What is biophilic design? You may have heard of the term before, but you're not quite sure what it means.
Biophilic design is a type of interior design that focuses on bringing nature into the home. This can be done through the use of plants, natural materials, and colors, as well as by incorporating elements of nature into the design of the home itself.
The term "biophilic interior design" is relatively new, but the concept has been around for centuries. Biophilic design is based on the idea that humans have an innate need to connect with nature.
There is a growing body of research that shows how biophilic design can improve our health and well-being. Most often this research is done in commercial settings such as hospitals where patients health can be easily monitored.
But the same research can be applied within the home to cultivate an environment that can improve well-being and even help prevent illnesses. In this article, we will:
explain what biophilic design is
explore the benefits of biophilic design
and give some examples of how you can implement it in your own home décor and design
What is Biophilic Design?
The concept of biophilic design is based on the idea that we can create environments that support this natural human need to connect with nature. By connecting with nature, we aren't merely bringing the outside in, but we immerse ourselves in a state of being that allows us to feel more grounded and more connected to other living things.
Biophilia is a term coined by E.O. Wilson, who was an American biologist, in his book Biophilia (1984). Wilson argued that humans have an innate need to connect with nature and other forms of life. Biophilia has since been used in a number of different ways, but generally it refers to the human-nature connection.
When we connect to things that are larger than ourselves, we can create a sense of belonging. By harnessing the connection we feel toward nature, biophilic design has the expressed interest in deepening that connection, which will promote our physiological, psychological and cognitive well-being.
Benefits of Biophilic Design
There are a number of ways in which biophilic design can improve our health and well-being. One way is by reducing stress levels. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and blood pressure, while also increasing positive moods and feelings of relaxation.
In one study, office workers were given the opportunity to work in a "green" office with plants and natural light, or a traditional office without these features. The workers in the green office reported lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as less fatigue and more energy.
Another way biophilic design can improve our health is by improving cognitive function. One study found that students who had views of nature from their classroom performed better on tests than those who didn't. Another study found that patients in hospitals with views of nature had shorter hospital stays and required less pain medication than those without.