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Biophilic design: restorative spaces for people and nature

in Biophilic Design

Designing a space is about creating an environment where occupants can thrive, feel good and be healthy. From a wider perspective, design can also cultivate a balanced relationship between people and the natural world, one that appreciates and supports the delicate equilibrium all life depends upon.

This is ultimately what biophilic design is about…

The origin of biophilic design

The idea behind biophilic design goes back to the evolution of human life. Humans have relied on nature to survive since the beginning of times, and a sense of connection to nature used to be clearly perceived in the past. With time, people started developing a human habitat made of interiors, buildings and cities that strayed from nature more and more as time went by. Today, human living spaces are often the furthest opposite of nature and – as a result – people tend to see the natural world as something very far from day-to-day life.

Meanwhile, studies have started unveiling positive effects of nature on humans: from increased working and learning performances, to faster healing rates, to improved overall wellbeing.

It is in this context that biophilic design has developed. Bringing the essence of nature into the design of interiors, buildings and cities, biophilic design ultimately aims at improving the quality of our lives while nurturing a balanced relationship with the natural world.

Curved staircase overlooking greenery.
Credit: Ashley Montgomery Design – Ph: Lauren Miller

The patterns of biophilic design

To facilitate practical applications, the ethos behind biophilic thinking has been translated into design indications, called patterns.

In the 14 patterns of biophilic design (one of the most commonly used frameworks), patterns are divided in 3 categories:

Living room with black furniture, wood walls and an open view onto the forest.
Credit: Line Design Studio
Outdoor deck overlooking a body of water.
Credit: &Tradition

The potential of biophilic design

Biophilic design can be applied at different scales: interior design, architecture, urban planning…

If used extensively and throughout all levels, biophilic design can radically transform our human habitat, turning living spaces into restorative environments – both for people and for the natural world.

“[…] environmental degradation and alienation from nature are not inevitable consequences of modern life but rather failures and how we have deliberately chosen to design our buildings and our cities. We designed ourselves into this predicament and we can design ourselves out of it with the help of biophilic design.“
Cit. Stephen Kellert

Lush garden with a rich diversity of plant species.
Credit: Tim Pilgrim

Further resources:

Available in the shop, anooi’s publications explore the nuances of a biophilic ethos, highlight anooi’s perspective on the topic, and cover the studio’s ongoing research in biophilic thinking and design.