In today’s fast-paced world, stress levels are constantly on the rise. Too many people are struggling with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse due to their inability to balance their lives with nature.
Due to longer work hours and commutes on automobiles, we spend more time indoors and away from nature than ever before. Consequently, diseases related to stress and sedentary lifestyle are on the rise and are diagnosed frequently in masses.
Biophilia is a space that is inspired by nature and creates a connection to the natural world. Imagine a serene, tranquil, and calming atmosphere with mist, fresh air, and soil, among other aspects of nature. Now, evaluate these characteristics in conjunction with the industrial and technological revolutions we are currently experiencing. The amalgamation of elements of nature and technology is the real sense of biophilic designs.
Our earth is undergoing immense climate changes. Evidently, the changes can be attributed to man-made factors as well as natural fluctuations. Biophilia harnesses the power of biophilic concepts and designs accordingly to work on promoting eco-friendly initiatives.
Biophilia is commonly defined as an inborn connection to nature, whether that involves being near plants and animals or living with them. Additionally, the concept has been developed to explain why individuals are attracted to nature or feel most at ease in natural surroundings.
The biophilic concept is that humans want to be close to other life forms in nature or interact with them. The word itself is Greek. It is derived from the words “life” and “love,” so it means “the love of life.”
Biophilic experiences have been shown to alleviate stress, increase cognitive function, improve mood and creativity. All in all people desire sustainable solutions regardless of their budget. The biophilic living results have the potential to promote both health and well-being, in addition to productivity.
Implementation of biophilia is not only necessary based on aesthetic factors involved. But climate changes, pandemic, innovation, and focus on mental well-being demand for increasing the awareness and acceptance of biophilic design. In addition, these factors are further highlighting that its impact extends beyond purely aesthetic considerations.
Biophilic design is the use of nature-based patterns, colors, and textures in the environment to improve human well-being. Biophilic design is becoming more popular as people become more aware of how architecture affects human health today.
The benefit of biophilic design is that it doesn’t necessitate a large budget or a special place. Also, whether you own or rent, applying biophilic design concepts to a place is viable with a variety of possibilities and approaches.
Biophilic designs have many benefits, but one of the most important ones is the eco-sustainable solutions it can offer. These designs use the minimum of non-renewable resources. They help in reducing negative impacts on ecological habitats and natural environments by using renewable sources of energy. These renewable sources can be solar power and wind power, in buildings and surroundings for eco-sustainable urban planning.
The following are some basic advantages of biophilic design.
The biophilic design intends to incorporate natural elements into the architecture of buildings to increase the perks that nature brings. The idea fits naturally with low-impact design strategies and is a fundamental aspect of sustainable design.
Although there are numerous factors that go into designing a biophilic interior and exterior structure. The idea may be streamlined into two basic elements that offer designers an understanding of the design attributes they should consider while planning biophilic designs.
Stephen Kellert identified a bi-dimensional approach to biophilic design. One of these two dimensions is organic or naturalistic, highlighting shapes and forms in the construction that enhance and reflect the human connection with nature. The other dimension touches on the place-based or vernacular dimension. Moreover, It explains the features bridging between a building or landscape to the ecology and culture of the local area.
Kellert further broke down these dimensions into six elements and further attributes.
The biophilic design aspect of environmental features is concerned with incorporating elements of the natural world into the built structure. Natural elements like plants, animals, and raw materials naturally pique people’s interest. While well-ventilated areas encourage well-being, colors, water, and sunlight may also evoke a connection to nature. Buildings that suit local geological characteristics or blend well with the landscape, like ivy-covered walls, are also frequently well-liked by communities.
The representations and simulations of the natural environment on internal or external structures are included in the category of natural shapes and forms. This can contain patterns and themes of animals and the structures they make. Moreover, the patterns may include colonies and webs, as well as shapes, forms, and patterns seen in flora, such as trees, leaves, and vegetation.
Additionally, designs that mimic regional geology or even those that “accidentally” resemble living forms are preferred. They are the first choice over those that stick to the straight edges and right angles typical of modern architecture. These spaces can simulate natural features or mimic the flowing, organic forms of nature.
This element, which is distinct from shapes and forms, focuses on how incorporating characteristics of nature improves our built environment. Examples include:
People also like a feeling of fullness or completion in environments composed of several separate components.
There are several methods to incorporate light and space into a place, which is a critical component of biophilic design. While reflected light is valuable, natural and filtered daylight may be advantageous. Meanwhile, space may be utilized to define surrounding structures and locations. It should engender a sense of openness, diversity, harmony, and a connection between interior and outdoor surroundings.
A connection between culture and environment is referred to as a place-based connection. People have a strong sense of place because of our need to govern territory to secure resources and maintain safety. This explains why we become homesick or miss certain areas.
Geographical and historical characteristics, regional ecosystems, cultural components and materials, and landscapes affect how we react to specific locations. People develop a protective feeling of stewardship over a place when emotionally connected.
This element focuses on the core ideas of humanof the human – nature interaction and how theyse might be mirrored in constructed environments. This might involve encouraging a sense of security and safety, a balance of diversity and regularity, curiosity and exploration, and a sense of accomplishment and environmental mastery. Through biophilic design, we may also tap into our kinship with and attraction to nature. The list of these possible relationships and concepts in the context of love for nature is as follows
In recent years there has been a growing trend in architects and developers incorporating biophilic design into their projects for various reasons. Biophilic Architecture is an approach that considers the human need for connecting with nature and applies it to architecture. It is a relatively newer field of study, but it has been proven to have many benefits for humans and the environment.
In architecture, this translates into mixing natural materials and colors with synthetic ones. So that the building feels like a home in a forest or field rather than a soulless box. That has made it popular among architects, town planners, and designers.
The concept of biophilic design, which has only recently become popular in the building sector, is progressively attracting the attention of real estate investors. The biophilic concept is also rapidly transforming the face of the architectural, metal building construction, and real estate sectors. Moreover, it is offering a solution that benefits both end users and sellers of real estate.
Most homebuyers and investors may view access to the natural environment and design as a luxury. The number of people willing to invest in real estate with biophilic design is rapidly increasing worldwide. It’s not just a trend anymore; it’s becoming a lifestyle in multiple countries around the world.
Biophilic cities are designed to promote well-being and eco-sustainability by using nature-based design and architecture to increase the vitality of the natural environment.
This includes using green spaces, natural materials, vegetation, water features, etc. These elements are not just for decoration but have been proven to improve mental health and reduce stress levels.
Biophilic cities are often found in places with high population density. In Singapore, it was estimated that over 80% of its population lives in high-rise buildings. There are around fifteen biophilic cities worldwide, while Forest Town is the first biophilic city in Pakistan.
Nature significantly impacts people’s creativity and innovation and plays a vital role in general human health and happiness. Biophilia is a concept that is gaining popularity and an effective way to promote health, wellness, and productivity.
Biophilic history reveals how cultures have incorporated biophilia into their architecture and art. The glances of biophilic design are evident in the provision of eco-sustainable solutions with all its modern patterns of buildings and construction. The rising trend not only has health benefits but has a conducive approach to implementation.
The global initiative of Biophilic cities following the biophilic design principles in their urban planning is a golden initiative. It will help in the run to revamp the construction with a blend of natural ethos and a peaceful green future.
What does biophilia mean?
Biophilia is a concept that people desire exposure to or interaction with other kinds of life in nature. The term itself is Greek. It is derived from the words “life” and “love” and hence signifies “the love of life.”
What is Biophilic Architecture?
Architecture has always been considered a partner to human beings, shaping their lives through buildings, open spaces, and urban design.
The term “biophilic architecture” was first used by Christopher Alexander, a professor of architecture at Berkeley. He wrote about it in his book “The Biophilia Hypothesis”. Biophilic architecture is an architectural design principle that focuses on creating buildings that are in harmony with nature.
What is biophilia & why is it Important?
Biophilic experiences have been shown to reduce stress, boost mood and creativity, and improve human cognitive function. Today, people want environmentally friendly alternatives. The outcomes of biophilic living have the potential to increase productivity as well as health and well-being. It has core importance for a green future for our generations to come due to its principles to embed nature in almost every facet of living.
What are the Biophilic Principles?
Biophilic design is an approach that seeks to create buildings and environments which are in harmony with living things, especially human beings.
You can incorporate biophilic design principles to create a natural and inviting space. They are:
Is there any Biophilic housing society in Pakistan?
Yes, Forest Town is the first biophilic housing scheme in Islamabad, Pakistan based on the concept of Biophilia and Biophilic design.
Forest Town project is an Urban Planning Biophilic project in Islamabad, themed on biophilia, contemporary, radiant, and eco-city concepts.
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