Biophilia and Biophilic Design – two huge buzzwords at the moment in the interior design world. But what do they mean, and how are they different? Is there even a difference?
Biophilia
Biophilia is described as “an innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world” by the biologist E.O. Wilson. His theory suggests that humans have an innate attraction for living things, a love of nature that they are born with. It indicates that humans want to seek connections with other living things. The word is from the new Latin “love of life”, from ‘bio’ + ‘philia’.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic Design is linked to Biophilia, but quite different in some ways as well. It plays on the idea of Biophilia, but adds extra elements and practicalities to bring this theory into the built environment more effectively.
Biophilic Design focuses on natural shapes, textures, light, planting and other elements to create a space that has hints of nature running through it. Designers draw inspiration from nature to create spaces that evoke a positive reaction. It’s proven that spaces with these elements in help increase employees happiness and productivity, and reduce absenteeism and illness.
Some of the main forms of Biophilic Design are:
Plants are the obvious choice for any business wanting to add some biophilic touches to their office. They help add some colour into the space, and improve the environment as they filter the air and keep the humidity at the optimum level. Artificial plants can also be used to bring in colour and vibrancy to the space. These are particularly useful when they are placed in environments where live planting wouldn’t survive. Green walls and Moss walls also are used to help green up spaces. Learn more about Office Plants
It is also extremely important that workers get enough natural light in their environment. Spaces that are starved of natural light are depressive and this has a negative effect on the people there. Artificial lighting can also be used – by colour changing lighting, companies can use this to tap into their workers circadian rhythms and help them feel more relaxed.
The textures and colours in a space also have a big biophilic benefit. Wood, stone and green textures help create a more inviting and natural space. This can be brought in through furniture finishes, wall finishes, and flooring. Many companies now are producing biophilic wall coverings and flooring finishes to assist designers in bringing these elements into a space.
Summary
Biophilia is the innate connection between human beings and other living things, whereas Biophilic Design is how designers play on this idea and bring natural elements into a space to help make it more attractive and resonant with the senses.
FAQs
Biophilia is the innate connection between human beings and other living things, whereas Biophilic Design is how designers play on this idea and bring natural elements into a space to help make it more attractive and resonant with the senses.
What is the difference between biophilia and Biomorphism? ›
Biomorphism looks at nature as an inspiration for unconventional forms. Biophilia concerns how nature or natural elements make us feel, what impacts are the greatest in terms of physical and psychological wellbeing. These are the differences.
What is biophilic design in simple words? ›
Biophilic design is an approach to architecture that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature. Biophilic designed buildings incorporate things like natural lighting and ventilation, natural landscape features and other elements for creating a more productive and healthy built environment for people.
What is the difference between biophilic and sustainable design? ›
Biophilic design and sustainable design are two well-known design principles that revolve around nature, and yet both have vastly different purposes. Whilst one is dedicated to minimising the impacts on the natural world, the other is committed to maximising the health and happiness of the population.
What is an example of biophilia? ›
The Barbican Centre is one of the earliest and most famous examples of biophilic architecture. Opened in the 1980s as an estate in London, it's renowned for its striking, brutalist design. The bleak style of the Barbican is juxtaposed with the use of natural and artificial lakes and extensive wildlife.
What is the difference between biophilia and biophilic design? ›
Biophilia is the innate connection between human beings and other living things, whereas Biophilic Design is how designers play on this idea and bring natural elements into a space to help make it more attractive and resonant with the senses.
What biophilia means? ›
: a hypothetical human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature : a desire or tendency to commune with nature. Biophilia is the term coined by the Harvard naturalist Dr.
What are the three principles of biophilic design? ›
Biophilic design principles are generally organised into three categories: nature in the space, nature of the space, and natural analogues. Nature in the space refers to the direct presence of nature and often includes multi-sensory interactions.
What is not biophilic design? ›
Exposures to nature within a disconnected space – such as an isolated plant or an out of context picture or a natural material at variance with other dominant spatial features – is NOT effective biophilic design.
What are the disadvantages of biophilic design? ›
If not properly maintained, natural elements can become unsightly or even hazardous. Allergies: For some employees, exposure to natural elements such as plants or flowers can trigger allergies or other health issues. Space limitations: Biophilic design may not be practical for all workspaces.
We like to think of biophilia as finding the joy in nature – 'affiliating with other forms of life' sounds a tad creepy. The opposite, biophobia, is the fear of nature.
What companies have biophilic design? ›
Large companies like Etsy, Airbnb, Microsoft, and Amazon are going beyond the occasional desk plant and are bringing green office design to a new standard.
What is the difference between biophilic and biomimetic? ›
So What's the Difference? In a nutshell, biomimicry is the “mimicry,” or more accurately, the emulation of life's engineering. In contrast, biophilia describes humans' connection with nature and biophilic design is replicating experiences of nature in design to reinforce that connection.
What is the concept of Biomorphism? ›
Biomorphic forms or images are ones that while abstract nevertheless refer to, or evoke, living forms such as plants and the human body.
What is the difference between biomimicry and biomorphism? ›
Biomorphism refers to designs that visually resemble elements from life (they “look like” nature), whereas biomimetic designs focus on function (they “work like” nature). Biomorphic designs can be very beautiful and beneficial, in part because humans have a natural affinity for nature and natural forms.
