biophilic moodboards: designing for temperature & air variations
in biophilic moodboards
A biophilic approach to design goes way beyond aesthetics. Incorporating and echoing natural features, it creates the conditions for improved physical and mental wellbeing.
In this episode of Biophilic Moodboards, we’re looking at thermal and airflow variability: an invisible yet essential aspect to achieve healthy and comfortable spaces.
thermal variability and wellbeing
In the natural world, air is constantly moving. There are cool breezes, sunny areas and corners shaded by the canopy. Indoors things are a bit different. Air is way more stagnant and the temperature is usually controlled and set to remain stable around a value of choice.
However, studies have proven that natural ventilation and thermal variations improve our mood, concentration, and overall wellbeing. * Which calls for rethinking the way we design spaces…
the importance of options
The concept of thermal comfort is very personal. Finding the right temperature for all the occupants of a space is almost impossible, and it gets even more difficult when dealing with offices, restaurants and other communal spaces.
The response to these concerns lies in leaving people the chance to control thermal conditions in the space and adjust them to need.
operable windows
Being able to open a window is extremely powerful in its simplicity. It adjusts the temperature, introduces lively (and unexpected) airflows into the space, and lets some fresh air in.
material choices
The temperature felt when touching a surface influences thermal comfort. This is to be taken into account when selecting materials, especially those accessible to the touch.
Covering big surfaces, finishes will set the thermal tone of the space. Textiles will also contribute to making a space warmer or cooler. And being easier to swap, they will help transition spaces across seasons and ensure optimal thermal comfort all year round.
outdoor spaces
Outdoor spaces invite people to step beyond the four walls of interior spaces and enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer - including fresh air.
Indoor-outdoor spaces will make the experience seamless, blending the two spaces into one. And providing overhead coverage will stretch the usability of the space, providing both shadow and protection from the elements.
The importance of thermal and airflow variability in interiors is an example of biophilic design’s sensory approach to interiors which goes beyond the visual, engaging all senses for a compelling experience of the space.
* Sources
- Heschong L. (1979). Thermal Delight in Architecture. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
- Tham K.W. & Willem H.C. (2005). Temperature and Ventilation Effects on Performance and Neurobehavioral-Related Symptoms of Tropically Acclimatized Call Center Operators Near Thermal Neutrality. ASHRAE Transactions, 687-698.
- Wigö H. (2005). Technique and Human Perception of Intermittent Air Velocity Variation. KTH Research School, Centre for Built Environment.
- Hartig T., Evans G.W., Jamner L.D. , Davis D.S. & Gärling T. (2003). Tracking Restoration in Natural and Urban Field Settings. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 23, 109–123.
- Hartig T., Mang M. & Evans G. W. (1991). Restorative Effects of Natural Environment Experience. Environment and Behavior, 23, 3–26.
- Kaplan R. & Kaplan S. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Parkinson T., de Dear R. & Candido C. (2012). Perception of Transient Thermal Environments: Pleasure and Alliesthesia. In Proceedings of 7th Windsor Conference, Windsor, UK.
- Zhang H., Arens E., Huizenga C. & Han T. (2010). Thermal Sensation and Comfort Models for Non-Uniform and Transient Environments: Part II: Local Comfort of Individual Body Parts. Building and Environment, 45 (2), 389-398.
- Arens E., Zhang H. & Huizenga C. (2006). Partial- and Whole-body Thermal Sensation and Comfort, Part II: Non-uniform Environmental Conditions. Journal of Thermal Biology, 31, 60-66.
- Zhang H. (2003). Human Thermal Sensation and Comfort in Transient and Non-Uniform Thermal Environments. Ph. D. Thesis, CEDR, University of California at Berkeley.
- de Dear R. & Brager G. (2002). Thermal comfort in naturally ventilated buildings. Energy and Buildings, 34, 549-561.
- The 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design is a framework conceptualized by Terrapin Bright Green
