Back to Nature! Biophilic design is hitting the zeitgeist. But what exactly is hidden behind this term? Biophilic design in interior decoration combines modern living with the relaxing influences of nature. However, it is about more than just a houseplant in the corner or a small herb garden on the balcony. The goal of biophilic design is to breathe new life into the artificial environment of sterile and lifeless buildings with the help of nature. The benefits that this modern way of living has on our sense of well-being in everyday life are manifold. In this article, you will learn everything there is to know about the topic.
What are biophilic elements and biophilic design?
Biophilic elements or biophilic design bring nature back into artificial environments. In recent years, we have seen a strong increase in the use of biophilic elements in architecture and interior design. A well-known example of this is the Southeast Asian garden city of Singapore, where numerous construction projects have implemented central elements of biophilic design. One of the most famous projects is Gardens by the Bay, which combines modern architecture with fundamental influences of nature. But biophilic elements and biophilic design are also becoming increasingly popular in Europe and in South and North America.
Which biophilic elements are used in home design?
Biophilic home design consists of three components: natural materials, planting, and natural light. We will go into how best to use these components further down in this article. Basically, however, it is necessary to combine all three components in order to be able to unfold the full potential of biophilic design in the apartment.
Benefits of biophilic home design
The popularity of biophilic design in apartment design is not unfounded. Since industrialization, we have moved further and further away from our original habitat and have step by step become alienated from nature. In our everyday life, in the urbanized environment, nature hardly has any space left. Biophilic home design gives us back our lost connection with nature and gives it a place in our everyday life again. You will learn about the concrete benefits of biophilic home design below.
Improved mental health
A green, natural, and bright environment often has a direct influence on mental health. Although nature cannot usually cure serious mental illnesses, a healthy and nature-oriented home can support the healing process or ensure that illnesses do not occur in the first place. There are numerous scientific studies that prove the positive effects of plants, light, and fresh air on our psyche. The areas studied include the calming effect on stress and anxiety states as well as the alleviation of depressive episodes.
Improved physical health
The positive influences of nature on our mental health are now undisputed. However, what many are not aware of is the fact that nature can also have a positive effect on our physical health. On the one hand, psychological burdens such as stress, anxiety, etc., often have a direct influence on our physical integrity in the long term.
But biophilic interior design can also directly influence our physical health. For example, biophilic design can, among other things, reduce the consequences of global warming for health. Abundant planting, for example, regulates air temperature, humidity, and air quality. The positive effects of natural light, planting, and natural materials on the body vary from person to person. One often hears reports that biophilic design can help with irritated airways, dry or unhealthy skin, and headaches, among other things.
Increased productivity
The three basic components of biophilic interior design – natural materials, natural light, and planting – can help us to concentrate better. In particular, sufficient daylight and fresh air support employees and students in their activities. In view of this, employers and universities around the globe have begun to apply biophilic elements in their premises for some years now.
Examples of biophilic elements
Below you will find an overview of which biophilic elements exist and how they are applied.
Natural materials
The use of natural materials is often the first step towards a biophilic home design. Elements such as furniture made of natural wood, walls made of natural stone, tree trunks covered with epoxy resin, or Moss Art are particularly popular. The large-scale use of wood in the design of storage surfaces or facades also helps to achieve a nature-oriented living feeling.
Natural lighting
Natural light is the be-all and end-all of biophilic home design. Not only do natural light sources ensure healthy growth of the plants, they also ensure our mental and physical well-being. Especially in the colder seasons, when sunlight is already scarce in our latitudes, care should be taken that the remaining light is not completely locked out of our homes. Style elements of biophilic design therefore often include large window panes, bright, spacious rooms, and few doors or curtains.
Plants and green spaces
The focus of nature-oriented living remains to bring the life of nature directly into the apartment. A simple potted plant is not sufficient here, however. Ideally, the plants are not only incorporated into the design of the apartment, but form a central focal point of the design. You can achieve particularly effective changes with climbing plants, green walls, moss, and evergreen shrubs.
