Biophilia means love of nature and refers to the innate attraction of human beings to nature. Apparently, we all have a genetic connection to nature resulting from hundreds of thousands of years of living in natural environments.
According to the American biologist, Edward O. Wilson, increasing rates of urbanization lead to a disconnection from nature. Therefore, with the high levels of migration to urban environments in the developed world, biophilic design is increasingly important for our health and well-being in an urban environment.
Why is biophilic design relevant?
According to forecasts by the World Health Organization, stress-related diseases, such as mental health disorders and cardiovascular diseases, will be the biggest contributors to health problems in 2020.
Today, there is a reduced connection with nature, increasing pressure on urban space, and a potent technological presence. All these factors work against us and decrease our chances of recovering our mental and physical energy.
According to research, incorporating direct or indirect elements of nature into buildings reduces stress, blood pressure levels, and heart rates, while simultaneously increasing productivity, creativity, and well-being rates.
Nature transmits well-being.
In addition, these principles of biophilic design have been shown to improve the concentration and cognitive ability of workers, but at the same time contribute to turning the workspace into a pleasant place that workers do not want to leave.
What are the benefits of biophilic design?
In the last 35 years, numerous studies have been carried out on the benefits of designing environments that contribute to improving the connection with nature of their occupants.
- Office design: Increase productivity by 8%, the well-being index by 13%, a clear increase in creativity, with a notable reduction in absenteeism.
- Hospitality design: Clients willing to pay 23% more for rooms with views of biophilic elements.
- Educational spaces: Increase in learning levels of 20-25%, improvement in exam results, concentration and attendance levels, reduction of the impact of ADHD.
- Healthcare spaces: Reduction of 8.5% in recovery times and 22% in analgesics.
- Retail: The presence of plants and landscaping has been shown to increase the average rental prices of commercial spaces; customers indicate that they are willing to pay between 8% and 12% more for goods and services.
- Homes: Reduction of 7-8% of crime attributed to areas with access to nature and an increase of 4-5% in the price of the property.
So how do we implement biophilic design?
Large windows that open to natural spaces
Incorporate a small line of trees or plants that separate your building from the rest. By placing large windows that look towards the most natural area, you will allow a greater connection with the natural world from your office.
Importance of the sense of touch
We experience the natural world through the rest of the senses in addition to sight. That is why the materials and fabrics we use in our office can also connect us with the natural world.
When renovating, consider the possibility of incorporating wood or bamboo floors. Avoid synthetic materials and plastics at all costs and look for natural fibers.
Presence of water
Water is one of the ubiquitous elements in nature.
At the same time, it is one of the most scarce elements in buildings.
Flowing water (streams, rivers, and waterfalls) creates negative ionization, which is a physiological stimulant for our bodies.