Biophilic Design – What is it, and why is it good for your wellbeing?

Biophilic comes from a word of Greek origin meaning ‘a love of life or living things’. Biophilic design is a concept used within the Interior Décor industry to, basically, bring nature inside a building to ‘connect’ with people. This is achieved through several design techniques such as the use of natural materials, the use and integration of light, and designs that are inspired by the unique shapes, shades and elements of nature. 

Nature co-existed with humans long before buildings. Long before technology. Long before the stresses and strains of modern living. Nature has provided refuge, health benefits, nutrition and shelter since humanity first began. It has ensured our survival. It’s therefore no great surprise that we have an inherent close affiliation with nature, and enjoy it being around us, like a familiar old friend. It makes us feel a certain way. We are naturally attuned to nature.

We all know the feeling that we get when we hear the soothing tones of wind chimes. Gaze out across a lake or an immense mountain range. See the sun rise as you sip your morning coffee. Watch snowflakes dropping in front of a street lamp. Hear the rustle of leaves as the wind gently blows through the trees. These feelings are triggered by our natural affiliation with nature. 

Biophilic design elements seek to evoke these feelings, reduce stress, increase cognitive performance, improve healing, and positively affect emotion, mood, and preference

So, what about sustainability? Is that an element of Biophilia? Actually it’s more of a by-product.  Biophilia supports the fact that we need nature to thrive and that is why we have such a natural affinity with it. Sustainability is focused on preserving the natural environment through minimising consumption. This, in turn, assists in providing a balance with nature to ensure that her resources are there for future generations continue to benefit.

“Environmentalists can be a pain in the ass… but they make great ancestors.”  Mardy Murie