What are the best ways to add biophilic elements to your commercial interior design projects?

Integrating sensory interactions from the environment such as plant life, birds or animals, air, scents, light, sound etc, which becomes part of the design, both in functional and aesthetic enhancement of the space envisaged and can become a vital catalyst in making the space be on its own even when there is no human interaction.

(1) Natural Light (2) Indoor Plants (3) Living Walls (3) Natural Materials (4) Water Features (5) Biomorphic Shapes (6) Nature-Inspired Art (7) Views of Nature (8) Outdoor Spaces (9) Dynamic Environments (10) Nature-Inspired Patterns (11) Sensory Engagement Remember that successful biophilic design considers the specific needs and preferences of the occupants and the nature of the commercial space. A thoughtful integration of these elements can create a more harmonious, inspiring, and healthful environment.

A truly magnificent example of biophilic design is at Changi airport. Rather than compete with the tropical environment of Singapore, ‘Jewel Changi Airport’, invites visitors to ‘discover a wondrous world where nature meets retail’! Sounds like theme park horror, right? But the use of innovative architectural design and engineering turns this structure inside out. With a massive rainwater waterfall, with the water reused throughout and abundant ‘forest’ this development literally works.

Incorporate biophilic elements into commercial interior design by integrating natural materials like wood and stone, maximizing natural light exposure, incorporating indoor plants, and creating green walls or living installations. Embrace nature-inspired color palettes, patterns, and textures. Introduce elements such as water features or organic shapes. Foster a connection to the outdoors through large windows and outdoor spaces. Prioritize ergonomic furniture for comfort. These strategies enhance well-being, productivity, and creativity while creating a harmonious and sustainable workspace.

Plant selection should be deliberate as the selection of other design elements. Ideally, any plants added to a space should feel integral to the design rather than an afterthought. Factors to consider apart from cost would be how well the plant is suited to the to the location, would it be able to thrive? Certain plants won’t grow well in particular climates so wherever possible, select from local species of flora. Indoor and outdoor plants have different needs so this should be taken into account especially in commercial spaces. The style of the plants themselves should tie in with the overall desired aesthetic and enhance it. If the plants are flowering, the colours and fragrances released should be considered too.

Textures that appear more earthy in nature with a bit of roughness adds value to create a Biophilic environment. Concrete look is one of the most amazing things to create Biophilic environment. In colors also, using earthy and warm colors and colors depicting shades of sky and water are effective. Wood used in its more natural manner, always serves as the best element. Artefacts and Murals made in concrete, stones, and all kind of earthy materials are always a treat to watch and serves as focal point.

Embrace natural and sustainable materials in your design. Think wood, stone, and other organic materials to not only connect occupants with nature but also create a healthier indoor environment!

Prioritize the inclusion of natural light in your design. Big windows, skylights, or light wells not only reduce the need for artificial lighting but also uplift moods and boost productivity!

On peut jouer avec les points de vue et les perspectives. Un petit local en longueur gagnera a utiliser des astuces comme des miroirs pour créer de nouvelles perspectives par exemple. Un local avec un belle vue vers l'extérieur jouera davantage sur la mise en avant de cet atout, en créant les points de vue comme des tableaux... Tout un panel de possibilités existent !

Incorporate patterns and designs reminiscent of nature in your textiles, wall coverings, and flooring. This could include leafy patterns, fractal designs, or natural geometric shapes. Choose a color palette inspired by the outdoors. Earthy tones, soft blues, and greens can create a calming and refreshing atmosphere. Use textures like wood grain, stone patterns, or organic fabrics for added tactile appeal. By thoughtfully integrating these biophilic design principles into your commercial interior projects, you can not only create visually appealing spaces but also enhance the well-being and productivity of the people who use them!

Water is a powerful biophilic element. The purpose of biophilic design is to create spaces that deliver benefits for both human health and the environment. The incorporation of water into the environmental design of a building can increase stress relief, enhance performance, and improve problem solving and creativity - an effective way to to create a sense of connection between the indoors and outdoors.

Returning to nature is one of the necessary requirements in modern designs, and I also want to add that returning to cultural identity, I think, is one of Biophilic design requirements as well.

Nature is full of variety. Whether a hilltop vista or winding river bed, rough granite or smooth clay, shiny magnolia leaves or tiny pine needles, bright golden poppies or subtle yarrow. Biophilic design weaves these elements through experience, materiality, pattern, texture, and color that humans have an intrinsic response and are drawn to. It’s much more than plants, which can be another layer.