Biologically, our habitat as humans should be the natural environment. However, as civilisation and urbanisation progress, this environment is being taken over by buildings and infrastructure, and it is in our nature to adapt and evolve.
Humans have become accustomed to the indoors and being contained by these structures. Studies have shown that people spend 90% of their days indoors. That’s 21 out of 24 hours a day.
People can’t be blamed for this, though. Work takes up 8 hours a day, and so does sleep. That’s already 16 hours. Then, in between, one might be too tired to still go out and explore the world.
In the hopes of solving this problem or even just taking action, biophilic design is taking on the market.
What is biophilic design?
Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into interior design, aiming to bring nature closer to humans. According to Metropolis, “the fundamental goal of biophilic design is to create good habitat for people as biological organisms inhabiting modern structures, landscapes, and communities.”
This trend in design wants to mimic nature somehow to benefit people’s overall well-being. It should compel humans to interact with nature and build a connection with it, understanding that every organism works in harmony.
Benefits of biophilic design
Biophilic design has been a trend for modern offices because it’s known to benefit mental health and reduce absenteeism in employees.
One key feature of biophilic design is the presence of indoor plants. This results in improved air quality as plants clean the air by removing harmful compounds, toxins, and pollutants. They are also responsible for preventing dry air in the office. As a result, the people utilising the space have a lower risk of getting sick.
Several studies have proved that exposure to nature reduces stress because of nature’s calming effects. Imagine how calm and serene you are when you’re at the mountains or by the beach–this is the effect of nature. Therefore, by welcoming natural light and other green elements, people’s moods can be lightened up.
How do you bring nature back in?
1. Water elements
When renovating with an interior designer, try proposing a water-flowing-system to integrate into the design. This can come as a little fountain by the entrance. You could also place a beautiful aquarium somewhere in the room.
2. Indoor plants
Caring for indoor plants is currently a trend so much so that people are starting “indoor jungles”. Remember to research on these plants, though, because they require different care. If you’re a beginner, look for low maintenance plants like Snake Plant or Pothos.
3. Natural daylight
A brighter home is beneficial for every organism living in it. It helps plants grow healthier, and it can boost your mood. You can welcome natural light into the home by having the windows open. If you’re renovating, opt for floor-to-ceiling windows or glass garage doors. These will not only let the light in but also make the room appear bigger. You can hire glass installers or garage doors installers in Perth.
In the age of concrete and urbanisation, taking a nature trip could take a long road trip or a flight abroad. In this case, biophilic design has provided a comprise to meet in the middle of indoors and nature.
