By Jean Larson
Have you heard of the concept of biophilic design? If not, it’s an extension of biophilia — a hypothesis that recognizes humans have evolved in adaptive response to the natural world.
Biophilia posits that we are biologically hardwired to associate more positively with natural features in our environment. Biophilic design taps into that biophilic process through design methodology that connects people in buildings with nature. It focuses on aspects of the natural world that have contributed to human health and productivity in the age-old struggle to survive.
Biophilic-designed buildings incorporate features such as natural lighting, ventilation, natural landscapes and other elements (plants, green walls, aquariums) to create a more productive and healthy built environment for people. According to a study from Human Spaces, an employee wellbeing consultancy group, workers in environments with more green are 6% more productive, 15% more creative and report a 15% higher level of wellbeing.
Apple’s ring-shaped headquarters (called Apple Park) in Cupertino, California is a famous example of biophilic design. Its shape brings in natural light from all angles, and thousands of trees have been planted in and around the center ring.
The Bosco Verticale, or “vertical forest,” consists of two residential towers in Milan, with its walls and balconies covered in thousands of shrubs, trees and perennials. A unique system has been incorporated to capture rainwater to irrigate the greenery.
The headquarters of Rolls Royce in Chichester, England features one of the world’s largest green roofs — with thousands of square feet covered in native plant species — to insulate the building and control stormwater runoff.
Amazon’s The Spheres offices in Seattle are an inventive example of biophilic design with three transparent greenhouses packed with various plants, making it a unique workplace.
I would be remiss if I did not mention Singapore, the world’s first “biophilic city,” where the city planners have made every effort to incorporate plants, water and wildlife into buildings, parks, streetscapes and government offices.
While all of these are great examples on a grand scale — the good news is the same principles can be applied in any office or workspace. You can incorporate elements of biophilic design simply by organizing your office with a window view, adding plants, opening shades or adding a picture of nature. The bottom line is the more green you add to your workspace, the bigger the benefit.
Dr. Jean Larson is the manager of Nature-Based Therapeutics and Nature Heals Initiative at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and is faculty lead of the Nature-Based Therapeutic Studies at the Earl Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing of the University of Minnesota.
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