The latest trends in Biophilia

Lately, we have written about the main assumptions of the biophilic design, which has become a cross-industry standard for fit-out of offices, flats, service spaces and public facilities. Today something more about other elements on the way to your dream interior. What's interesting in the world of the biophilic design? What trends are currently emerging into the foreground? Find out more about bringing nature into the interiors in 2020!

Look up

Recently, we have noticed an interesting focus on ceilings. It is known that biophilia is, among others, a penchant for large glazing and panoramic windows, preferably overlooking a park, forest or other natural landscape. Now roof windows have their five minutes of fame; a view of the sky, that blurs the boundary between the inside and the outside, is one of the designers' favourite tricks. Instead of glazing, you can also choose other forms of ceiling decorations - hanging plants (e.g. pots cleverly integrated into lamps), dynamic lighting systems or simply designer bold shapes, colours and patterns. Interesting textures, plenty of layers, bright inspiring shades - all this makes the ceilings, which are also nature-inspired, contribute to restoring the bond with nature. Biodynamic lighting, i.e. systems that reflect the availability of sunlight in a circadian rhythm in built-up rooms, can be considered a separate trend. This has a beneficial effect on mood, physical condition and health, including sleep quality and stress management.

Biophilic carpets and floors

On the one hand, we are focused on the top, on the other hand - the bottom is also attractive. Biophilia is also manifested in the skilful use of carpets and floors. Designers use such structural elements as wood or various types of stones, and at the same time choose textures inspired by the natural environment - imitating forest litter, grassy meadow or a rocky riverbed. In addition to textures, colours and patterns are also important. In a narrow sense, the goal of this kind of tricks is to recreate an environment as close as possible to what we can experience in nature. In a broad sense, the effects include increasing the comfort of people staying in a given interior, recovering their well-being or stimulating to greater creativity and productivity.

Recycled wood or wood obtained from sustainably managed sources

Wood certainly dominates among the structural and decorative materials used in arrangements. It leads the biophilic revolution, becoming a central element of architectural installations. Preferred species include beech, pine, maple or ash, but also bamboo, oak or teak. It is best if such wood is recovered or at least obtained from sustainably managed sources. Raw, wooden, organic decorations are authentic, seduce with a natural scent and provide a sense of shelter, so important in the biophilia trend. In addition, wood warms the interior and is in line with the fashionable Danish philosophy of hygge.

Integrating living greenery in architectural designs

Another noticeable issue is the clear expansion of greenery and plant-based design. Although the biophilic design has favoured the introduction of living nature into the interiors from the very beginning, it is easy to notice in the development of trends that architects and designers are more and more often treating cumulated green systems as a key element of the office decoration. Plants are no longer a complement to the arrangement, but the basis for structural and renovation works. Green walls made of live plants, huge plant constructions and islands, planting whole trees or shrubs inside, green roofs, a multitude of biomorphic elements referring to the world of nature - all these solutions are often accompanied by green branding and the company entering the path of sustainable development. The benefits can be multiplied: the presence of living greenery inspires creativity, relieves stress and improves mood, has a positive effect on productivity and interior acoustics.

Partitions of live plants

Live plants in the form of vertical gardens are not just wall constructions. The biophilic design focuses on the well-being of office workers and other people staying in the interior. The sense of comfort is inextricably linked to the sense of privacy - hence the revolutionary idea of creating an element inspired by nature and providing the necessary shelter. Green partitions made of live plants allow to separate some private room in the open space. At the same time, they are mobile and flexible to use, they can be easily adapted to the dynamic situation in the office, and above all they are an attractive, biophilic element that introduces nature to the interior. As 4NatureSystem, we keep our finger on the pulse and not only keep up with global trends, but we try to stay ahead of them. The release of our proprietary furniture with built-in vegetation will take place any day now - apart from mobile partitions, there will also be storage shelves, a seat, a plant design for a desk and a lighting element.

*The list of biophilic trends is based on the report "Biophilic Design Trends" of the global Ambius brand.