Biophilic Design

Biophilia refers to the natural affinity we have for the patterns, forms and phenomena found in the natural world. This affinity is based on millennia of evolution: those environmental cues that let us know we were physically safe from thirst, hunger, exposure or predation are the same ones that still cause us to have a greater sense of well-being. Studies that categorize these cues also link them to positive physiological states such as increased attention and focus, reduced stress, improved immune response and decreased healing times.

Biophilia as a design strategy for the built environment was first explored by Stephen Kellert at Yale University and E.O. Wilson of Harvard. Terrapin Bright Green, a design firm out of NYC has further categorized biophilic design into 14 specific biophilic patterns for incorporation within the built environment.
 

Nature in the Space

1. Visual Connection with Nature
2. Non-Visual Connection with Nature
3. Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
4. Thermal / Airflow Variability
5. Presence of Water
6. Dynamic and Diffused Light
7. Connection to Natural Systems

Natural Analogues

8. Biomorphic Forms and Patterns
9. Material Connection to Nature
10. Complexity and Order

Nature of the Space

11. Prospect
12. Refuge
13. Mystery
14. Risk / Peril

The impacts of biophilic design on human health and well-being have been studied and employed in various health and wellness facilities, hotels and restaurants, as well as in workplace settings for such tech giants as Amazon and Google. It is only beginning to gain some traction in educational settings, where the benefits could potentially have long-ranging impact. Beyond improving students’ engagement and performance, learning in nature-rich environments may re-establish an ethic that considers broader ecological implications of students’ future work.

We have interwoven biophilic design strategies with Nature’s Technologies and the goals for the space, intentionally to encourage the consideration of material, function and system as they align with sustainability objectives. For example, an aquaponics unit in the space can teach about materials, nutrient cycling, food security, and organismal biology, structure and function at the same time it meets the biophilic goals of visual connection with nature, presence of water, non-rhythmic sensory stimuli, connection to natural systems, and complexity and order.