Biophilic Design: Connecting with Nature, Indoors
Surviving in this day and age in any country requires us to participate in the rat race of life. This mundane, routine life, along with us being shackled to the concrete jungle that is Dhaka, means that we are moving further and further away from nature with each passing day. However, many specialists and doctors recommend us to stay in the vicinity of nature, since it is said to cure all ailments. Our ancestors were able to live healthier lives because they were closely connected to nature, making sure it was a part of their regular lives. This is where biophilic interior design comes in.
Biophilic design focuses on creating spaces that connect us to the natural world. It is based on the idea of “biophilia”, which is humans’ innate desire to connect with nature. In this sense, biophilic interior design means the type of interior design that brings nature in, allowing people to embrace its true beauty. Biophilic design is not only beautiful, it also has numerous benefits that can enhance our lives.
Biophilic interior design can show itself in a number of different ways, like using natural patterns & materials that maximize ventilation and light. It is about creating an environment that feels warm and inviting, encouraging a meditative state that encourages wellbeing.
The Pros of Connecting with Nature:
- Improves Mental Wellness: Stress, depression or anxiety – no matter which of these issues are bothering you, it can be relieved when you go back to nature. When you introduce greenery and natural light in your interior design, it could create a soothing atmosphere that promotes better emotional health and mental acuity.
- Better Efficiency: In many larger company offices around the world, biophilic interior design is being introduced, as newer studies show them being linked to better performance of employees, as well as increased efficiency and boosts in creativity. When employees are surrounded by natural or nature-inspired elements, they have attested to feeling more involved and engaged in their work.
- Elevated Creativity: Nature is truly unique in the way that it inspires creativity. Be it philosophers, sculptors, painters, or authors, they have all used nature as a muse time and again. By infusing parts of nature into our daily environment, we open up a world of possibilities, of creative solutions and new ideas.
- Good for Physical Health: Fresh air & natural light are very important for our physical health and wellness. Biophilic interior design highlights the significance of daylighting and ventilation, which can improve overall health and sleep patterns. Combining plants into your design can also improve indoor air quality, giving rise to healthier living and working spaces.
So, how can we incorporate biophilic design into our offices or homes? Here are some practical ways to do so:
- Use natural elements:
When buying home or office decor items, try to incorporate wood, bamboo, stone and jute based objects. Using a variety of textures will bring warmth while reminding us of the outdoors.
- Introduce plants: A green plant, even a sapling, can liven up the look of any room in an instant. Adding a wide assortment of plants like thick ferns, low-maintenance succulents, to cuttings from trees like Monstera that purify the air, could all bring a space closer to nature.
- Nature-inspired patterns in design:
Try to ensure that nature is well and truly reflected in your designs, be they present as leaves, flowers, or even a simple landscape. These can evoke an emotional pull to the outdoors unlike anything you have ever experienced.
- Merge elements of water: As water has the ability to soothe and heal, you can add a water fountain or water body to your space (if it allows for such an inclusion). This will add a touch of glamour, but also allow for meditation and relaxation.
- Make the best use of natural light: If possible, try to design spaces that allow the most natural light to enter as is possible. Skylights, open layouts, large windows can all create an atmosphere that is brighter, cheerful and more inviting.
- Create views immersed in nature: Does your design include an amazing outdoors or rooftop landscape/ garden? If so, position seating arrangements where people will be able to enjoy great views of nature. If you place a large window in direct view of a park, that could work in your favour too.
Biophilic design is one of the first steps in moving towards a more sustainable future. This idea has stemmed from a desire to make healthier and happier spaces that bring us closer to nature. We can boost our creativity, improve our wellbeing, and bring a greater sense of calm into our lives by incorporating elements of the natural world indoors. What we might be failing to notice is that a simple touch of nature might be all we need to feel more inspired, connected and grounded to the outdoors.