How to Implement Biophilic Design in Indoor Environments
Do you find yourself calm and relaxed in nature? Nature is proven to have physical and mental health benefits, which has led to the growth of biophilic design in recent years. Biophilic design can elevate any indoor environment and help people feel connected to nature, whether this is a spa, office space, hospital or care home.
What is Biophilic Design?
A term coined by renowned Harvard naturalist Dr. Edward O. Wilson, biophilic design explores the instinctive human need to connect with nature. This growing movement involves integrating nature and natural elements like natural light and materials within indoor spaces to mimic the natural world and ensure a continued link to nature in areas where it would not usually occur.
No matter what indoor environment it is used in, biophilic design allows you to harness the healing power of nature while elevating your indoor space. So, how can you implement biophilic design in indoor environments?
Maximise Natural Light
Anyone who has worked or spent prolonged periods in a room without natural lighting will be aware of how this can impact mood and well-being, as many as 47% of employees admit to feeling tired or very tired from the absence of natural light.
Natural light is also important for boosting Vitamin D and can improve mental health. This can reduce stress and improve productivity, making it ideal for office spaces and healthcare settings.
There are many ways to maximise natural light, including:
- Adding windows and skylights
- Using light colours on walls
- Strategic placement of mirrors
- Getting rid of curtains/drapes
- Moving items blocking windows
Use Natural Materials
A key element of biophilic design is incorporating natural materials. Bringing the outdoors inside can help you harness the healing power of nature while creating visually appealing indoor spaces. This can include the use of wood, stone and bamboo. In addition to visual appeal, the use of natural materials is also more sustainable than manmade materials.
Add Greenery
Adding greenery is a simple way to bring the outdoors inside and create appealing indoor environments. Plants, flowers, green walls and vertical gardens will create a natural indoor environment and visual interest with colour and beauty. Additionally, adding greenery to an indoor environment can improve air quality to create healthier indoor spaces. Plants known for their air-purifying properties include:
- Snake plants
- Peace Lillies
- Spider plants
Studies even show that plants in an office environment can increase productivity and creativity by as much as 15%.
Biophilic Patterns
You can also create a connection with nature and create visual interest with the use of biophilic patterns and textures. This can be a fun and creative way to elevate any indoor environment by drawing inspiration from the incredible beauty of Mother Nature. A few examples of biophilic patterns include:
- Honeycomb patterns
- Snowflake patterns
- Animal silhouettes
- Leaf prints
Nature Views
Of course, views of nature can help with biophilic design and bring the beauty of the great outdoors indoors. Views of green spaces, trees, water and the sky can help create a calming, tranquil and attractive indoor space.
In windowless spaces, LED sky ceilings can display natural imagery and mimic natural light. This could include rolling meadows, sandy beaches, snowy forests or any other calming natural environment.
LED sky ceilings are an intelligent way to incorporate biophilic design into challenging indoor environments and areas that can cause stress, such as the dentist or CT scan room. Additionally, products are available with Circadian Rhythm™ programming, which replicates natural lighting patterns and mirrors the daily light cycle to restore the body’s natural clock. This is clinically proven to aid the recovery process in post-operative patients and even uplift dementia patients.
Water
Studies show that water is inherently calming, but you do not need to sit on a beach and watch the ocean to reap the soothing properties of water. You can incorporate water into biophilic design to create peaceful, tranquil indoor environments. Water features are a great option, as the sound of running water adds a sensory experience. Another popular option is a fish tank, which creates visual interest and allows you to add wildlife and color to your indoor environment.
Biophilic design is an interior design trend on the rise. By incorporating nature and natural elements into indoor settings, you can create visually interesting spaces that enhance overall health and well-being. Biophilic design can elevate any interior space but works particularly well in areas where stress and anxiety can be issues.
Sky Inside’s™ LED Sky Ceilings are a great way to incorporate biophilic design in various interior settings, including care homes, dental practices, hospitals and restaurants. Contact us today to learn more about our living skies and windows