INDUSTRY VIEWFINDER 17
INDUSTRY VIEWFINDER
Current Thinking & Approaches to Biophilic Design
B
iophilic design is the principle of bringing natural elements such as plants and nature-inspired design elements into urban environments and workplaces. It’s an established, science- based approach that aims to enhance the built environment for users, and it’s being increasingly pursued by architects and clients, via a variety of design measures, products and materials, with the end goal of increasing users’ wellbeing and productivity. There is evidence for the mental and physical benefi ts – oxygen from plants, lowered cortisol levels, and the increased production of certain enzymes for increased cognitive function. As well as effectiveness of staff in workplaces, there are also less tangible benefi ts such as generally increasing the users’ enjoyment of the spaces, which can contribute to client companies’ ESG goals. Our survey of architects aimed to discover which design measures architects are utilising, what client understanding and demand is like, and what challenges and constraints designers are facing. The survey explored which sectors lend themselves to biophilic approaches versus those which are less appropriate, and how well biophilic features integrate with overall design and architecture.
There are a host of challenges associated with realising the approach’s benefi ts in practice, which goes some way to explaining why half of respondents to our survey of architects said they aren’t currently employing biophilic design into their projects. Our survey also shows a general lack of understanding among clients about the benefi ts of biophilic design, refl ected in a lag in client-side uptake, despite studies having shown there’s a fi nancial return for every pound spent on improving employee wellbeing. Research has also shown a link between exposure to nature and increased productivity and creativity. It has also been associated with a reduction in stress and an overall increase to wellbeing
and mental health. RIBA says people spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, so there are obvious benefi ts to using natural resources in design, to harness the innate benefi ts of creating a stronger connection with the natural world. As well as the benefi ts it brings in regards to employee wellbeing, biophilic design also undoubtedly has environmental benefi ts, encouraging the use of more sustainable materials and promoting biodiversity. It also positively infl uences the behaviours of a
Are you ‘explicitly’ employing biophilic design in your projects?
ADF JANUARY 2025
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
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