The term ‘biophilia’ was first coined by social psychologist Eric Fromm (5. The Heart of Man, 1964) and later popularized by biologist Edward Wilson (Biophilia, 1984). The sundry denotations which have evolved from within the fields of biology and psychology, and been adapted to the fields of neuroscience, endocrinology, architecture and beyond all relate back to the desire for a (re)connection with nature and natural systems.

Tendency to be attracted to all that is alive and vital

(Fromm - 1964)

Empirical experience of deep communion with nature

(Wilson - 1984)

Biophilia is also an emotion. It represents the strong feeling of communion with Nature from which descends a psychophysical well-being for men. Biophilia refers to the innate human connection to nature and living systems. With the progress of civilization, people’s lifestyles have changed, resulting in a greater amount of time spent indoors, especially in developed countries. According to scientific data, individuals tend to spend about 85-90% of their day (or 19-21 hours) inside, engaging in activities such as work, studying, socializing, and entertainment (Godish 2001).

To incorporate nature into our built environment and foster a deeper connection between humans and their surroundings, designers have introduced the concept of biophilic design. Recent research has confirmed the positive impact of such design on health, bolstering empirical evidence for the connection between humans and nature and emphasizing its importance in design research and practice. This design approach can be implemented using natural finishes, indoor plants, and references to nature or its symmetry, which promote greater interaction with nature. Nowadays, biophilic design is increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of interior design for modern workplaces, offices, hospitals, and commercial buildings, with a focus on improving the well-being of staff.

Biophilic design is not just about aesthetics, as it can lead to tangible benefits supported by scientific research. Stress and anxiety are pervasive issues in many workplaces that can negatively affect employee performance and overall business success.

Studies have shown that exposure to nature can lead to greater psychological restoration and improved attention spans, as measured by factors such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.

Nature-inspired spaces have also been found to enhance creativity and mental energy, possibly due to the Attention Restoration Theory. This theory suggests that engaging with nature can activate a different part of the brain than what is typically used for short periods of focus, offering a chance for mental rejuvenation.

The concept of biophilic goes beyond just being a philosophical or design approach, as research has shown that exposure to natural environments can have significant positive effects on cognitive function, physical health, and psychological well-being. Biophilic design is thus not just an aesthetic choice, but a way to create spaces that support the health and well-being of their occupants. Therefore, some of the numerous benefits are:

• Visual connection with nature can lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve mental engagement, and attentiveness, and positively impact attitude and overall happiness. This is linked to lower incidence of depression, heart disease, and diabetes.

• Optimized thermal and airflow variability (i.e., the subtle shift in air temperature and humidity, such as a cool breeze) can positively impact one’s ability to concentrate in a space. This is linked to enhanced productivity.

• The presence of water can increase feelings of tranquility which also lowers the heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, it aids in memory restoration, enhanced perception, and psychological responsiveness. Researchers have also discovered that materials have a direct impact on stress levels. In particular, wood that shows its grain has been known to relax the autonomic nervous system.

• The sustainability aspect of biophilic design is crucial for living buildings and environments. Providing green spaces, water features, abundant plants and natural materials creates a host of benefits, including helping to reduce a development’s carbon footprint and regulating the temperature of buildings.

To create a vibrant, sustainable, and restorative environment, it is important to develop an interdisciplinary strategy early on in a project. This will ensure that cost-effective opportunities are not missed before they are fully explored.

While biophilia is a critical component of this strategy, it is just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive approach that considers various aspects such as sustainability, aesthetics, functionality, and health is needed to create an optimal environment. By taking a holistic approach to project development and involving all stakeholders in the early stages, the team can identify potential strengths, challenges, and opportunities. This will ultimately lead to improved project satisfaction and cost savings.

From an architectural perspective, incorporating biophilic design patterns can redirect the designer’s attention to the connections between people, health, high-performance design, and aesthetics, leading to a wholesome and human-centred design approach.

A research by: Gaia Calegari, Martha Serra