Biophilia: Building Back to Nature
/The average American spends 90 percent of their life indoors. But according to biophilia principles, humans are happier when connected to nature. Is it possible to foster this feeling when we’re inside? At Urban Green’s Biophilia in Building Design and Operations event on March 4, panelists discussed how they use a biophilic mindset to reduce environmental harm and improve tenant experiences in their buildings.
WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
Biophilia posits that humans are happier when we access nature and other living things. This can include having plants indoors or access to sunlight, but can also be more indirect, such as displaying handmade artwork featuring natural materials. These biophilic principles are not just wishful thinking—according to panelist Bill Browning (Terrapin Bright Green), a number of scientific studies demonstrate the psychological benefits of access to nature, including reduced cortisol levels and faster healing times for surgery patients. Applying this science to our buildings, Browning shared 14 biophilic patterns designers can use to create a space that feels natural and enjoyable, including visual connection to nature, biomorphic forms, and areas of refuge.
BIOPHILIA IN PRACTICE
Biophilic design may face unique challenges in dense cities like NYC, but successful projects show that it’s possible. Courtney Smalls (Etsy) shared the biophilic decisions her firm made in their Brooklyn headquarters. By creatively upcycling materials from their old office, strategically placing 30,000 plants, and highlighting waterfront views, Etsy created a space where connection to nature heightens the occupant experience.
In dense areas, green rooftops can also provide a biophilic refuge. Bethany Borel (COOKFOX Architects) described their 535 Carleton Street affordable housing project, which they designed with an expansive green roof. “I never have to bring in models for photos,” Borel said. “There are always people engaging in the natural space.”
From Left to right: eileen quigley, bill browning, bethany borel and courtney smalls.
The primary driver of these biophilic design elements is occupant well-being. For example, according to Borel, “we wanted to make sure that our employees are in the healthiest, best environment possible,” so they designed the COOKFOX office with an outdoor garden, natural materials and daylighting.
Occupant well-being also drove design decisions in a sixth grade STEM classroom. Browning redesigned the space to mimic nature using earth-toned carpet, window blinds with a false tree shadow print, and ceiling tiles with a wave-like pattern. In this redesigned classroom, Heart Rate Variability (a measurement of stress recovery) increased by almost sevenfold during April, when blooming trees were visible from the classroom. Similarly, test scores rose an average of 3.3 percent from the previous year.
It was notable how biophilic design decisions can affect the occupants’ subconscious and elicit a different feeling in a space. But the event demonstrated that, at its core, biophilia is first and foremost a mindset. Whether improvements are expensive or low-cost, designing spaces with nature in mind can lead to positive occupant experiences.
As building users, we may not even be aware of these biophilic elements. Perhaps that’s part of a successful biophilic outcome—weaving natural elements into a space so they seem naturally present, making us happier. And as we spend even more time indoors due to the coronavirus, being comfortable and healthy indoors has never been more important.
