Rootedwith Biophilic Architecture
By Maggie Rolfe
With this article, I aim to contribute to the interior design, architecture, psychology, and environmental friendly research communities by analyzing biophilic architecture and how we can incorporate it more into our future. This article is aimed for anyone with an affinity for the natural world, architecture and the betterment of our society. I strive to analyze the beneficial elements of how biophilic architecture impacts the wellbeing of humanity, the economy and environment, and incorporates artistry and philosophy into our society.
What is Biophilic Architecture?
Biophilia is the human affinity with the natural world, as “bio” means life and “philia” means love of in Greek words. Biophilic architecture has the power and potential to impact the future of humanity for the better. Biophilic architecture has countess benefits to humanity, as biophilia is scientifically proven to positively impact cognitive wellness, stress levels and physiological well being. Natural light, structural forms, biomorphic forms, and designs embodying the natural world are all examples of biophilic architecture.
The Root of Biophilic Architecture
Although biophilic architecture is viewed as modern and futuristic, this style of design roots back to many world cultures and philosophies. Matthias Olt, a German architect, elaborates on this concept claiming that “for 2500 years of eastern philosophies cherished the healing power of nature inspired design.” (Olt, Matthias) The connection between art and architecture helps tie in nature, enabling humans to view nature through an artistic lens and feel connected to our Earth. Buddhism and Daoism are examples of religions that prioritize impermanence and harmony with the earth, and have incorporated biophilic designs in their infrastructure.
The Benefits of Biophilic Architecture; Enhances Emotional Wellness
Instinctively, humans have a positive response to our natural environment, as architecture supports us best when it replicates the tone of the natural world. Because biophilic designs have a positive and calming effect on us, these designs have been incorporated in unique spaces such as academic buildings and International Space Station models. Nesma Usama Jaheen and Ingy El Darwish at the University of Cairo discuss how biophilic designs reduce human stress and enhance wellbeing, claiming that these designs could “enhance students' physical health, emotional wellbeing, and academic performance success in educational buildings.” (Jaheen, N. El-Darwish) At the International Space Station, biophilic patterns have been incorporated in spacecraft to have a calming and positive effect on the astronauts. Audrey Winn, an interior designer for the International Space Station, designed a space craft with “dynamic and diffuse lighting, natural materials, biomorphic forms & patterns, and the visual connection with nature all working together to have a positive impact on the participant.” (Winn, Audrey) It is proven that biophilic designs have cognitive and psychological benefits, which should be included and utilized more in the future of architecture.
Existing International Space Station Crew Quarters
Biophilic International Space Station Crew Quarters
The Benefits of Biophilic Architecture; Connects Humanity to Artistry and Philosophy
Art, nature, and architecture are influential components of design that are very powerful when in harmony and are very beneficial for the wellbeing of humans. Biophilic architecture provides humans connection to artistry and philosophy. Biophilic architecture is incorporated in Buddhism, and as Matthias Olt explains, “Buddhism embraces the concept of impermanence in philosophy and design. Life is ever changing and its fleeting moments are captured in architecture.” (Olt, Matthias) Biophilic architecture embodies this philosophical view of impermanence. In biophilic designs, nothing is permanent and everything is temporary. The connection between art and architecture is very beneficial to humanity, as it presents humans with art un unique forms. The authors of an online source claim that “the finest architecture is one that was close to nature”. ( Marciniak, M., & Latała-Matysiak) Biophilic architecture is a unique and innovative way to unite humans through philosophies and art.
This cancer center in England banished hospital-like corridors and instead created a “domestic atmosphere with a garden setting”
The Benefits of Biophilic Architecture; The Society and Environment
Biophilia has potential to be vital for a sustainable future, strengthening the human connection with the natural world. Biophilia is proven to have environmental benefits, and as an online article claims, “adding green facades and roofs keeps the surroundings naturally cooler in comparison. This can reduce cooling and heating needs by as much as 25% and they protect buildings from sun damage. Green roofs also encourage biodiversity” (Biophilic Design and Its importance for a Sustainable Future) By incorporating the natural world into our infrastructure more frequently, biophilic architecture would conserve natural resources, increase biodiversity, and help reduce our carbon footprint. The connection to nature for humans is very important for a sustainable future, and this is achievable through natural designs. Nigel Danacey, a senior executive partner of Foster + Partners reinforces this poing by claiming that “Biophilic architecture strengthens the relationship between society and nature.” (Danacey, Nigel) Humanity craves a connection to nature because the incorporation of natural designs are recognized and used around the world. An online source emphasizes this by claiming that “the architectural examples modelled on nature, have gained recognition in local communities and worldwide renown, so it can be concluded that the flourishing of organic and bionic architecture is fully justified.”( Marciniak, M., & Latała-Matysiak) All of these following reasons prove how biophilic architecture positively impacts humanity holistically.
Biophilic design in a Singapore
Biophilic architecture holds power and potential to help improve society for the better. Personally, I feel that it is very important for biophilic designs to be incorporated in architecture because it positively impacts humans cognitively, it is beneficial for sustainability, and it connects humans to art and philosophies. We can incorporate this architectural style into our society by embracing and embodying the natural world in designs.
Works Cited
Olt, M. (2021, Janurary). Biophilia, the future of architecture TEDxSeattle. Www.youtube.com. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://youtu.be/OXZzsty5BGY
Jaheen, N., & El-Darwish, I. (2021). BIOPHILIC DESIGN ELEMENTS IN MODERN BUILDINGS INFLUENCED BY ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE FEATURES. JES. Journal of Engineering Sciences, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.21608/jesaun.2021.102832.1085
Audrey Winn Portfolio by Audrey_Winn - Issuu. (2021). Issuu.com. Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://issuu.com/audrey_winn/docs/portfolio _fall_2021
Marciniak, M., & Latała Matysiak, D. (2021). Design at the root of biophilia. Imitation. Nature. Budownictwo I Architektura, 20(1), 047 058. https://doi.org/10.35784/bud arch.1545
Biophilic Design and It’s Importance for a Sustainable Future. (2021, October 18). New Habitz. https://www.newhabitz.com/biophilic design/
Why Biophilic Architecture is Set to Change the World -. (2021, March 22). Christie’s International Real Estate. https://www.christiesrealestate.com/blog/why biophilic
