resources/