When you think of biophilic design, what comes to mind? Plants everywhere, right? While greenery plays a role, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The design theory is deeper, more intentional, and increasingly essential as we aim to connect indoor spaces with the natural world. Read on to explore what people tend to get wrong about biophilic design so you can overcome these misconceptions in your project.
It Is Just About Plants
As we already mentioned, plants are a big part of biophilic design, but they’re not the only integral aspect. True biophilic spaces have sustainability built into the architecture with lots of natural light, maximized airflow, eco-friendly building materials, water features, and more. Many biophilic buildings are also LEED certified.
Biophilic Design Is Purely Aesthetic
Many people assume biophilic design is only about bringing the outdoors inside to create pretty spaces, but its benefits run much deeper. The theory develops healthy spaces that make us feel grounded and connected to nature. This controls stress, improves focus, elevates mood, boosts productivity, and more. Overall, biophilic design is meant to look beautiful, but its main purpose is to help people thrive.
Exteriors Naturally Include Biophilic Design
People rightfully associate biophilic design with nature, so many of them assume that the exteriors of homes and buildings don’t need intentional design because it’s already there. However, biophilic design tries to maximize synergy with nature—not just let it exist. That requires intentional building and decorating even in courtyards, patios, and backyards.
For example, a big part of biophilic design is creating healthy mid-door spaces, which are architectural zones that blur the lines between the indoors and outdoors. A sunroom that leads to a sustainable garden is a good example. This feature better integrates the home with its natural surroundings instead of creating a harsh juxtaposition between outside nature and curated inside nature.
It Is New and Trendy
Biophilic design might seem like the latest buzzword, but it’s hardly new. People have been incorporating natural elements into their living spaces for centuries. Japanese design has long been a master of this concept. What’s new is the intentionality. Today, biophilic design is a response to increasingly urbanized living; it recognizes our innate need to reconnect with nature, even in the most modern settings.
Were you getting anything wrong about biophilic design? Now that you know the truth, you can better integrate the theory into your design projects.
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