Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors in Commercial Spaces

What forms the basis of interior design?

Human experience, of course.

At the heart of any design work – the human perception and experience of it forms the core guideline of it. Commercial interior design is no different.

We create any interior space such that we curate the ease, experience, and emotion of the user as we intend it to be. That doesn’t mean just the layout or the macro aspects of the design – but down to the simplest elements that might even seem inconsequential to an untrained eye.

And here is where Biophilic design makes its mark and significance.

What is Biophilic Design?

As we can see from studies and even throughout the history of traditions and practices, we human beings have an innate and intuitive drive toward nature. This love that is inscribed in our DNA is what is referred to as Biophilia and is, in essence, the principle of biophilic design. 

The elements of nature can influence our emotions as well as our sensory perceptions – our health, mood, and even productivity. Considering the biophilic tendency to use natural aspects to curate a suitable environment is the goal of biophilic design.

Through design, we incorporate aspects of the natural world—such as wood and stone—as well as features like water, vegetation, and natural light into manufactured environments. 

Design strategies that promote the use of natural systems and processes enhance health and well-being by providing opportunities for exposure to nature. 

There are several potential advantages, such as lower blood pressure, higher activity in our neural systems, and decreased variability and pulse rates of the heart.

Implementing Biophilic Design

Now that we have looked at what the principle is, let us consider the execution of it. 

How can we bring nature into our spaces?

To begin with, let us consider the most probable guess – Indoor plants. 

Even though the more recognizable reason is visual appeal, plants present a measurable impact on human well-being as well.

Research conducted across the world proves that workplaces with plant elements show heightened levels of well-being, productivity, and creativity amongst employees, as opposed to those who work in environments without natural elements. 

Additionally, plants have been shown to improve interior acoustics and reduce absenteeism by cleansing the air of harmful pollutants.

What comes after plants? 

Water, of course!

Even though water is not the first thing one will think of in terms of interior design- biophilic or otherwise, it does hold relevance by improving our lives – physiologically and psychologically.

Being in, on, or around water can make one happier, more productive, and more present in the moment. But water is not something you commonly find in workspaces except for maybe an aquarium. 

This is why a whole branch of architecture, named aquaculture, has become important lately- to bring water where one can perceive it while in coherence with the infrastructure, its purpose, and aesthetics. 

We have more obvious ways to incorporate nature and practice biophilic design, Such as utilizing natural light and providing uninterrupted views of nature.

It is not at all surprising that a person enjoying a beautiful view of a garden or scenery is more emotionally charged than someone staring out at views of the tops of buildings and busy roads. 

The serenity is not simply out there but within ourselves, and that drives creativity like nothing else.

To know that such prospective views bring a sense of security, pleasure, and contentment- we have to look no further than in the case of any hotel or resort. It is a known fact that demand is always higher for a room with a scenic view, and people are always ready to pay more to secure the same.

When it comes to lighting, we have always heard the need to let in the sun and have been encouraged to ensure everything from homes to offices does the same. 

Indeed, it’s easier on the eye and mind, but does the reason run deeper?

Biological studies show that the staticity of artificial lighting throws our circadian rhythm out of sync, and utilizing further natural light can help regulate immune function, body temperature, hormonal activity, and sleep cycles.

So the next time you come across large windows, skylights, or clerestory windows, you know they are there for a bigger purpose.

Finally, the most subtle of biophilic design practice – organic shapes and colors.

In nature, we don’t often find rigid, perfectly geometric shapes. Instead, we find fractal patterns – identical repeating patterns like the hives, scales, tree branches, or even snowflakes. 

Aside from the purposes these patterns often carry by laws of physics and science, they also offer an emotional intent when replicated. They create a sense of familiarity in us that makes us feel calmer and less stressed.

And, as for biophilic colors – the organic palettes of nature aren’t limited to shades of green, but they have blues, yellows, and earthy tones ranging far along the spectrum.

Other than being aesthetically pleasing, these colors also produce emotional response in the perceiver. Each color induces a certain psychological response, the color theory helps us choose palettes specific to our space and its purpose. 

The exact concepts of color theory run beyond the scope of this edition, so stay tuned to the next edition of The Interior View to learn more.

To Conclude

In an increasingly mechanized and artificially enhanced world, Biophilic Design encourages connection with human needs and emotions and promotes a more ergonomic style of creation.

With these multisensory designs, we are able to connect to a vast range of people of all ages and backgrounds. 

The biophilic design approach, very evidently, improves the productivity, creativity, and wellness of the users. Beyond these advantages, we also have the potential to accelerate recovery through stress reduction and creative enhancement.

To cut a long story short- With biophilic interior design, we create a space that is a living extension of us. 

One that allows us to live, work, and be merry as one with nature.

A space that honors and drives from our origin and its environment.