Last updated on Jan 4, 2024
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Use plants and natural elements
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Incorporate nature-inspired patterns and shapes
3
Provide views and access to nature
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Create diverse and flexible spaces
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Engage the occupants and the community
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6
Educate and inspire
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7
Here’s what else to consider
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Biophilic design is an approach that aims to reconnect people with nature in the built environment. It can enhance the well-being, productivity, and creativity of the occupants, as well as reduce the environmental impact of the building. However, biophilic design is not only for the privileged few who can afford lavish green spaces and natural materials. There are many ways to make biophilic design strategies accessible to everyone in a commercial building, regardless of the budget, location, or function. Here are some of them.
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- David Charles, CSI Esteemed advocate for collaboration amongst leaders, supporters, and professionals in the Construction and Greater AEC… 4
- Debbie Barakat Sales and Marketing Specialist 1
1 Use plants and natural elements
One of the easiest and most effective ways to bring nature into a commercial building is to use plants and natural elements, such as wood, stone, water, and light. Plants can improve the air quality, reduce stress, and create a sense of calm and relaxation. They can also add visual interest, color, and texture to the space. Natural elements can evoke the sensory experiences of nature, such as the sound of water, the warmth of wood, and the smell of earth. They can also create a contrast with the artificial and synthetic materials that dominate most commercial buildings.
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There are some strategies that I could represent as an architect:•Incorporating green walls, roofs, and facades that cover the exterior or interior surfaces with vegetation•Adding indoor plants, trees, and flowers in pots, planters, or hanging baskets•Creating outdoor gardens, courtyards, or terraces that offer access to nature and fresh air•Using natural light, ventilation, and water features to mimic the natural cycles and rhythms of nature
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2 Incorporate nature-inspired patterns and shapes
Another way to make biophilic design strategies accessible to everyone in a commercial building is to incorporate nature-inspired patterns and shapes in the architecture, furniture, and accessories. These can include biomimicry, which is the imitation of natural forms and functions, such as honeycomb structures, spider webs, or leaf veins. They can also include biophilia, which is the attraction to natural patterns and shapes, such as fractals, spirals, or curves. These patterns and shapes can stimulate the brain, enhance the aesthetics, and create a sense of harmony and order.
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- Debbie Barakat Sales and Marketing Specialist
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Taking inspiration from nature and using biomimicry principles in design can allow for an internal spaces to be more tactile, nurturing and calming rather than clinical and bare with hard edged surfaces. This can in turn affect people within the spaces at a subliminal level and in turn affect one's mood or even mental state.
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3 Provide views and access to nature
A third way to make biophilic design strategies accessible to everyone in a commercial building is to provide views and access to nature, both inside and outside the building. Views of nature can reduce mental fatigue, increase attention, and boost mood. They can also create a connection with the natural cycles of the day and the seasons. Access to nature can allow the occupants to enjoy the benefits of natural light, fresh air, and physical activity. They can also provide opportunities for social interaction, recreation, and restoration.
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Part of the reason buildings are the way they are is due to a lack of norms, policy and law. Imagine to be mandatory to create a nature based views, connectivity and access to nature for any building type, the benefits will be outcome of this decision. Social interaction, recreation, mental and physical health, and the opportunity to create fresh air will come after by itself. I do encourage fellow designers to go beyond minimum requirements and do propose this solution types, as more and more people start preferring this type of spaces developers will find value and will fund more of these strategies as investors will see a proved ROI.
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4 Create diverse and flexible spaces
A fourth way to make biophilic design strategies accessible to everyone in a commercial building is to create diverse and flexible spaces that cater to different needs, preferences, and activities. These can include spaces that offer privacy, comfort, and personalization, such as individual workstations, quiet zones, or cozy nooks. They can also include spaces that foster collaboration, communication, and innovation, such as meeting rooms, breakout areas, or social hubs. These spaces can reflect the diversity and complexity of nature, as well as the adaptability and resilience of the occupants.
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- David Charles, CSI Esteemed advocate for collaboration amongst leaders, supporters, and professionals in the Construction and Greater AEC industry.
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Adaptability of work spaces is crucial for successful biophilic design!Companies are struggling to get workers back full time in the office post-pandemic. Designing a work environment that makes people comfortable enough to leave their home is the key! Just like our homes, we (on average) surround ourselves with plants and designate spaces for our home offices.Modular wall systems (to mitigate group conference rooms and individual offices) as well as common gathering areas (i.e lobbies with living plant walls, interior open courtyards, cafeterias with booths featuring plant installations) promote health, well-being, and beauty will entice many to come back.Sustainability comes not just from the design but how people inhibit it.
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5 Engage the occupants and the community
A fifth way to make biophilic design strategies accessible to everyone in a commercial building is to engage the occupants and the community in the design, implementation, and maintenance of the biophilic features. This can include soliciting feedback, suggestions, and ideas from the users, as well as involving them in the selection, installation, and care of the plants and natural elements. It can also include creating a sense of ownership, responsibility, and pride among the occupants, as well as fostering a culture of sustainability, health, and well-being. Furthermore, it can include connecting with the local context, history, and identity of the place, as well as supporting the environmental and social causes of the community.
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6 Educate and inspire
A sixth way to make biophilic design strategies accessible to everyone in a commercial building is to educate and inspire the occupants and the visitors about the benefits, principles, and practices of biophilic design. This can include providing information, signage, and displays that explain the purpose, function, and impact of the biophilic features. It can also include organizing events, workshops, and activities that showcase the biophilic design examples, stories, and innovations. Moreover, it can include encouraging the occupants and the visitors to share their experiences, insights, and feedback about the biophilic design, as well as to apply the biophilic design concepts to their own homes, workplaces, and lifestyles.
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7 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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