Biophilia in Interior Design: Creating Spaces That Breathe Life
We live in such a driven and fast-paced world. Perhaps you are like me, and many of our clients, who continually express the need for calm, restorative environments.
Enter biophilia - a design philosophy that connects interiors to the natural world, not just aesthetically but emotionally and functionally. The tenets of this design philosophy are holistic and over-arching. It is not just about adding a few plants to a room but instead, creating spaces that nurture our primal need for connection with nature, enhancing well-being while fostering creativity and a calm state of mind and body.
The beauty of biophilic design lies in its subtlety. It is not about overpowering a space with greenery but about weaving many natural elements into the fabric of the design solution. Using organic materials such as wood, stone, and natural fibers paired with soft, earth tones is a great way to employ this philosophy. Think about the play of daylight as it enters the space, or the tactile and visual textural experience of a wool or jute rug. These elements can make a space come alive, working together to ground the space, and make it feel more like a living, breathing environment. This is the goal of this philosophy.
One of the most powerful aspects of biophilic design is its impact on our mental health and well-being. Countless studies have proven that bringing natural elements into our work, live, heal and play spaces, can lower our stress levels, increase productivity, and improve our mood. It’s not just about how a room looks; it’s about how it feels. Infused with natural light, employing open layouts, and adding more organic textures invites relaxation and creates a sense of calm and an ease in functionality. Designers are working diligently to create places where we can breathe deeply and be more connected to ourselves and the world around us.
Biophiia, is and should be employed in all aspects of Interior Design and Architecture. Office, retail, institutional, hospitality and residential environments are recognizing the value of spaces that promote well-being. I recall when Perkins & Will designed the ASID headquarters, they wove biophilic principles into the office design. They conducted a study and both the mental and physical well-being of the staff increased exponentially in the new space. From controlling daylighting, to having fresh herbs growing in the kitchen, to a wellness room, a variety of spaces to collaborate or be heads down, the fabric of the design integrated nature-inspired design elements, which furthered creativity and collaboration. Click HERE if you want to explore more about this terrific workspace.
In the past decade, I have visited many hotels, office buildings and museums where the lobbies are filled with greenery and natural materials, creating a connection with nature, and offering guests an immediate sense of calm as they transition to the interior environment.
Have you been incorporating biophilia into your designs? I encourage you to test this philosophy. You can start small, by introducing more natural light, using natural and unpolished materials, or integrating water features and living plants and natural and organic line, shape and form, fostering a deeper connection between humans and the natural world. It reminds us that we don’t need to escape to the outdoors to find peace, even when we feel stressed and disconnected. A biophilic interior can send an intuitive message for the inhabitant to take a pause, breathe, and be inspired by the natural world—indoors. The key is to incorporate biophilia into your interior design with intent, allowing the beauty and healing benefits of nature to influence the experience of the space.