How can you use biophilic design to create a calming building environment?

Biophilic architecture adapts each building to its environment, utilizing the natural resources and characteristics offered by each location. It incorporates local materials and design elements to create an environment that harmonizes with nature and promotes tranquility and well-being for its occupants.

"Biophilic design seeks to connect our inherent need to affiliate with nature in the modern built environment."-Stephen R. Kellert. Humans instinctively are drawn to Biophilic environments. It is in our nature, and it is logical to feel a sense of connection and belonging while experiencing well-designed biophilic spaces. Research proves that humans heal and perform better in such an environment, which also has positive health and financial returns.

"Embracing biophilic design is the key to cultivating a serene and calming building environment. Integrate natural elements such as greenery, water features, and ample natural light to establish a connection with the outdoors. Thoughtful spatial planning, incorporating views of nature and organic shapes, further enhances the calming effect. Prioritize sustainable materials and practices to echo nature's harmony. By immersing occupants in a biophilic embrace, architects have the power to create not just buildings, but sanctuaries that nourish the spirit and enhance well-being, proving that the marriage of nature and design is the epitome of architectural excellence."

We can take into account a number of techniques, such as natural light, views of the outdoors, indoor plants, natural materials, biophilic patterns and textures, water features, natural ventilation, outdoor spaces, and biophilic art and installations, to use biophilic design principles to create a peaceful building environment.

Biophilic architecture used to be the norm not that long ago. As architects and builders created spaces that ignored a direct connection to the environment, building occupants became isolated from their natural surroundings. Humans are meant to be connected to nature, not isolated from it. It is always interesting to me that what seems like a new discovery, is just a misunderstanding of how architecture was meant to be experienced from the beginning.

Biophilic design revolves around three main principles: direct experience of nature, indirect experience of nature, and experience of space and place. Direct experience involves interacting with living systems like plants, animals, water, and air. Indirect experience uses natural materials, colors, shapes, and patterns to evoke nature. Experience of space and place entails creating spatial configurations, views, and transitions that mimic natural environments.

In my opinion, these principles are very important for architectural designers and can significantly improve people's quality of life. The first principle, the direct experience of nature, by creating spaces that provide the possibility of observing, touching and interacting with natural elements, strengthens the sense of relaxation and connection with the environment. The second principle, the indirect experience of nature, using materials and elements that refer to nature, creates a natural feeling and intimacy in the spaces. The third principle, the experience of space and place, enhances the sense of interaction and well-being by creating spaces that have similarities with natural environments.

All three principles of Biophilic design have to be closely studied and understood. Each has depth and very specific elements that form a design based on research, facts, and evidence.

The three principles of biophilic design effectively bridge the gap between the built environment and the natural world, fostering a harmonious and beneficial relationship for occupants. The integration of these principles creates environments that resonate with our inherent connection to nature.

Biophilic design is based on three main principles: direct experience of nature, indirect experience of nature, and experience of space and place. Direct experience involves the presence of living systems like plants and water. Indirect experience includes natural materials and colors that evoke nature. Experience of space involves spatial configurations and views that mimic natural environments, creating open, diverse, and dynamic spaces. Incorporating these principles can enhance well-being and connection to nature in architectural design.

Indeed, the adaptability of biophilic design allows for diverse applications, from simple interventions like adding plants to more complex architectural considerations such as maximizing natural elements. This flexibility enables customization to enhance the well-being of individuals within various settings.

Biophilic design strategies are different according to the environment and project conditions, but some general strategies can be mentioned: Use of indoor plants: Adding plants to the interior of the building can increase the feeling of naturalness and relaxation. Use of irrigation: creation of water features, Maximizing natural light: Using designs that help maximize natural light in spaces not only saves energy but also enhances the natural and alive feeling inside the space. Using natural colors and shapes: Using colors and shapes that refer to nature. Internal and external communication: establishing communication and integration between internal and external space,

Biophilic design can be achieved for any budget project. The use of paint and color may have as much impact as the use of high-cost natural materials and applications as long as colors intentionally serve the philosophy of Biophilic Design

Consider how building materials will wear over time and plan accordingly. Does a certain type of concrete look good with plants starting to grow over, or does it require constant maintenance? In my opinion, a surface that requires less upkeep is more likely to naturally integrate better with whatever vegetation is placed on and around it.

Absolutely, biophilic design can be tailored to fit a project's specific context, budget, and preferences. Incorporating elements such as indoor plants, water features, and maximizing natural light and ventilation can provide numerous benefits including improved air quality, soothing sounds, and visual interest. Additionally, natural colors and shapes can enhance harmony and contrast while stimulating creativity and curiosity. By integrating these elements, biophilic design fosters a seamless connection between the interior and exterior environment, promoting well-being and enhancing the overall experience of the space.

Biophilic design is used in different types of buildings, including: The Edge in Amsterdam: a smart office building that has a central atrium with plants, waterfalls and natural light. Its temperature, humidity and brightness sensors can be adjusted. Parkroyal in Pickering, Singapore: A vertical garden-like hotel with lush greenery, pools and terraces covering 15,000 square meters of facade and roof. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore: integrates nature into its design with gardens, ponds, courtyards and green walls to provide healing and comfort to patients and staff. Bosco Verticale in Milan: a two-tower residential complex with 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs and 11,000 plants that filter the air.

My favorite biophilic design project is EWEL CHANGI AIRPORT — SINGAPORE, by Safdie Architects. This iconic structure is a fusion of nature and architecture, featuring a stunning indoor garden with thousands of trees, plants, and a 40-meter waterfall, the Rain Vortex, which is the world's tallest indoor waterfall.

Biophilic design is evident in various buildings like offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, and residences. Examples include The Edge in Amsterdam, Parkroyal on Pickering in Singapore, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore, and Bosco Verticale in Milan, each incorporating natural elements to enhance well-being and aesthetics.

In search of creating calming building environments, architects of late have started to use biophilic design principles, so has the application of natural elements in their projects. To illustrate, the Jewel complex in Changi Aiport of Singapore displayes an immense indoor waterfall surrounded by greeneries that provides travelers with peaceful retreats in the midst of the busy airport atmosphere. Likewise, the Amazon Spheres in Seattle are offices with various types of vegetation, so employees can also connect them to nature. These current events introduce biophilic elements as greenery, natural light, and flowing water are shown as relaxation promoters, stress reducers, and generators of general well-being within constructed environments.

To improve people's quality of life and increase their satisfaction, you can follow the following steps in biophilic design: Evaluation of the context and project site: It is very important to identify the natural features in the surrounding environment of the building. Understanding the needs and preferences of users: To create a successful biophilic environment, the needs of the stakeholders must be carefully considered. Choosing biophilic design strategies: Based on knowing the context, site and needs, choose the right strategies and elements to create a biophilic space. Performance Evaluation and Measurement: After the project is completed, evaluate and measure the performance of the biophilic design.

To create a calming building environment using biophilic design, start by assessing the site and identifying natural features that can be enhanced or preserved. Involve users and stakeholders to understand their needs and preferences. Choose biophilic design strategies and elements that suit the project's function, scale, and style, such as adding indoor plants, water features, and maximizing natural light. Finally, evaluate the design's performance and measure outcomes related to satisfaction, productivity, health, and well-being.

To create a calming atmosphere with biophilic design: 1. Assess site and context. 2. Involve users and stakeholders. 3. Choose suitable design elements. 4. Evaluate performance and outcomes.

We can; - Integrate natural elements like plants and water. - Maximize views of nature. - Use natural light and materials. - Promote movement and exploration. - Engage the senses. - Create tranquil spaces. - Embrace biomimicry for inspiration.

The utilization of biophilic design can add a lot to the tranquility of a building environment if it is incorporated into some architectural projects. Some primary recommendations are exposing windows and skylights to natural light as much as possible, including indoor plants for fresh air and room "nature," using natural materials such as wood and stone, adding a water feature to create a pleasant atmosphere, and designing spaces with views of outdoor greenery. These details will be a powerful tool for architects to use in order to create the soothing effects of biophilic design that will result in peaceful and comfortable settings.

Consider exploring innovative biophilic design projects like Amazon's "Spheres" in Seattle or Singapore's Changi Airport with its lush indoor gardens. These real-world examples showcase the transformative impact of integrating nature into urban spaces, offering a glimpse into the future possibilities of harmonious coexistence between architecture and the natural world.

No! Biophillic design is a misconception. Nature is a dangerous animal and our mental health and wellbeing is not nature dependent. It is how we respond to our past failures

Embracing biophilic design transforms indoor spaces into havens of tranquility. By infusing natural elements like abundant natural light, lush indoor greenery, and gentle water features, buildings become sanctuaries fostering well-being and productivity. Integrating biophilic patterns and materials evokes the serenity of natural landscapes, while providing views of nature instills a sense of calmness and mental restoration. Incorporating these elements not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of spaces but also contributes to a healthier, more harmonious environment conducive to creativity and focus.

Existen tantos estudios actualmente, encontrar los específicos del bioma del lugar, adaptar el dise?o y hacerlo parte del área, lograr la coexistencia del espacio y su utilidad para nosotros y lograr el volverlo beneficioso para el ecosistema existente. Ver donde se pueden realizar áreas con nuevas tendencias de materiales biodegradables, caminamientos con paisajes amplios es una utopía para cualquiera que tenga la oportunidad de dise?ar sue?os.