What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic Design is a framework for understanding of how humans have adapted to our natural environment. This information guides how we design the spaces we occupy.
International Living Future Institute
Biophilia, or the “love of life,” recognizes humans as part of a larger ecosystem.
We have evolved within our natural surroundings and thrive in conditions that best support us. This concept has ancient roots and continues to be upheld in many indigenous cultures
By integrating this awareness in our design, we reconnect with our roots and our love for nature. Not only will this approach foster a thriving population, but it also respects the land we live on, creating a brighter future for everyone.
The Foundation of Biophilic Design
FOUNDATION ONE
Biophilia: Our Human Connection to Nature
Our connection to nature goes beyond simply spending time outdoors.
The depth of this connection deepens our emotional ties with the environment. We call this connection biophilia. And through biophilia, we can find a higher sense of well-being.
FOUNDATION TWO
Research-Based: The Impact of Biophilic Design
Research shows that the more connected we feel to nature, the better our mental health, the happier we feel, and the more fulfilling life becomes.
Biophilia connects our origins (who we are as a species) with the habitats that best support us. The study of biophilia and biophilic design is informed by evolutionary biology, psychology, neuroscience, sociology, environment and behavior, architecture, and history.
FOUNDATION THREE
Biophilic Design: Designing Spaces Where Humans &
Nature Thrive
Like any other species, humans flourish in environments that best support our well-being. We crave a connection to the outdoors and nature. This is what Biophilic Design is all about – creating spaces where humans and nature thrive!
By designing with our innate need for nature, biophilic principles can be scaled – from entire cities to individual rooms. These designs promote well-being, leading to benefits like healing, satisfaction, and productivity.
Why Does Biophilic Design Matter?
We spend 90% of our time indoors, making our connection to the outdoors even more important. Research shows that biophilic design can dramatically improve mental, emotional, and physical health.
By using Biophilic Design we are creating environments that enhance our immediate surroundings as well as our connection to the broader ecological context. In other words, we enhance human well-being and simultaneously support sustainability.
Biophilic Design Creates Impactful Outcomes
Enhanced Mental Performance
Improved productivity, creativity, and educational outcomes.
- 6-15% Increase in Productivity
- Improved Concentration
- 15% Increase in Creativity
- 7-18% Increase in high school test scores
- Increased graduation rates.
Emotional Well-Being
Enhanced emotional well-being, creating appealing environments that attract top talent.
- Decreased anxiety and boredom
- Increased comfort and happiness
- Feelings of patience and restoration
- 13% Increase in recruitment & retention
Physical Health
Better physical health metrics, contribute to overall well-being and efficiency in spaces where people feel good, naturally leading to increased productivity.
- Faster heart rate recovery
- Reduced stress hormones and blood pressure
- 5% shorter hospital stays
- 22% less pain-relieving medication requests
Become an Advocate for Biophilic Design!
The Biophilic Design Institute equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to integrate biophilic design into their everyday work, instilling confidence in selling the concept to clients and fostering a community for discussions on both the big ideas and technical implementation.
This transformative approach leverages our inherent connection to nature in shaping the spaces we inhabit.
Beyond mere aesthetics, it recognizes the substantial impact of our relationship with the natural world on mental health, happiness, and overall well-being. Biophilic Design encompasses spaces where we live, work, play, heal, and commute to foster emotional bonds, reciprocity, and a sense of closeness to nature.
The goal is to create environments that enhance not only our immediate surroundings but also our connection to the broader ecological context.
Our vision is to create a world that…
- deepens the understanding of the human connection to nature.
- improves human and environmental health and well-being.
- reflects on our human impact on the non-human world.
- values the profound interdependence we share with the world we live in.
We do this through…
- fostering unbounded curiosity.
- deep listening and thoughtful conversation.
- collaborating with innovative thought leaders.
- embodying biophilic design principles in everything from our business model to our daily lives.