Since the 1980s, people have shown an inherent liking for plants, however, the idea to incorporate flora into the design of spaces has just started peaking. Generally, people now believe that indoors should mimic the great outdoors.
Biophilic designs have become more popular as people embrace the wild and understand the many benefits of having a little green in your space. Now more than ever, humans spend a lot of their time indoors; approximately 90% of the day. Therefore, it is becoming necessary to bring what is outside, inside.
According to the 2001 National Human Activity Pattern Survey, it is necessary to create indoor environments that reference nature obviously, and subtly. Biophilic designs can be simple and complex. At the lowest level, it means adding plants, aquariums, water features, paintings that mimic the outdoors, etc. to your workspaces, and at home. At a higher level, it means designing buildings and interior spaces in ways that incorporate sunlight and support plant life.
The Science Behind It
Biophilic design popularity has been more significantly influenced by what science has said about it. Scientific studies have shown that being closer to nature in any form is right for your health. Research has shown that lands help to reduce stress, increase focus, and can even boost immunity.
Studies have also shown that plants can help with productivity. Mental fatigue is quite common among people who spend their time focused on one thing, such as paperwork or a computer. Tearing your eyes away for a few minutes to stare at a plant gives our mind a break and restores your ability to focus, even having plants in your peripheral vision has a positive effect.
Benefits of Biophilic Designs
- Education facilities – Biophilic designs in schools could be the key to improving focus among students. Classrooms can be strategically placed to incorporate Biophilic elements which in turn enhances concentration, promotes health, and overall fosters better test results. Moreover, allowing children to play in environments with nature provides a means of mental restoration and better behavior.
- Real estate – people are often willing to pay more for properties with water features, natural indoor sunlight, and other Biophilic features. Statics have shown that buyers consider these additions as attractive features that increase property values.
- Workspace – as previously mentioned, the presence of Biophilic elements is enough to give your brain a break. Workspaces that incorporate these features offer employees a much needed ‘break’ that will improve their focus and increase productivity. Moreover, workplaces are stressful environments; Biophilic features give these spaces a more relaxed touch that reduces feelings of stress. Employees are, therefore, less likely to associate workplaces with feeling stress and anxiety.
- Retail space- studies have shown that people are more likely to buy from stores with strategically situated natural vegetation. This is because consumers associate trees, sunlight, and water features as attractive and appealing additions to their shopping experience. It is the reason why many shopping malls have strategically placed indoor plants and water features. They give a more relaxed appeal and are generally more inviting than plain spaces.
