Biophilic Design Is Good for Your Health: How to Use It at Home

Biophilia means the love of life or living things. German social psychologist Erich Fromm first introduced the term in his 1973 book, The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness. Fromm defined biophilia as “the passionate love of life and of all that is alive.” In 1984, American naturalist Dr. Edward O. Wilson (also known as E. O. Wilson) wrote Biophilia, which popularized the biophilia hypothesis: It is human nature to enjoy Earth’s biodiversity. Wilson argued that natural environments are crucial to the health and well-being of all humans.

Biophilic design builds on the principles of biophilia to incorporate elements of nature into built environments in both architectural design and interior design.

Many modern workspaces have invested in biophilic design strategies to improve the quality of life of their employees, meet sustainability goals, and increase productivity. Entire cities have devoted their efforts to incorporating natural systems into their urban designs. So-called biophilic cities introduce natural stimuli into urban settings to become more sustainable and increase the lifespans of their inhabitants.

According to Stephen R. Kellert and Elizabeth F. Calabrese, authors of The Practice of Biophilic Design (2015), biophilic design can incorporate direct and indirect experiences with nature. For example, a direct experience with nature (also known as “nature in space”) could be access to natural light, fresh air, and plants, while an indirect experience (also known as “natural analogs”) evokes nature, such as using natural materials in building or images of nature or reproducing patterns found in nature. Biophilic design can also encompass “the experience of space and place” (also known as “nature of the space”), which relates to the way you experience the space and includes places of refuge or mystery and appeals to your sense of wayfinding.

Biophilic design is more than just opening the windows and buying houseplants. These are some of the key elements that underpin biophilic design:

1. 1. Community: Biophilic design in public spaces and workplaces aims to create a sense of shared experience.
2. 2. Emotion: Biophilic design aims to deepen humans’ emotional attachment to the natural world.
3. 3. Integration: Biophilic designers believe that sustained contact with the natural world is more beneficial than brief forays into nature. To reap the most benefit, integrate biophilic principles into daily experiences in an accessible way.
4. 4. Well-being: The elements you incorporate into a biophilic design should directly relate to human needs. Rather than randomly selecting natural features, consider how those elements will impact the people using the space.

Nature is the muse of biophilic designers. By bringing natural elements into interior spaces and mimicking natural patterns, biophilic design allows the natural world to dictate the aesthetic.

1. 1. Bringing the outside in: Biophilic design brings natural elements into interior spaces. Some common biophilic design elements include skylights, which provide natural light; green walls, or living walls, covered with living greenery; and the presence of water, such as fountains or ponds.
2. 2. Mimicking natural patterns: Biophilic design employs biomimicry—the process of mimicking patterns and forms found in nature. Natural patterns like curves, fractals, and geometric shapes inspire infrastructure and design. For instance, you may frame windows in a honeycomb pattern or construct walls to mimic the curvature of a wave.
3. 3. Planting abundant greenery: Biophilic architecture often incorporates landscaping as a primary feature of the building's structure. Rooftop gardens, or green roofs, provide open-air sanctuaries for building occupants, exterior stairwells can be lined with trees and shrubs, and atriums allow sunlight to permeate a building's interior.
4. 4. Using natural materials: Biophilic designers gravitate toward wood and stone over synthetic materials like plastics or polished metals. Natural materials tend to develop a patina over time, suggesting the natural progression of age.

There are multiple human health benefits that are closely associated with biophilic design.

1. 1. Circadian rhythm: Access to natural light throughout the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm, potentially enabling you feel more rested and less stressed.
2. 2. Healing: Healthcare facilities with biophilic design have reduced patients’ postoperative recovery time. A 1984 study published in Science found that patients provided with a view of nature from their windows recovered more quickly from surgery and took less pain relievers than those who did not have a view.
3. 3. Increased productivity: According to a 1994 study from the Department of Energy, businesses that reduced harsh lighting and incorporated more natural light, such as skylights, saw an increase in worker productivity.
4. 4. Lower stress: Regular access to nature may help reduce your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, which correlates with lower stress. According to a 2014 longitudinal study published in Environmental Science & Technology, people who moved to a greener area from a more urban environment experienced a positive impact on their mental health, while people who moved from a greener area to a less-green area experienced adverse mental health effects post-move.

Biophilic design and sustainability often go hand in hand. For example, incorporating more natural light also reduces energy use. Because one of the elements of biophillic design is deepening the human-nature connection, the design itself can inspire stewardship of the environment. However, it’s important to remember that biophilic design is primarily focused on human well-being.

There are many ways to incorporate elements of biophilic design in your home or workplace. Here are a few ways to get started:

1. 1. Diverse spaces: From large, open meadows and oceans to valleys and caves, nature is full of spatial variability. Look for opportunities to create variations in your home floor plan to mimic the variety found in natural landscapes. Consider creating a place of refuge, such as a comfy chair near a window, or an exploratory space, like a winding garden path.
2. 2. Fresh air: Increase airflow throughout your home by opening windows whenever possible. You’ll bring fresh air into your home, and depending on where you live, you'll also be able to hear nature sounds, further grounding you in your natural ecosystem.
3. 3. Green spaces: Bringing greenery into the home is a great way to feel more connected to nature. Some houseplants are also capable of filtering toxins from the air, helping to improve your home's air quality.
4. 4. Nature sounds and scents: Complement your visual experience of nature with a nonvisual one, such as a playlist of nature sounds, a natural-smelling candle, or an essential oil diffuser.
5. 5. Natural light: Open curtains or shades throughout the day to maximize natural lighting. If you don’t have natural light, create a dynamic lighting scheme with different elements of diffuse light rather than relying on harsh overhead lighting. Learn more about interior lighting with interior designer Kelly Wearstler.
6. 6. Patterns that mimic nature: Adding patterns that mimic nature, such as wallpaper or fabric with wave-like or plant-like geometries, is an easy way to incorporate biophillic design in indoor spaces.
7. 7. Water features: The presence of water can bring a sense of tranquility to an interior space. Install a small fountain on a countertop or outside near an open window to bask in the peaceful sound of water throughout the day.

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