How can biophilic design enhance climate resilience in buildings? (2024)

Last week the Department of Energy in the US announced to invest $46 Million to boost energy efficiency and reduce emissions in residential and commercial buildings. The money will be allocated into 29 different projects, across 15 states to develop advanced building technologies and support "innovative decarbonization strategies". When these strategies are deployed, across the entire real estate industry, they would significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. They can eliminate unnecessary or wasteful energy consumption and reduce the strain on the nation’s electric grid. Since the built environment is accountable for up to 40% of GHG emissions, projects like these are more than welcome.

Biophilic design can enhance climate resilience in buildings by integrating natural elements and processes, fostering a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding ecosystem. It incorporates natural ventilation, shading, and passive heating and cooling strategies. Biophilic design goes beyond aesthetics; it integrates natural elements and processes to create buildings that are not only sustainable but also resilient in the face of climate-related challenges. This holistic approach aligns with the principles of climate resilience and contributes to the overall well-being of both the built environment and its occupants.

Architecture connects directly with nature. All forms result from images shaped by nature, including those generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI does not create or invent a “new form;” it allows us to discover shapes previously unimagined but still derived from nature. The greatest thing that Modernism, postModernism, and deconstructivism have in common is the idea that architecture is a response to nature. A building’s relationship to the landscape, its structural quality, the interplay of light, the attraction to order and complexity, its capacity for inspiration, and the combinations of color, texture, and shadow are all aesthetic qualities that link humanity to the natural world. Aesthetics awareness is rooted in nature.

For sustainable development, we need to develop affiliation with the nature— love plants, animals and green energy!Thus, we can grow plants wherever possible, and keep on finding space for plants as friends of nature. Again, as friends of nature, communities and private sector should play their role in future readiness, climate change residence, disaster preparedness, and risk reduction through innovative development practices and climate change mitigation efforts. Then, the communities would have the ability to respond to natural calamities with preparedness...

Human beings connect physiologically and psychologically more strongly to structures that feature complex organizations rather than disorganized constructions. This connectivity is true for the natural and built environment and is vital to overall wellness and contentment. Science has proven that access to natural light, plants, scenic images, and environmental artwork significantly affects surgery recovery, decreases pain management, and induces positive mental states. Research shows physical and mental health improves when natural aesthetic qualities in the living environment are present, while the absence of nature can be equally damaging. The implications of recent research have potentially staggering consequences for architecture.

Biophilic design supports climate resilience when designers maximize passive design elements to produce renewable energy, decarbonization, fresh water, food access, minimal waste, and rewarding living spaces—achieved artistically and creatively. It may seem like a big expectation, but it is attainable with imagination, desire, and ability. Those who embrace the Anthropocene see no future in yesterday's Holocene, where nature and humankind collide. The Anthropocene is upon us; we control its ferocity—assuming we make the radical existential changes necessary to form new ways of existence. Biophilia shows how to coexist and care for nature. If I could be anywhere and have a chance to help change the world, I would be right here right now.

Another example of biophilic design integration is the Isle Waterfront Newstead by Mirvac which offers a luxury residential apartment living spaces which incorporates features of open balconies, connected parkland space, water features and facilities that enhance natural lighting to ensure occupants can feel at peace within the living space. Globally this trend is on the rise and many more examples can be found in residential and commercial settings as there is increasing awareness about the impact of building design on climate change and population health. Biophilic design serves as a growing solution to address this concern.