BIOPHILIC DESIGN PATTERNS
Nature in the space
Bringing nature into living spaces to active the five senses.
Visual Connection with Nature
The sense of a living space can be transformed by a visual connection with living systems and natural processes.
Bringing nature into clear view can make a space feel whole, be stimulating or calming and may introduce a sense of time, weather, natural cycles and seasons.
Non-Visual Connection with Nature
Spaces that incorporate interactions with nature that stimulate sound, touch, smell and taste activate all of the senses bringing nature into our wider consciousness, heightening awareness and relaxing the central nervous system.
The sound of a crackling fire or a trickling water feature; fragrant plants or the diffusion of essential oil; the touch of natural material textures against bare skin - all can contribute to a sense of belonging, being at home.
Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli
Nature is full of moments of unexpected change and stimulation, subtle yet powerful, short lasting yet fascinating to the observer. A kinetic mobile installation, feather wind-catchers can mimic natual stimuli - the gentle sway of grasses or leaves moving in a breeze.
Chances to get joyfully distracted – even if only for a moment – providing the opportunity to reset our minds, clarify and refocus energy. Spaces with non-rhythmic stimuli are invitations into special moments, fresh, interesting, stimulating and energizing. Brief but welcome distraction.
Thermal & Airflow variability
Feeling subtle changes in air temperature, relative humidity, airflow across the skin, and surface temperatures brings a lovely familiar sense of being, at home in a natural environment. Indoor/outdoor spaces such as protected/covered patios or balconies can provide the comforts of indoor seating with the breezes and views of nature.
Natural airflow and thermal movements, gentle against the skin, create a refreshing, active, alive, invigorating and comfortable sense of space, creating flexibility and a sense of control.
Presence of water
Water is inherently calming – especially when incorporated into an otherwise unnatural setting. Water features can capture interest and lower stress, combining a sensory experience with visible movement, reflections, sounds and touch.
An intentionally-placed fountain, a view of a river from a window, an aquarium filled with coloured fish - the presence of water can make a space feel compelling and captivating. Different aspects - fluidity, sound, lighting, proximity and accessibility can contribute to making a space stimulating, calming, or both.
Dynamic & Diffuse light
We are evolved to respond to light, building energy, creating mystery, relaxing into tranquility. Living spaces that harnessing the natural changes and flow of lighting create interest, visual complexity, curiosity and stimulation.
Skylights, strategically-placed window treatments or sculptural pieces that cast an interesting shadow patterns can create spaces that convey expressions of time and movement, evoking feelings of drama and intrigue, with an underlying sense of calm.
Connection with natural systems
Connecting people with natural systems builds awareness and connection of natural processes, of the shifts in seasons and environments.
Most effective when produced naturally by simply opening up the barrier between the indoors and outdoors, awareness can be achieved by subtle changes in internal decoration showcasing seasonal elements or light colour which varies during different times of the day and night.
A space connected with natural systems evokes a relationship to a greater whole, bringing awareness of seasonality and the cycles of life. The experience is often relaxing, nostalgic, profound or enlightening, and frequently anticipated.
Focus on the organic, non-living, and implied elements of nature in a space.
Biomorphic forms & patterns
Symbolic representations within the design of the patterns, shapes, curves and angles textures or numerical arrangements found in nature.
This can appear in architectural or structural form, or in smaller, more decorative applications.
A space feels interesting and comfortable, possibly
captivating, contemplative or even absorptive.
Complexity and order
Visually appealing concept that uses the rich sensory information of the symmetries, hierarchies and geometries found in nature, within design. The pattern prioritizes symmetrical design that is sensory- and information-rich.
It is essential though to maintain balance between simplicity and overwhelm. If the design is too plain, it will lack the level of complexity to create intrigue, whereas if the design is too busy, it can actually lead to increased stress level.
In fact, these types of designs have been used for centuries across the world to evoke the feeling of calm. Fractals at the heart of an interior reduce the stress and emulate nature in every way possible.
A space feels engaging and information-rich, as an intriguing balance between boring and overwhelming.
Creating the experience of being in nature, supporting intuitive feelings of mystery, safety, and excitement.
Prospect
Unobstructed views with varieties in depth and focal lengths, help address our innate curiosity about what lies beyond our immediate environment, Atriums, balconies, and staircase landings provide opportunities to see beyond the immediate.
Providing multiple viewpoints allows for full visual access to the surrounding environment. Incorporating continuously engaging and information-rich elements such as contrasting heights, planes, and open floor plans can make a space
feel open and freeing as well as a sense of safety and control.
Refuge
A refuge is a place for withdrawal, a sanctuary, protected from environmental conditions or the buzz from central areas of activity. In a refugee the individual is protected from behind and overhead. Refuge is defined by separation and perceived safety.
Refuge spaces often include lower ceiling heights, acoustic paneling, suspended materials, and varied light levels. Set apart from the rest of the living spaces, a refuge quickly becomes a zone for reflection, meditation, relaxation and contemplation.
Mystery
Partially obscured views and other sensory devices that entice the individual to travel deeper into the environment provide a sense of Mystery - the promise of more information achieved through exploration and discovery.
Biophilic designs creating mystery can give a space a palpable sense of anticipation, a feeling of being teased, offering the senses denial and reward, compelling curiosity, aliveness and interest in further investigation.
Risk / Peril
Designing spaces with a sense of risk and peril - where there is a clearly identifiable threat (coupled with a reliable safeguard) can bring exhilaration and maybe even a little mischievous sense of danger, intrigue and confidence.
