Biophilic design

Why is it important?

As our lives are becoming increasingly more urbanised, the need for nature in our work environment has increased in order to have a healthier mindset whilst at work. Humans have an innate connection with nature, and instantly feel calmer and less stressed when working in an environment that has incorporated nature into its design.

In fact, incorporating nature and plants into your architectural design has proven to reap multiple benefits when it comes to staff and visitors. For example, in office environments, staff experience a 15% increase in productivity and cognition due to being surrounding by plants.

Including plants in hospitals and care homes has been proven to help patients get better, whilst incorporating biophilic design into schools has helped increase and encourage children’s learning.

15% increase in productivity
and cognition with biophilia

‍

‍

Biophilic design

How can biophilia be incorporated into architectural designs?

Improving the urban landscape and concrete buildings into that of a greener one is easier than you might think. It could be a large green wall installation, situating your building next to a pond or lake, or even replicating a jungle within the entrance of your building. In recent years, there has been an increase in buildings which feature greenery on the exterior – either suspended from an existing façade, or incorporated as a key feature of a new building design.

Below are a handful of stunning architectural projects which include clever biophilic design.

Inspiration

Barbican Centre, London

The iconic Barbican Centre is renowned for its brutalist architecture, but the introduction of integrated natural elements introduce a welcome contrast.

Inspiration

The Jewel, Singapore

The Jewel is a nature-themed retail complex. Rainwater from the roof forms a beautiful waterfall centrepiece called 'The Vortex'.

Inspiration

Amazon HQ,
Seattle

Amazon's three spheres contain co-working spaces, lounges and around 120,000 plants to help connect people with nature.