The Rise of Biophilic Design and How to Incorporate it Into Your Home — An Azure Road Article Written by Danae Branson, Founder and CEO of Elite Design Assistants
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From plants to natural patterns, biophilic design focuses on how outdoor-inspired elements benefit our wellbeing.
As the science and medical communities continue to confirm that our environment has a direct correlation with our health, the trend of biophilic design is on the rise. Biophilic design refers to interior design and architecture that centers around nature and bringing those elements inside as much as possible. It may include increased natural light, living walls, eco-friendly materials, and feature patterns, textiles, and architecture that mimic elements found in nature.
Biophilic design is a newer concept that arose out of interior designers and architects recognizing their client’s needs, as well as their own, to disconnect from a digital world and reconnect with the calming effects of nature.
“My path to biophilic design began with an eye-opening two-hour continuing education course about the psychological impact of incorporating nature into interior spaces,” says Emily Roose of Roose Interiors in Nashville, TN.
Her personal journey with thyroid disease for over 20 years triggered a deeper interest for her. The experience heightened her awareness of how our environments directly affect our wellbeing. Biophilic design is not just about creating beautiful spaces, but about designing atmospheres that actively contribute to people’s physical and mental wellbeing while respecting the environment.
By using this approach, Emily was able to fulfill a deeper mission. “Creating spaces that not only reflect my clients’ personalities but also nurture their health and support environmental sustainability,” she says.
Bringing the Outdoors In
Biophilic and sustainable design create a powerful connection in modern interiors. Sustainable design focuses on environmental responsibility through the use of natural and recycled materials, energy efficiency, and waste minimization, while biophilic design strengthens our connection to nature, boosting our psychological and physiological well-being. And when combined, these two design philosophies integrate natural elements that are eco-friendly and nurturing, benefitting both the planet and its inhabitants.
It’s no wonder major U.S. corporations like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Etsy are incorporating biophilic design into their offices – it’s also been proven to increase creativity and productivity.
“I was amazed at the data about wellness and biophilic design,” says Anne Haas of Anne Haas Design in McLean, VA. “One quote by Dr. Claudia Miller that caught my eye is ‘Architects and designers have a greater ability to improve public health than medical professionals.’ Miller is a professor of occupational and environmental medicine in the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. That we can improve our mood and blood pressure, increase our productivity and creativity, and feel an overall sense of peace and wellbeing by how and with what we design our homes is fantastic!”
Continue reading the full article on Azure Road’s website to learn how to fill your home with biophilic elements.
This article is reposted with permission from Azure Road: https://www.azureroad.io/biophilic-design-nature-home/