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Biophilia - What you need to know

Biophilia: Some Spaces Instantly Feel Better

Biophilia has increasingly been included in modern architecture and interior design with a view to improving the productivity and wellbeing of the people working in indoor spaces. When we talk about Biophilia: Some spaces instantly feel better, we are really talking about the human instinct to respond positively to nature within the built environment.

It’s nothing new though. Biophilia was first discussed by social psychologist Erich Fromm in 1964 and later popularised by Edward Wilson in the 1980s.

But it’s not simply about supporting the occupants of a building.

In this blog, we explore biophilic design, sustainability, and how this way of thinking can help address the challenge of climate change. And sometimes it can start with something as simple as introducing greenery into the workplace.

Is modern biophilic design sustainable?

We need to be pragmatic so that our work is always moving towards the best outcomes. Bringing nature into indoor spaces is just one small step toward a better future. It’s about much more than improving productivity and wellbeing for occupants.

It gives people a way to reconnect with their natural inclination to move towards a more biophilic future for the world.

The word biophilia literally means the human urge to affiliate with other living things. It’s not just about greenery or decoration. It is deeply connected to science and our relationship with the natural world.

In the built environment, biophilia is about allowing ourselves to remain connected to nature. The sound of rain. The colour of the sky. The feeling of wind in your hair.

We cannot always experience these sensations directly in modern buildings, so we recreate elements of nature indoors.

And when we do, something subtle happens. Some spaces instantly feel better.

How do we recreate biophilia indoors?

In many ways, we are already doing this unconsciously.

We choose screen savers with tropical beaches even when it is raining outside. We position desks where we feel protected and comfortable. We prefer environments that make us feel safe, calm and connected.

Biophilia explains why these choices feel natural.

Nature gives us cues that our environment is safe and supportive. When those cues are missing, spaces can feel sterile and disconnected.

Introducing natural elements indoors helps restore that balance.

Looking ahead

In a few generations we may be living in a world shaped heavily by artificial intelligence and dense urban environments. The question then becomes: what kind of spaces will help people thrive?

Will we be inside environments that bring nature in thoughtfully, or outside environments that have become degraded and barren?

With increasing population density, climate pressures, and shrinking natural landscapes, the way we design our buildings today matters more than ever.

The pandemic effect

The pandemic accelerated people’s awareness of their surroundings.

Many discovered a renewed desire to feel connected to the natural world, even in small ways. To feel rain on their skin. To see something grow. To notice natural light moving through a space.

Businesses responded by bringing nature indoors, and awareness has continued to grow.

Although we still have a long way to go, people are becoming more attuned to the environments they create and work within.

Sustainability and biophilic design

Sustainability should be the bare minimum. Climate change, water pollution and declining ecosystems all highlight the importance of taking steps in the right direction now.

Biophilic design encourages people to care about their environment. Even small actions can make a difference.

When people feel connected to nature, they are more likely to value and protect it.

That connection might begin with something as simple as adding natural elements to a workspace.

Can large buildings be designed sustainably?

There are many ways to incorporate nature into modern architecture.

Rooftop gardens
Internal and external green walls
Natural materials and light
Integrated landscape elements

Buildings can be designed to give back to the natural environment rather than simply taking from it.

When done well, architecture can become restorative.

What is good biophilic design?

Good biophilic design should feel almost instinctive.

Imagine a workplace that feels like a forest, yet still functions as a modern office. You can sit in sunlight or shade. You can gather with colleagues while still feeling connected to the wider environment. Natural cues signal the passage of time.

The ultimate vision of biophilic design is a built environment that feels as natural as the landscapes that inspired it.

First steps

More and more people are recognising the importance of healthier workplaces and environments.

Nature-based spaces encourage wellbeing, improve comfort, and help people feel safer and more relaxed in their surroundings.

When natural elements are introduced thoughtfully, they can also create separation and privacy without the need for hard barriers. They can allow light to flow through a space while still defining areas for work, collaboration and focus.

And that brings us back to the idea behind Biophilia: Some spaces instantly feel better.

The smallest steps often create the biggest shifts.

If you are committed to creating a greener workplace environment, working with a professional plant hire service can help. Experienced teams can select the right plants for each environment and collaborate with designers and architects to create healthier, more sustainable workplaces for the future.

This blog was originally written in 2022 and has been updated to ensure accuracy.

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