Biophilia is a scientific study of the human affinity with nature and how it might benefit our health and well-being. It was first proposed in 1984 by American biologist Edward O. Wilson, who recognised that rising urbanisation was creating a perilous disconnect between humans and nature. It is based on the idea that people have an innate predisposition to focus on life and lifelike processes. People’s desire to ‘escape’ to the countryside, and visit national parks, beaches, and mountains reflects this.
Biophilic design is all about connecting to this intricacy and wonder. The underlying concept of biophilic design is straightforward: introducing human connection to nature into our urban fabric. Significant evidence and research suggest that carefully planning a workspace or urban area around access to nature has a huge impact on health, wellbeing, productivity, creativity, and the environment.
According to one of the biophilic theory’s pillars, access to actual nature like live plants or animals has the most positive impact on people’s physiological functions.
Another pillar, the nature of the space, asserts that a spatial design that recalls natural landscapes promotes occupant health and well-being. Consider an interior packed with indoor plants and a setting that mimics the sensation of savannah woodland.
Biophilic design is based on incorporating more natural light and air into a space, as well as including water and live plants, as well as employing materials including natural wood and stone, and embellishing with earth tones such as brown, green, and blue. It can also include animals and fire, but these are obviously more difficult to incorporate.
Skylights and glass walls can boost light and allow people to see the weather, green walls, rooftop gardens, and plenty of inside plants add greenery, and tactile and visual design allows people to feel and sense natural elements as they change.
These features evoke movement, colour, warmth, and vitality, offering socioemotional stimulation and putting occupiers at ease. Even artificial nature experiences, such as decor that resembles natural components or simulates natural change over time, have a demonstrated impact on people’s health. Where it is difficult to include natural elements directly, technology, design, and space can be employed to replicate them. If an office is placed in the shadow of a larger building, for example, innovative interior lighting and air circulation can provide the illusion of natural airflow and light. At the heart of the concept is improving the relationship between people and place, making it easier to move around and between locations, and designing comfortable, fulfilling spaces that incorporate all of these factors.
Nature and biophilic design provide a plethora of keys to creating a pleasant office that promotes well-being and provides value while increasing inspiration and productivity.