Since the evolution of man, nature, and humans have lived in tandem. Humans desire to be in the presence of nature because it releases happy hormones called endorphins. And even though our residential architectural designs have begun to distance us from the outdoors, there is no stopping us from bringing the outdoors into our homes. This is all thanks to biophilic design. Read on to learn what biophilic design is and the benefits of biophilic interior design.
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design refers to a concept in the construction industry that focuses on connecting humans to nature by integrating elements in buildings and homes through direct or indirect nature.
This interior design concept doesn’t only bank on sustainability or energy efficiency. It also expresses humans’ inherent need for nature and all its benefits. According to research, biophilia or biophilic interior design has environmental, health, and economic benefits—primarily if you work from home.
Some examples of direct natural elements of biophilic design are:
- Light
- Water
- Air
- Animals
- Fire
- Weather
- Plants
- Natural landscapes
Some examples of indirect natural elements of biophilic design are:
- Photos of nature
- Natural air and light simulations
- Natural colors
- Natural materials
- Natural geometries
- Biomimicry
6 Benefits of Biophilic Design
Knowing the various elements of biophilic design to maximize this concept in your home is crucial. Some of the most evident components are natural shapes, such as leaf patterns, or natural environments, like outdoor gardens or potted indoor plants.
Another element of biophilic design is welcoming natural light into your home for a more inviting and comforting space. Moreover, the biophilic design also dwells on the location. Do trees surround your house? Is the outdoors accessible from your place? Enjoying these elements offers homeowners more healing, comfort, and happiness.
If you haven’t thought about integrating biophilic design elements into your home, you’re missing out on these six benefits:
1. Decreases stress
Biophilic design has been known to reduce stress. One of the most critical elements of biophilic design is water, which is known to reduce stress and enhance memory. One way to achieve this concept is by featuring a water fountain in your space.
Humans have an innate need for nature. This connection affects both our mental and physical health. According to a survey involving 30 participants who underwent open and closed spaces in virtual reality simulations, those exposed to biophilic components had lower stress levels than the other group.
2. Improves air quality
We all know plants and gardens are components of biophilic home interior design. By nature, plants produce oxygen that is good for humans. This interior design concept improves air quality at home or the workplace.
Moreover, indoor or outdoor plants also absorb volatile organic compounds. These chemicals are commonly found in some household cleaning products and other materials.
3. Helps you sleep better
Introducing a more rustic charm into your bedroom can achieve biophilic interiors. Selecting wooden furniture pieces adds a welcoming vibe to your bedroom. Embrace natural materials like oak, solid wood, or pine wood. Choose between many types of dresser made from raw materials in their most organic form.
You can also paint your bedroom wall pastel colors, like green, blue, and yellow, which help induce sleep. Overall, soothing tones and organic materials help in having a good night’s sleep.
4. Makes you happier
Most people seek comfort in the outdoors. Why? Because it gives them an endorphin boost. According to a Journal of Happiness Studies survey in 2011, nature-relatedness, or NR, is linked to psychological health.
Earlier studies have shown that industrialization has caused adverse psychological effects on humans, whether directly or indirectly. Therefore, biophilic design can counter these effects by interweaving industrialization with nature and the outdoors.
5. Improves performance
Whether you’re considering biophilic design in a physical or home office, natural elements generally bolster productivity. BBC reported that a call center in California gave employees a better view of vegetation through the window and handled large call volumes.
Previous studies also showed that employees surrounded by a working environment with more natural elements increased their well-being by 15 percent and productivity by six percent.
6. Environmentally friendly
Selecting natural materials for your furniture and other home accessories is more sustainable. It reduces the amount of harmful chemicals that could potentially impact your physical health. For instance, responsibly sourced wood products store carbon that mitigates climate change because it prevents more greenhouse gasses in the air.
Conclusion
Biophilic design is making waves in the building industry in both commercial and residential spaces. Integrating plants, water features, wooden furniture and products, outdoor garden, and greenery can improve your lifestyle holistically. Reaping the benefits of a more natural interior design goes beyond mental and physical aspects. It also provides homeowners with a visually appealing home they’d love to come home to every day.