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Biophilic moodboards: natural shapes

in Biophilic Moodboards

The natural world is drawn with curved lines and smooth corners, unlike many designed spaces. With the aim to reconcile natural and man-made, a biophilic approach welcomes more organic forms and flowy corners.

This episode of Biophilic Moodboards looks into the role of natural shapes, as well as their incorporation in designed spaces…

About natural shapes

Nature-inspired forms add movement and softness. These feelings are complemented by rich textures, which introduce dimension and an additional sensory layer to the space. In biophilic design terms, nature’s shapes and textures are referred to as biomorphic forms and patterns.

In nature, shapes often incorporate fractal patterns and other defined proportions that make them complex yet always harmonious. In designed spaces, complex nature-inspired shapes introduce richness without feeling overwhelming.

Biophilic design moodboard showing natural shapes in interiors. 1. A space with arches and curved furniture 2. A wallpaper depicting delicate flowers. 3. A curved sofa.
Credit: The Spaces – Ph: Adrian Gaut, Glamora, Armadillo. Moodboard: anooi studio

Natural shapes in designed spaces

In the context of interiors and designed spaces, smooth corners, rounded shapes and sinuous lines can be the foundation of any design element: partitions and structural elements, furniture, as well as decorative details.

Curved walls, arches and vaults, enveloping chairs, and organic patterns are all examples of features that evoke the forms of nature as well as their essence. Besides, all real natural elements – such as plants and water – carry their inherently natural shapes, enriching the space accordingly.

Curved wall feature with a branch styled in front of it.
Credit: Ksenia Bortsova
Arches in a restaurant space.
Credit: Yodezeen
A wall with a rounded edge.
Credit: Kapsimalis Architects – Ph: Yiorgos Kordakis

Defining atmospheres

Organic forms define the atmosphere of a space. Curves feel welcoming and inviting. When used as space-defining details they may introduce intriguing elements or suggest a sense of refuge, shifting the atmosphere of the space towards mystery or comfort. Smooth forms may also suggest gathering, shaping how the space is perceived and used.

A corridor with a sinuous profile.
Credit: Koichi Takada Architects – Ph: Oscar Rialubin
Wallpaper depicting delicate flowers.
Credit: Glamora

Spaces are made of shapes, which are able to influence the experience of space, making it more soothing or more intriguing, yet certainly more connected to the natural world we all come from and depend upon.


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.