Biophilic design
Connecting nature and the built environment to positively impact people’s health and wellbeing
‘A love of life and the living world; the affinity of human beings for other life forms’
American sociobiologist Edward O. Wilson, widely acknowledged as the father of Biophilia, defined biophilia in his hypothesis (Wilson, 1984) as, ‘A love of life and the living world; the affinity of human beings for other life forms’. In short, biophilia is humankind’s innate biological desire to be close to nature.
In modern life we spend most of our time indoors, yet innately and perhaps subconsciously, we still have this craving for the outdoors. Biophilic design reconnects people with nature and in the built environment, biophilic buildings aim to bring you in tune with your surroundings. This has proven benefits to our health and wellbeing such as, stress reduction, increased cognitive performance, enhanced creativity and an improved mood.
Interview
Biophilia explained
Director Robert Hopkins is an advocate for the many benefits of biophilic design and he has incorporated biophilic principles into many of the buildings he has designed.
Evidence-based monitoring of health and wellbeing
The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying and monitoring the built environment and its connection to people’s health and wellbeing. The standard consists of 10 concepts which are then broken down into 110 features of a building. These 10 concepts have a direct interrelationship with our body systems, combining to improve people’s physical and mental health.
Relationships between nature, humans and the environment
Terrapin Bright Green is a sustainability consulting firm which has conducted extensive interdisciplinary research and used empirical evidence to establish ‘14 Biophilic Patterns’. Each pattern evokes proven, measurable responses on people health and wellbeing and can be incorporated into all elements of the built environment, from lighting, to air filtration systems, spacing arrangements to the materials used.
Using data-driven evidence to create a positive impact
Both systems are based on evidence-based data and we use both as a guide when designing. We can use this data to inform every aspect of our designs, for example; prioritising materials with low VOC’s, or creating zoned areas based on accurate activity noise levels. This ensures that any biophilic interventions made have the greatest impact on people’s health, wellbeing, productivity and sense of community, whatever the scale or sector of the project.
Case study - UK Hydrographic Office
An office to inspire and attract
Our architecture, landscape and interior design teams worked together, to create this modern, sustainable office which needed to inspire the people who worked there and attract the best talent to the organisation. We met these aspirations by referencing a central theme - “From Seabed to Surface” and incorporated biophilic interventions throughout to reinforce this concept.
Biophilic interventions
From seabed to surface
The design will support a smarter way of working and has created a healthy and productive environment that will attract, nurture and retain our employees.
The architectural design has also completely captured the heart of our brand, following the theme of ‘Seabed to Surface’.”
Jo Funnell
Project Manager, UK Hydrographic Office
Project News
The Spine: Biophilic building for human resilience
Designed to WELL Platinum Standard, this office is set to be one of the healthiest buildings in the World.
Date: 18 Oct 21
by Robert Hopkins
Director, Architecture
Thought Leadership
Building wellness
Designing for health and wellbeing has been a core focus among many higher education institutions for some time. As graduates move into the workplace, healthy office environments must be prioritised.
Date: 17 Mar 20
by Dominic Manfredi
Director, Architecture
Thought Leadership
Maximising sustainability with the intelligent application of technology
Maximising sustainability through regenerative design and the innovative use of technology is key to meeting the UK Green Building Council’s ambitious target for new and existing buildings.
Date: 13 Feb 20
by Karle Burford
Director, Architecture
Case Study - The Spine
One of the healthiest buildings in the World
Our integration of architecture and interior design has embedded wellness and biophilia into this innovative workplace, along with the highest standards for the provision of fresh air and water. The unique layout and design uses biophilic design principles, with strong connections to nature established throughout.
The Spine is an outstanding and innovative example of using workplace design to support cultural change, whilst providing a highly sustainable built environment and protecting the wellbeing of those that interact with it.”
BCO North West Awards 2022 Judges comments