Biophilic Design

The concept of Biophilic Design was first explored in the book titled Biophilic Design, by authors Stephen R Kellert, Judith H Heerwagen and Martin L Mador. Although Biophilic Design was published in 2008 coining the term, this philosophy has existed alongside humanity for most of its existence. This aesthetic incorporates social ecology with physical design to create a natural environment for us to work and live. It also examines the relationship between built environments and surrounding nature and culture. The ultimate goal of this design philosophy is to promote the health and wellness of the community by providing a balanced and connected environment (1).

Biophilic design has two main facets: organic design and place based design. Organic design refers to the form of an object and its connection to nature, and place based design refers to the object and its connection to the ecology and culture of its location (1).

One example of organic design is the use of plants to define spaces. Climbing ivy is a good example of historical (and perhaps unintentional) biophilic design. 

 

 

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, natural growth like this effortlessly connects architecture to its surrounding natural environment. These plants also provide shade and offer some cooling effects during warmer weather.

Another method of organic design is to use shapes and forms inspired by nature, ideally nature local to the area.

 

 

Singapore Gardens by the Bay demonstrates design inspired by natural vegetation. These structures imitate the vegetation found in the garden below and provide a trellis like surface for climbing plants to grow on. In addition, these towers have an advanced lighting system that can emulate flowers and highlight the dynamic and flowing qualities of the nature surrounding them.

 

 

The Cao Van Lau Theater in Vietnam is an example of well executed place based design. The architecture of the building connects with the culture of its environment and fosters a sense of pride and community by tying in design elements of the iconic conical sun hat. 

 

 

The pieces of furniture chosen for this patio are curving, organic forms made of natural materials, a good example of nature inspired design. The walls are designed to allow plants to climb up on them, providing an even more immersed experience.

 

 

Another important characteristic of biophilic design is the use of natural light. This light not only brightens the space, but also creates dynamic elements like highlight and shadow. Windows and skylights can serve as a connection between indoor and outdoor space and can be a good source of natural light.

Citations:

(1) Heerwagen, Judith, Stephen R. Kellert, and Martin Mador. 2013. Biophilic Design : The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. http://rbdigital.oneclickdigital.com.

Weijie Zhong, Torsten Schröder, Juliette Bekkering, Biophilic design in architecture and its contributions to health, well-being, and sustainability: A critical review, Frontiers of Architectural Research, Volume 11, Issue 1, 2022, Pages 114-141,ISSN 2095-2635,

The Six Elements of Biophilic Design: https://thermory.com/blog-and-news/the-six-elements-of-biophilic-design/

 

Photos:

Featured Picture: Taken by Nigel Young / Foster & Partners

https://archello.com/project/apple-at-the-grove

Picture 1 Ivy: Taken by Andrey Khokhlov

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134840-600-why-ivy-growing-on-your-walls-may-actually-be-beneficial/

Picture 2 Singapore Gardens:

https://www.bigbustours.com/en/singapore/singapore-landmarks-gardens-by-the-bay

Picture 3 Cao Van Lau: Taken by Tiep Nguyen

https://www.shutterstock.com/search/cao-van-lau

Picture 4 Patio: Taken by Atul Pratap Chauhan

https://www.architecturaldigest.in/story/5-green-homes-where-biophilic-design-reigns-supreme-sustainability/

Picture 5 Natural Light: https://www.backyardboss.net/guide-light-for-houseplants/