Biophilia is More Than Nature-Inspired Design

As?those?who follow my posts know, my luxury interiors incorporate the use of biophilic design, which depends on natural interventions that are connected, complementary, and integrated within the overall environment. Biophilia can be described as a “hard-wired” biological tendency that, like much of what makes us human, is inherent in us all.?The benefits of biophilic design depend upon engaging contact with nature, rather than an occasional or ephemeral experience.?The increasing separation from nature is unfortunately reflected in much of our modern agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare, urban development, and architectural design.??

Oftentimes we aren’t aware of this separation from nature in our daily lives and it is only when we leave our routine that we remember the importance of nature for regaining our sense of wellbeing which then triggers the desire to improve not only our health, but also our connection to our true self and to those we love.

A friend recently traveled to a resort in Mexico that has biophilic design at the heart of its?architecture.?As you can see in the photos, the architects and designers of this resort adhere to the principle of biophilia:?

• Biophilic design depends on repeated and sustained engagement with nature. An occasional, transient, or isolated experience of nature exerts only superficial and fleeting effects on people, and can even, at times, be at variance with fostering beneficial outcomes.?
• Biophilic design requires reinforcing and integrating?design interventions that connect with the overall setting or space.?The optimal functioning of all organisms depends on immersion within habitats where the various elements comprise a complementary, reinforcing, and interconnected whole. Exposure to nature within a disconnected space, such as an isolated plant or an out of context picture or a natural material at variance with other dominant spatial features is NOT effective biophilic design.?
• Biophilic design fosters emotional attachments to settings and places. By satisfying our inherent inclination to affiliate with nature, biophilic design engenders an emotional attachment to particular spaces and places. These emotional attachments motivate people’s performance and productivity, and prompt us to identify with and sustain the places we inhabit.?
• Biophilic design fosters positive and sustained interactions and relationships among people and the natural environment. Humans are a deeply social species whose security and productivity depends on positive interactions within a spatial context. Effective biophilic design fosters connections between people and their environment, enhancing feelings of relationship, and a sense of membership in a meaningful community.?

Indirect Experience of Nature?

Nature represented by these elements: Images of Nature, Natural Materials, Natural Colors, Mobility and Wayfinding, Cultural and, Ecological Attachment to Place, Simulating Natural Light and Air, Naturalistic Shapes and Forms, Evoking Nature, Information Richness, Natural Geometries, Biomimicry, and Age, Change, and the Patina of Time.?

Direct Experience of Nature?

Spaces that allow direct experience of Light, Air, Water, Plants, Animals, Weather, and Natural Landscapes and Ecosystems.?

Experience of Space and Place?

Biophilia can also be achieved through these approaches: Prospect and Refuge, Organized Complexity, Integration of Parts to Wholes, and Transitional Spaces.

Viewpoints on Biophilia?

It is important to realize that biophilic design is more than just a new way to make people more efficient by applying an innovative technical tool. The successful application of biophilic design fundamentally depends on adopting a new consciousness toward nature, recognizing how much our physical and mental wellbeing continues to rely on the quality of our connections to the world beyond ourselves of which we still remain a part.?

If you would like to learn more about biophilic design with my?Biophilic Design Guide, or would like to schedule a Discovery Call, visit?Stacey Lapuk Interiors at?staceylapukinteriors.com. We use art, science and intuition to design high-end residential properties?that are not only beautiful, but that express your unique personality, values, and history. We have been creating award-winning interiors for over 30 years and combine amazing design with the science of bringing nature and beauty into your home. An acclaimed interior designer in the Bay Area, we also offer our services in New York city and other select locations.