Post-pandemic, people are now craving the outdoors more than ever. We feel more at peace when surrounded by nature. How do we bring that same invigorating feeling into the built environment? Biophilia means “the love of nature”, but there is more to biophilic design than filling a room with planters and integrating a moss wall. Biophilia helps to create living and working environments that allow us to feel as calm and inspired as we feel when we return from a walk in nature.

According to Terrapin Bright Green (a sustainability consulting firm), there are three key themes to biophilic design: “Nature in the Space, Nature Analogues and Nature of the Space.” These themes detail the different approaches that make one feel more with nature in the built environment.

Direct connections to nature, like plants, natural light or views to the outside world contribute to “Nature in the Space.” This theme is probably the most common among architects and developers because it relates directly to the physical aspect of being in and experiencing a space. “Natural Analogues” addresses how designers can apply representations of nature to the built environment using colors and materials that reflect nature or are made out of organic resources. Lastly, “Nature of the Space” delves into the types of spaces found in nature and how we feel in them (think about the difference between being in a cave versus being in an open field or on a hilltop). The object of these themes is to better help us understand how to create healthier spaces that are more in tune with the outside landscape.

In a world dominated by technology, it is normal to feel cut off from nature. Applying biophilic design principles to our built environments can improve our physical well being and our mental state. Employers have found that implementing biophilic design practices can increase worker satisfaction and performance by making slight design changes to their spaces. Maximizing natural light can help balance sleep schedules and reduce stress. Natural materials paired with fresh air ventilation creates a healthier work and living environment with less indoor air pollution.

“…There is more to biophilic design than filling a room with planters and integrating a moss wall”

Biophilic design improves the user’s indoor experience while leading to a healthier and more sustainable building. Relating to nature in design provides more sustainable approaches. Natural material selections prove to be more environmentally friendly and renewable than processed materials. Sustainable, healthy building strategies and biophilic principles can be used in harmony to create a flourishing building inside and out.

Rendering Above: In concept, this project was conceived as a series of vertical and stacked gardens.  We saw this project as an opportunity to serve as a connector between nearby urban greenspace and an adjacent greenway that is being converted from an old railroad line.