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The 3 Core Principles
Biophilic Design connects humans, spaces, and nature through various design strategies that sometimes overlap or complement each other.
This includes both direct and indirect experiences with nature. Bringing the outdoors inside by introducing low maintenance indoor planting and green walls improves air quality and reduces noise levels. Vertical gardens increase wellbeing, reduce ambient temperature, and reduce anxiety. They promote calmness, encourage positive social interactions, and improve the built environment.
Nature in the Space - is how we bring plants, trees, sunlight and fresh air as well as a deeper sensory connection to nature into spaces.
Natural Analogues - is how we evoke a feeling or mimic a sense of nature in the space by using natural materials, colours, textures and patterns.
Nature of the Space - is how we create spaces that are exciting, stimulating and energising but equally calming and restorative.
Biophilic Design Patterns
Biophilic Design is an architectural and design concept of increasing occupant connectivity to the natural world through the use of direct and indirect natural experience, as well as space and place conditions. When considering the elements of Biophilic Design, direct natural experience refers to tangible contact with natural features and in design this includes light, air, water, plants, animals, weather, natural landscapes and fire.
The 14 Patterns
Nature in the Space
1.Visual Connection with Nature.
View of natural elements from within the interior.
2. Non Visual Connection With Nature.
Interactions with nature through other senses; sound, touch, smell, & taste.
3. Non Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli.
Unpredictable & non repetitive movements that happen in nature like the sound of birds chirping, or leaves moving in the breeze.
4. Thermal & Airflow Variability.
Variable air temperature and flow, changes in relative humidity, & varying surface temperatures.
5. Presence of Water
Water as a design feature.
6. Dynamic & Diffuse Light
Varying light intensities & light changes over time that recall the natural cycle of night & day.
7. Connection with Natural Systems.
Awareness of seasonal & temporal changes.
Natural Analogues
8. Biomorphic Forms & Patterns
Nature inspired textures, shapes, & patterns.
9. Material Connection with Nature.
Natural materials & elements that reflect the local environment in terms of ecology or geology.
10. Complexity & Order.
Rich sensory information recalling natural spatial hierarchies.
Nature of the Space
11. Prospect.
Uninterrupted view over a distance.
12. Refuge.
13. Mystery
14. Risk and Peril