The trend of biophilic design is on the rise as people are becoming more and more interested in integrating nature into the places they live and work. This trend only intensified during the COVID pandemic, during which many of us spent weeks and months indoors under quarantine and began to crave that connection with the outdoors. But what, exactly, is biophilic design, and what specific benefits could it bring to your business? Let’s discuss this question in more detail.
What Is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is an approach to architecture and design that encourages the incorporation of natural elements into the built environment. Some commonly refer to it nowadays as “bringing the outside inside.” The term “biophilic” comes from two Greek words that mean “a love of what is alive.” Although it’s become increasingly popular in recent years, biophilic design is not new; we can see examples of it throughout ancient times (for example, the famed Hanging Gardens of Babylon).
But biophilic design is more than just a style or trend–it’s connected to our very evolution as humans. These days, the average person spends 90 percent of their time inside man-made structures. But a long time ago, our “natural habitat” was in nature itself. Thus, the philosophy behind biophilic design is that humans have an innate need to connect with nature, and that exposure to nature can have a positive impact on our health and well-being.
Biophilic design frequently involves several key elements. One is the incorporation of natural light, which has been shown to improve mood and cognitive function. Another is the incorporation of natural materials, such as wood, stone, greenery, and even water features. And finally, biophilic design often incorporates features that mimic the patterns and forms found in nature, such as curved lines and organic shapes.
Advantages of Incorporating Biophilic Design in Your Business
Biophilic design does more for your place of business than just add a touch of beauty or visual interest. In fact, research shows that there are many long-term benefits to incorporating nature into your business–for you, your employees, and your customers/clients who visit you. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved air quality. Plants help to filter and purify the air, and they also release oxygen, offering numerous health and mental wellness benefits.
- Improved mood and reduced stress. Bringing nature indoors has a calming effect that can help customers feel more comfortable while having a positive effect on the office atmosphere.
- Enhanced focus and concentration. Biophilic design has been shown to improve cognitive function so you and your team can work better for longer.
- Improved creativity and productivity. Simply, nature inspires. Bringing it into your place of business encourages a more creative and productive environment where ideas can shine.
Ways to Incorporate Biophilic Design
In many cases, biophilic design begins with the space itself in which architects and designers work greenery and light into the structure itself. However, there are many simple ways to incorporate nature into your place of business without having to remodel the space. Some common examples include:
- Installing a “green wall.” Essentially, a green wall is a vertical garden that can be hung on an existing wall to add visual interest while improving air quality.
- Interior plantscaping. Strategic placement and integration of floral and plant designs can add aesthetic value while creating an atmosphere of serenity.
- Incorporating nature into public or common spaces. With the thoughtful placement of plants, water features, and even trees in open interior areas, you can easily create an indoor/outdoor haven or arboretum that serves as a place of rest for guests, customers, and employees.
At Horticultural Creations, we specialize in utilizing floral creations and other natural elements to transform offices, lobbies, and interior spaces into artful, welcoming places of beauty and wellness. To learn more about how we can enhance your business through biophilic design, contact us to schedule a consultation.
