BIOPHILIC DESIGN
As many as 54% of the population live in an urban - artificially-made environment. We spend most of the day indoors, which negatively affects our physical and psychological health. (Kaitlyn Gillis, 2018)
The need for nature may not be recognized by everyone in their daily routines, but it is biologically programmed and will always remain important for people’s physical, psychological health and well-being. Biophilic design in the interior invites to respond to this need while being in the office, shop, cafe, or restaurant. Perhaps a short coffee break in this type of interior will not remind you of a real picnic in the woods, but a properly designed environment will allow you to feel some of the benefits of being in nature.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Biophilic design is an interior and exterior concept that is rich in natural elements. The term "biophilia" was first coined by psychologist Eric Fromm in 1964 and later popularized by biologist Edward Wilson (Biophilia, 1984). The term is derived from the Greek words meaning "life" and "love".
GREEN SPACES NEEDED MORE THAN EVER
Promoting vitality through space design is a key factor in creating an active and healthy environment.
Green areas in offices are mostly for rest and breaks during work. Green can dominate not only when using plants, but also when painting walls or integrating materials of this color to cover furniture, carpets, curtains. Green creates balance and harmony, restores vision faster from harmful screen light, and reduces stress.
The interfaces of nature are created by various elements such as large windows with transmitted light, furniture with natural wood details or the use of other materials common in nature, such as natural stone, sand.
It is also interesting that the connection with nature can be created by indirect elements, such as shapes. Geometric or irregular shapes that are repetitive and recognizable to us in nature are also an integral part of biophilic design.
HOW TO CREATE BIOPHILIC ENVIRONMENT?
Promoting vitality through space design is a key factor in creating an active and healthy environment.
- Green areas in offices are mostly for rest and breaks during work. Green can dominate not only when using plants, but also when painting walls or integrating materials of this color to cover furniture, carpets, curtains. Green creates balance and harmony, restores vision faster from harmful screen light, and reduces stress.
- The interfaces of nature are created by various elements such as large windows with transmitted light, furniture with natural wood details or the use of other materials common in nature, such as natural stone, sand.
- It is also interesting that the connection with nature can be created by indirect elements, such as shapes. Geometric or irregular shapes that are repetitive and recognizable to us in nature are also an integral part of biophilic design.
Constant interaction with the elements of nature ensures that future generations will stay in touch with natural environment. How close the contact with nature will be also determine whether our ecosystem will continue to prosper and whether our way of life will be sustainable and environmentally friendly.
More examples of biophilic design in Ergolain office, Horeca and public space projects
