[bahy-oh-fil-ee-uh.‐feel-yuh]
“Biophilic design is the deliberate attempt to translate an understanding of the inherent human affinity to affiliate with natural systems and processes — known as biophilia–into the design of the built environment.”
Edward O. Wilson 1984 and Stephen R. Kellert 1993
Modern humans spend, on average, 90% of their time indoors!! Billions of dollars are invested into our built environment and systems that help us maintain a productive western society. Modern technology in these environments has shut us off from nature by building barriers to our connections with nature. Thoughtful interior design should incorporate biophilia in order to start to lift the wall between humans and nature.
What is Biophilia?
Biophilia means a love of life and the living world. Humans have a basic affinity of other forms of life.
Evidence-Based Design and Biophilia
In 1984, Roger S. Ulrich conducted a study on a group of patients that were recovering from abdominal surgery. Some patients had views of nature and trees. Some patients had views of a brick wall. Aside from the views, the care and treatment of these patients was standard procedure. What Ulrich came to discover was that the patients with views of trees and nature left the hospital sooner and ultimately recovered faster than those patients with a view of a brick wall. This understanding brought forth evidence-based biophilic design to healthcare communities, hospitals, and clinics. Evidence-based biophilic design brought a whole new light to understanding how our environments can heal post-surgical patients in the modern world.
Great!!! Now that we have a basic understanding of the science behind biophilia and what it actually means, how can we start to implement this into our spaces while we learn more?
Much Love Interiors Biophilic 101 Tips:
- Open your windows and let fresh air in!
- If this is not possible, use a HEPA air purifier.
- Get a plant or many plants.
- Much Love Interiors recommends a heartleaf philodendron for their ease of care and air purifying benefits.
- Whenever possible, limit prolonged exposure to fluorescent and blue lighting.
- Natural daylight or full-spectrum lighting is always best.
- Add life to your space!
- A pet or a fish tank, outside of the bedroom (more on this in future blogs) can have incredible healing effects.
- Add colors and textures that can be found in nature.
- These should appeal to everyone that uses the space.
Diving Deeper
As Much Love Interiors begins to dive deeper into how biophilic design can be incorporated into interior spaces, existing and new, each blog will take a closer look at various topics surrounding biophilia and humans in spaces. Stay tuned for more on how to make your space healthy, supportive and productive!