What do you do if you want to bring nature indoors with biophilic design in interior spaces? (2024)

Allow ample natural light to enter the space by using large windows or skylights. Natural light not only enhances the overall ambiance but also improves mood and productivity.To make the most of natural light, consider the orientation of your space and the placement of windows. Position rooms where you spend the most time, such as living areas and home offices, to take advantage of sunlight. Use larger windows or glass doors to allow more natural light to enter the space.

Integrating biophilic design into interior spaces is a transformative approach that connects people with nature. Incorporating elements like natural light, indoor plants, and organic materials creates environments that promote well-being and productivity. By embracing biophilic design principles, interior designers can cultivate spaces that inspire, rejuvenate, and foster a deeper connection to the natural world. Let's bring the beauty of nature indoors to enhance our living and working environments.

Select indoor plants that are well-suited to the lighting conditions and climate of your space. Consider factors like natural light availability, temperature, and humidity levels. Some popular indoor plants include pothos, snake plants, ZZ plants, peace lilies, and spider plants.Arrange your plants in a way that creates visual interest and focal points. You can group them together on shelves, create a vertical garden on a wall, or place them strategically throughout the space to add greenery and texture.Hanging plants can bring a touch of nature to any room. Hang them from the ceiling or place them on high shelves to add height and dimension to your space.

If designing for flexibility is at all a consideration, I highly recommend using a modular system rather than built in - I know from experience how labor intensive and costly built in planters are to remove. Even if your concern is tying into the existing irrigation system, this can still be accomplished with a modular system, which can usually be drilled onsite if not prefabricated with the correct penetrations.

Fountains are one of the most common and classic water features. They come in various styles, sizes, and designs. Fountains can be standalone structures or integrated into walls, ponds, or pools. The sound of flowing water adds a soothing ambiance to any space.Waterfalls are visually stunning and create a dramatic effect. They can be natural or man-made and can be incorporated into a landscape, garden, or even inside a building. The cascading water creates a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere.Ponds are a serene and versatile water feature that can house aquatic plants, fish, and other water creatures. They can be small or large, depending on the available space.

Consider using recycled water from another system for your water feature. Unlike most fixtures in a commercial space, decorative fountains do not need potable water. This would be a great use of harvested rain water or process water. Also note that while the flow of water features can be slowed to almost silence, fountains and waterfalls are probably the best-received source of white noise by the end user, perfect for offsetting high levels of ambient noise and obscuring private conversations.

Visual elements include colors, shapes, patterns, and lighting. They create an aesthetic appeal and set the mood for the experience. Visual stimuli can range from vibrant and colorful displays to subtle and calming visuals.Auditory elements involve sounds and music. They can be used to create ambiance, evoke emotions, or provide information. The choice of music, sound effects, or even silence can greatly influence the overall experience.Tactile elements engage the sense of touch. This can include the texture of surfaces, the sensation of objects or materials, or the feeling of temperature. Tactile experiences can range from soft and smooth to rough and textured, adding a physical dimension to the overall experience.

The Gestalt principles are a set of psychological principles that explain how humans perceive and interpret visual information. These principles include proximity, similarity, closure, continuity, and figure-ground relationship. Understanding and applying these principles can enhance visual connection within a design.

Choose natural stone, such as marble, granite, or travertine. These materials bring natural colors and textures to the space and impart a timeless aesthetic. Regarding aesthetics and tactile qualities in vertical applications, different surface finishes should also be highlighted, as they can completely alter the character of a room. Natural stone can be used as furniture pieces, such as a dining table or coffee table, as well as for kitchen countertops - and paired with the natural material of wood, it creates an unbeatable combination.

Bringing biophilic design into your interior space can be a transformative experience. Start by incorporating natural elements like plants, wood textures, and natural light to create a harmonious and rejuvenating environment. Consider using earthy colors, organic shapes, and materials inspired by nature to enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Embracing biophilic design not only enhances the aesthetics but also promotes well-being and a sense of tranquility in your home or workspace.

I have hanging plants in my living room and a hammock underneath. When I'm lying in the hammock, I have an unfiltered view of the green space, which helps release all the stress of daily life.If you don't have space indoors, you can install a hammock outside and enjoy the view of the sky, trees, and the movement of wildlife – a truly unique experience compared to just standing or sitting on the ground.

Biophilic design is a multifaceted concept that involves numerous considerations. Extensive literature exists on this design feature, offering valuable insights for designers aiming to integrate thoughtful biophilic elements into their projects, often diverging from conventional approaches. Popular references are: HERD (Health Environments Research & Design Journal) A Review of the Research Literature on Evidence Based Healthcare Design (2008)14 Patterns of Biophilic Design – Improving Health & Well-being in the Built Environment

The human-nature connection extends beyond direct contact with natural surroundings. By incorporating symbolic and metaphorical references to nature, such as mimicking natural patterns, materials, forms, and elements, built environments can evoke a sense of connection to the natural world. Utilizing natural patterns in design can help minimize visual discomfort for individuals who are hypersensitive.