3.3 IMPLEMENTATION AT SCALE

Due to the simplicity of implementation at the residential scale, it is intriguing that biophilic design is mostly seen as extravagant gestures, or not as a focus at all. Since homes and residences are generally smaller built spaces than office buildings or corporate environments, implementation of biophilic design at this scale is far less involved. Many practices can be achieved with simple gestures, such as the introduction of potted plants, or the manipulation of shades on a window, and even those that are more difficult, like the use of green roofs or prospect & refuge spaces, are able to be employed at a narrower scope. Additionally, this practice is so beneficial at this scale due to its accessibility in terms of implementation: it can be achieved by anyone and in any home, to a certain extent. As long as the person is knowledgeable about the practice and what they are trying to achieve, many applications of biophilic design are very simple and attainable in this environment, with the involvement of designers or architects being largely unnecessary. This differs from common large-scale applications of the design practice, as these decisions are generally made and carried out through the collaboration of company leaders and designers, not necessarily the people who use the space on a daily basis. The residential scale of biophilic design not only provides more benefit for the occupants, but also gives them more control over the application of this practice in the space and facilitates direct involvement with the implementation of the practice, making it a more personal process.