BIOPHILIC DESIGN

The term biophilic literally means love of nature. Humans, after all, are creatures of nature themselves, and for most of our existence we have lived in and with nature. Relative to human history, buildings are a rather new invention. Unfortunately, the more buildings we humans have created over time, the more disconnected we have become with the natural environment. Biophilic design aims to turn that around. There is plenty of science that documents the healing effects of nature. It fulfills our souls in a way that is as real as it is poetic. It’s why we flock to the lake on weekends and plan our vacations by the ocean or in the mountains. Simply put, we need nature to be whole and well. 

Biophilic design connects our built environment with our natural one by integrating natural elements and materials such as natural light, plants, wood, and stone. It emphasizes the use of organic shapes and patterns, and stresses the importance of place and culture. It considers views and vistas, colours, sunlight, air and water, all to create a cohesive multi-sensory experience. Done thoughtfully, biophilic design can improve overall health outcomes, reduce stress, increase cognitive performance, creativity, productivity, and concentration, as well as improve overall mood, attitude, happiness, and sense of well-being. And of course, tied in with biophilic design is attention to sustainability and the preservation of our environment.