The majority of fashion and design trends tend to emerge, only to fade away before making a comeback in cycles. One generation might adore a particular style, while the next could find it revolting. Before you know it, though, the same trend reappears. Even design experts struggle to predict what will endure or when shifts will occur.
However, one trend that will never vanish is humanity's use of wood. From the dawn of human existence to today, we've relied on this material, and this won't change. While its applications may follow a cyclical pattern, wood remains essential. This explains why the biophilic design movement is gaining traction.
Edward O. Wilson, the renowned American biologist and author, clarified that biophilia refers to the innate human tendency to seek connections with life and nature. This concept suggests that humans inherently desire a deeper bond with the natural world.
Researchers have discovered that environments disconnected from nature can negatively affect human psychological and physical health. To address this, innovators developed the biophilic design concept, focusing on integrating natural elements into buildings and living spaces to enhance human-nature connectivity. Unlike green architecture, which primarily aims to minimize environmental impact, biophilic design satisfies our intrinsic need to live alongside and maintain ties with nature. Although the term is relatively new, examples of biophilic design can be traced back to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon!
According to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-funded survey, we spend 90% of our time indoors. Thus, biophilic architecture serves as the ideal way to reconnect with nature. If you're a city dweller who yearns for the tranquility of nature, consider incorporating biophilic design into your space.
Are there genuine health benefits to biophilic designs?
Biophilic design emphasizes the use of natural materials, light, and plants to create a more pleasant and effective living environment. There's no denying its numerous advantages for individuals!
With cities and large towns teeming with millions of people, the biophilic design concept can improve the psychological and physiological health of populations, including workers, shoppers, residents, and visitors alike.
Research indicates that introducing plants into indoor spaces reduces stress and boosts pain tolerance. In typical living areas, five medium-sized plants can enhance air quality by around 75% and mental health by 60%. Other studies reveal that elements like nature sounds can improve health 37% faster than traditional urban noise.
Moreover, children raised in green neighborhoods tend to have lower asthma rates compared to those in regular buildings. In fact, greener neighborhoods exhibit lower mortality rates. In biophilic cities, people handle life crises and social interactions more effectively, leading to reduced crime, violence, and aggression.
How can the environment benefit from this design approach?
Biophilic design ranks among the best practices because it employs nature-based systems. It benefits not only human well-being but also the environment.
As the world grows increasingly urbanized, the demand for nature in urban settings rises. By incorporating elements like plants, trees, rain gardens, and green roofs into urban ecosystems, buildings and cities can manage stormwater runoff more efficiently.
Adding greenery and vegetative roofs and walls to urban areas reduces carbon emissions, decreases polluted water, and enhances biodiversity since plants act as biofilters. Studies show that structures utilizing vegetation, green rooftops, and shaded streets can reduce heating and cooling needs by 25% and decrease temperature fluctuations by 50%.
Can biophilic designs positively impact the economy?
While biophilic design might initially appear costly due to specialized maintenance and organic items, its health and environmental benefits can offset these expenses.
Using non-toxic natural building materials and adopting biophilic practices in workplaces creates a cleaner, less stressful environment that promotes employee well-being and motivation. Research shows that considering biophilic design could save New York City $470 million due to increased worker productivity and $1.7 billion from crime-related expenses. Properties with biophilic design often sell at 16% higher prices than conventional ones.
Direct and Indirect Touches of Nature
Most of us crave nature and need to connect with it to balance our lives. However, as urban lifestyles become more prevalent, experiencing nature becomes rarer. Contact with nature positively impacts us, whether direct or indirect.
In urban environments, direct nature experiences include plants, light, water, or any interaction with real green elements. Everyone needs to experience nature for psycho-physiological benefits, and indirect or virtual contact offers solutions where real plants aren't feasible or views of nature aren't available. Watching nature documentaries or observing birds can suffice.
Real and virtual nature experiences are both beneficial, but nothing surpasses the goodness of actual natural touches. Whether it's adding more plants, installing a wooden wall, or setting up an aquarium, embrace biophilic design in your meaningful spaces!
References:
- Wikipedia, "E. O. Wilson," June 25, 2021.
- Tobias Roberts, "What Is Biophilic Design?" Stories, July 21, 2020.
- Chapman Taylor, "Q&A: What are the benefits of biophilic design?" January 13, 2020.
- Wikipedia, "Biophilic Design," June 24, 2021.
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