Biophilic Design in Architecture

Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................1
1. Introduction..............................................................................................................................2
1.1. Concept of biophilic design..............................................................................................2
1.2. Main design elements........................................................................................................2
1.3. Examples of existing buildings.........................................................................................2
1.4. Biophilic design principles................................................................................................3
2. Literature review......................................................................................................................4
2.1. Findings of Literature review............................................................................................4
2.2. Limitations of using biophilic design................................................................................6
2.3. New element or idea.........................................................................................................6
References........................................................................................................................................7
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1. Introduction
1.1. Concept of biophilic design
Biophilic design is an innovative concept that stresses the importance of preserving, improving,
and restoring natural experiences in the built world. For much of human experience, it was the
way buildings were designed (Kellert, et al., 2008). In addition, to produce the best possible
health results, biophilic design is the practice of basing decisions regarding the built environment
on instincts or credible studies resulting from either an appreciation for nature or measurable
biological responses, respectively (Kellert, 1997).
The deliberate intention to translate an interpretation of biophilia into the design of the built
environment is known as biophilic design (Kellert, 2008). It entails building and landscape
design that promote meaningful relations between people and the natural environment to
improve human well-being (Doyle, 2013). The author further stated it is an innovative design
approach aimed at preserving, enhancing, and restoring the benefits of being in touch with nature
in the built environment. Moreover, it begins by observing the impact of the natural and built
environments' reciprocal interactions. The gained expertise is then applied to the built
environment's design and development. Using the expertise of architectural and urban planning
will lead to a more humane experience in architecture (Kellert, et al., 2008).
1.2. Main design elements
The main design elements of biophilic design consist of natural features such as plants, sunlight
water, façade greening etc., natural shapes such as ovals, spirals etc., light and space like warm,
light etc., place-based relationship which consists of indigenous materials, space defined by
landscape etc., natural building materials such as wood, stone etc. and natural colours (Younis,
2019).
1.3. Examples of existing buildings
Hotels, New York & Miami is an urban sanctuary influenced by nature in a city filled with
traffic, relentless high rises, and a lot of commotion (Anon., 2021). Outside, lush greenery
adorns the windows, while inside, interspersed plants and reclaimed-material interiors provide a
welcoming atmosphere. Furthermore, the Spheres in Seattle are home to 40,000 plants from 30
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foreign countries, as well as several living walls covering over 4,000 square feet of vegetated soil
(Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989). The aim of this Amazon building is to provide workers and tourists
with a direct connection to nature in the city. Further, Ruins Studio in Scotland won plenty of
prizes the year after their competition, and rightly so. This one-of-a-kind structure was created
within a ruin by Lily Jencks Studio, NDA, and Savills-Smiths Gore. The original stone has been
preserved and is now used as a natural, textural shell. It stands in stark contrast to the smoother,
more modern interior. Apart from the above-mentioned examples, it is easy to forget that you are
in the booming metropolis of London while you are at The Wardian in London, whether relaxing
in the sky lounge with extra high ceilings, sprawling plants, and floor-to-ceiling windows or
enjoying a dip in the swimming pool submerged in a lush, natural environment (Anon., 2021).
Furthermore, with its abundance of sunshine and over 1000 plants, Second Home in Lisbon is
truly a biophilic sanctuary. Both Biofit and Biofilico were based there for the first year or two of
their operations. (Anon., 2021).
1.4. Biophilic design principles
Nature in the space, nature of the space, and natural analogues are the three types of biophilic
design approaches (Clancy, 2014). According to the above author, nature in the space is the
actual existence of nature in a space, and it often involves multi-sensory experiences. The author
further stated that thermal, sensory, haptic, olfactory, or some other contact where the natural
presence is transparent and direct should be used. Nature of space is about emulating or being
influenced by natural spatial arrangements (Kellert & Calabrese, 2015). It is all about
recreating the feelings that natural spaces offer us, such as protection, mystery, possibility, or
risk (Wilson, 1986). According to the above author, natural analogues use indirect approaches
to represent nature, such as the use of non-natural or heavily altered fabrics with naturally
influenced designs and forms. The approach to biophilic design concepts is to combine these
types in a way that looks natural (Clancy, 2014). These principles can be used separately or in
combination to establish a relationship with nature in a non-natural space.
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