What do you know about the biophilic design? What are the basic assumptions of this concept and how can you incorporate nature into the interiors? Does this trend apply only to offices and apartments, or does it also extend to other commercial spaces? Enjoy the reading!
Why is it worth showing a bond with nature when arranging the interiors?
The very idea of biophilia, popularised by the biologist Edward O. Wilson, concerns emotional attachment and love to nature. Man is part of nature - linked to it, united with it and feeling profound longing for it, especially in the world of rapid civilisation progress. The biophilic design was born out of the need to renew and strengthen this weakened bond. It is based on the introduction of natural elements - from plants and entire green walls, through natural lighting, materials and fabrics, to designs and motifs relating to the world of nature - into the (residential, office and other) interiors. Surrounding with such elements allows to regain the lost balance and restore natural conditions for work, study and everyday activities.
Contact with nature brings a lot of profits: calms, reduces stress, promotes recovery, affects well-being and brings health benefits, helps maintain emotional balance, increases creativity and productivity, and even reduces the number of absences from work. As can be seen, it's worth it. Therefore: what are the basic assumptions of the biophilic design?
Biophilic design - 5 key elements
1. Introducing vegetation in various forms
There are never too many plants! Potted flowers can be placed around the rooms, or a more centred form, i.e. green walls of live plants or innovative furniture with built-in vegetation can be installed. It is a smart way to green the space without losing the usable area. A few individual specimens placed on the windowsill are not enough; we strive for the presence of nature wherever possible - at the desk, in the relaxation zone, in the canteen, at the reception desk or in the lobby.
2. View of the natural landscape
The opportunity to admire nature through the window has an amazing effect on well-being. This is possible thanks to blurring the borders between the inside and the outside and creating an illusion of the penetration of nature into the building. Large windows, having a view of the trees and through which natural soft warm light comes into the room, can be an example solution in the spirit of biophilia.
3. Dynamic diffused lighting
Lighting is a key issue for well-being and health. The maximum access to natural light should be sought; artificial light should also be diffused and optimised in such a way that work can be comfortable. Natural geometry in design, e.g. using openwork constructions that let in the light, is also included in the price.
4. The use of natural materials, colours and fragrances
Biophilic design assumes inspiration from nature at the stage of construction, finishing and furnishing the interiors. Wood or wood-like floors and furniture, as well as shapes and textures noticed in the world of nature (e.g. wallpaper with a floral pattern or landscape photos, shelves imitating honeycomb) - all this fosters a bond with nature and makes the rooms more cosy. Biophilia prefers the palette of earth colours - greens, browns, beiges.
5. A separate relaxation zone
A separate place to rest is necessary especially in offices and commercial spaces. Recovery will be more efficient when surrounded by greenery. The sense of privacy and treating the interior as a shelter is also important.
These are just some of the assumptions of the biophilic design. Adequate ventilation, optimal arrangement of water sources and care for air quality, as well as care for thermal and acoustic comfort can be also added to the above list. In most of these aspects, plants are helpful, especially in the condensed form of vertical gardens.
Not only offices! Biophilia as a cross-industry fit-out standard
Biophilic design is something more than a trend in the office arrangement. It is a global, completely cross-industry fit-out standard, which includes, among others offices, restaurants and hotels, clinics and hospitals, educational institutions and private spaces. As 4Nature System, we have already implemented quite a few projects in non-office areas - examples include the luxurious SPA at the Green Deer Premium hotel, the reading room at the oldest high school in Warsaw or the reception desk at the aesthetic medicine clinic.
Biophilia explores the benefits of introducing nature into interiors of various types and purposes. The presence of plants, wood, natural light and other biophilic elements really translates into an improvement in the comfort of people in these rooms - it improves their well-being, efficiency
and health. This specific design sneaks into such spaces as hospitals precisely because the presence of nature affects the well-being of patients and their guests, as well as the specialists themselves.
Soon, another article on biophilia will appear on our blog - this time we will focus on the latest trends in the biophilic design and we will see precisely which arrangement ideas enjoy a growing popularity. We encourage you to visit our fanpage on Facebook - we inform you about all the latest publications there.
