“BIOPHILIA- (according to a theory of the biologist E. O. Wilson) An innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world.” 

Psychologist Erich Frome originally introduced the term 'Biophilia', meaning a love of life or living things and Entomologist Edward Wilson popularised the hypothesis in his book written in 1984 to describe the way humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. 

Biophilic design is an extension of the theory of Biophilia. The concept is not something new as architects have used biophilic design as a sustainable design strategy for several years. But with increasing awareness of sustainability and improving health through the built environment, the theory is becoming more prevalent and a very useful and current tool for designing interiors of today and the future. We, as humans, are part of the natural world and inherently connected with and drawn to natural elements, patterns and forms and so we need to surround ourselves with such elements. 

Interface created the report ' The Global impact of Biophilic Design in the workplace' from research they carried out across the globe. The findings showed a 15% perceived increase in well being and creativity and a 6% increase in productivity when Biophilic design elements were used in the workplace.

Following on from this Terrapin Green Space looked into the impact of Biophilic Design in Hospitality. The data found hotel rooms with a view command a 11%-18% increase in room rates than those without. They also discovered hotel guests had a 36% higher dwell rate in lobbies where biophilic elements were included in the design.

With the rise of urbanisation over the past few decades and the fact that 90% of our lives is now spent in the built environment, humans have slowly become more disconnected from nature. Many of the buildings where we spend most of our working day suffer from 'Sick building syndrome' where spaces often lack natural light, any elements of nature and poor air quality. This paired with longer working hours, more solitary working and living conditions, increased mental health issues and longer lifespans make Biophilic design seems like the only logical way to design for modern day living.

We aim to use a holistic approach to design, looking at not only the traditional interior design elements such as the fabric of the building and the space planning but also incorporating elements of biophilic design with the aim to improve heath and well being of the end user. Alongside our textural, luxurious design aesthetic, we look at biophilic design to stimulate the senses though design elements incorporating sight, sound, touch and smell.

I hope you enjoyed this blog, for more information please check out our other posts on Biophilic Design or contact us to chat about how we can help improve your space and your well being.

Thanks for reading,

Lou