PROPERTY & INTERIORS NATURAL CONNECTION
Sharlene Young, Founder and Principal of Symbiotic Living, explains how to incorporate biophilic design principles to create restorative spaces that enhance residents’ health and wellbeing.
Home is more than a physical structure for our day-to-day existence. It’s where a person feels they belong, where they feel most comfortable, loved and safe. It’s a place to live in the way you want, to make memories and to thrive. Whatever the size or configuration, it’s a place to find sanctuary, to relax, to focus, to energise. The best design for a home may vary considerably, taking into account multiple factors of individual taste, lifestyle, needs and aspirations, but there is a commonality beyond the aesthetics. Thoughtful design for a home supports wellbeing not only by making the space functional, but also by enhancing physical comfort and promoting emotional and psychological health.
THE POSITIVE IMPACT FROM CONNECTING
WITH NATURE One important way to achieve this is with biophilic design which is about integrating multi-sensory experiences of nature into the built environment to boost physical, cognitive and emotional health.
In most post-industrial countries, we spend over 90% of our time indoors. Scientific evidence confirms what we know intuitively – that having a connection with nature makes us feel good. We are intuitively drawn to natural forms, patterns and materials. Studies have shown that spending as little as 15 minutes a day in nature can make a difference to our physical and mental health. Further data confirms the benefits of bringing elements from nature into our built environment. Having a visual connection with nature, either as a view or
with direct access to the outside, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, improves mental engagement and mood and enhances cognitive performance. Memory recall increases by 10-15% when there is access to a view to the natural world. Problem solving goes up by 6-7% when seated with views onto vegetation. Scientific evidence has shown that thoughtfully designed lighting helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, our circadian rhythm, and influences our mood and energy levels.
Biophilic design principles prioritise the continuity between exterior and interior spaces, fostering a sense of belonging to the natural surroundings beyond. Studies have shown that we feel the calmest and safest in an environment where we have both prospect (openness and views) and refuge (security and enclosure). There is evidence that having physical access to the outdoors or being able to look out onto greenery reduces stress, boredom, irritation and fatigue. Having the perception of safety has been shown to improve concentration.
Biophilic design is about creating a restorative environment and the three most impactful areas on overall wellbeing and the experience of space are prospect, refuge and lighting. The orientation of the buildings and how spaces are organised, the views and whether there is direct access to the outside, all affect the occupant’s direct interaction with nature. The amount of natural light, together with sounds and scents from nature, will make a significant difference. Using imagery, patterns and materials from the natural world in interior decor will also bring comfort and boost happiness. We are intuitively drawn to natural forms, patterns and materials. This has been
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