Biophilic Design

The crossroads of aesthetic and sustainable design objectives has always piqued my interest. Aesthetics are not limited by sustainability but it is interesting to view sustainable design as a way to achieve certain aesthetic objectives. Eco-friendly building design is mainstream thinking in the Architecture & Design world, and that juncture offers exciting opportunities to create breathtaking buildings. In this article, I’ll examine how reclaimed wood allows designers to realize their aim of creating beautifully green buildings for the twenty-first century.

How Reclaimed Wood Achieves Environmental Goals

To appreciate the ways in which reclaimed wood contributes to sustainable design, it’s important to review the tenets of sustainability. The Whole Building Design Guide’s site lists six fundamental principles of sustainable design: optimization of site potential, optimization of energy use, protection and conservation of water, optimization of building space and material use, enhancement of indoor environmental quality (IEQ), and optimization of operational and maintenance practices.

Optimization of site potential refers to the relationship between a building and its location. Site selection, energy consumption, and renovation of old or historic buildings all fall under the umbrella of site potential. Conveniently, reclaimed wood can help any building maximize its site potential in many areas. A noteworthy use here is to decrease energy use, which is also the second key principle of sustainable design. According to the American Forest Foundation, wood improves energy efficiency. It even stores carbon, which can also increase IEQ. Reclaimed wood also boasts the distinct advantage of being sustainable throughout its lifecycle. Sourcing reclaimed wood uses much less energy and than new wood. Reclaimed wood contributes to geographic, historic, ecological and cultural connection to place based on its story, sourcing location and eco contribution.

From Canadian Architect: The Head Office of STGM Architects optimizes its site potential with reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood also helps optimize building material use. The WBDG emphasizes focusing on long-term sustainability, especially when it comes to materials. Sourcing new wood as a Construction & Demolition (C&D) material requires considerable resource consumption and chemical production. On the other hand, the processes involved with reclaimed wood emit fewer toxins into the environment, save living trees, and prevent usable wood from being landfilled.

From OTJ Architects: Using reclaimed wood is an easy way to improve IEQ

IEQ enhancement is yet another benefit of reclaimed wood. IEQ is defined as “the quality of a building’s environment in relation to the health and wellbeing of those who occupy space within it.” In other words, IEQ can be thought of as a reflection of a space’s biophilia. Reclaimed wood comes in handy here as well. IEQ is determined by a plethora of factors, many of which can be optimized by using reclaimed wood. For example, there are benefits like increased social interaction and productivity associated with reclaimed wood use and typically reclaimed wood is finished with products that have zero or low amounts of VOCs. Contaminant levels can be minimized by selecting reclaimed wood providers who are committed to using finishes, fill or adhesives with low concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As a result, occupants will be exposed to fewer contaminants, and their health and performance levels will be bolstered.

From Chadbourne & Doss Architects: The implementation of reclaimed wood can boost IEQ in any built environment

In short, reclaimed wood is an environmental win. That’s why Architecture & Design firms from all over the world use it extensively especially when working to achieve WELL, Living Building Challenge or LEED certification standards. From workspace floors to hotel walls, reclaimed wood provides builders with an easy route to more eco-friendly design. The work of A&D firms like Perkins+WIll, Roman & Williams, and CallisonRTKL further demonstrates that reclaimed wood is one of the most useful sustainable building materials. And it’s not just good for the earth; it’s also a flexible design tool.

From Roman & Williams: The Breslin in NYC uses post-consumer reclaimed wood flooring sourced from a ranch in the Pacific Northwest

Reclaimed Wood and Aesthetics

The study of aesthetics in architecture first began in ancient Rome with Vitruvius, and there’s still plenty of lively discussion happening today. While design aesthetics have been reimagined and challenged over the years, the same basic tenets remain. The three factors that Vitruvius mentioned––commodity, firmness, and delight––still comprise the backbone of design. Many modern aesthetic principles come from such influential architects and designers as Louis Sullivan, who famously posited that “form follows function” and Frank Lloyd Wright who modified Sullivan’s phrase to “form and function are one”.

The WBDG points out that successful aesthetics in architecture means utilizing an integrated approach, which should result in a space that “achieves useful, humane, and economical results, and…expresses those qualities regardless of style.” Reclaimed wood can realize all three of those goals and thus act as an agent of aesthetics. In Design and Aesthetics in Wood, architect A. Quincy Jones examined the reasons behind wood’s aesthetic popularity, noting that people think of spaces with wood as more habitable than spaces without. Wood is instantly familiar and can lend a sense of welcome to any built environment.

From DTW Architects & Planners: The Duke School in Durham, NC leverages the aesthetics of wood to evoke feelings of warmth and positivity

Recently, this concept of aesthetics has been pushed even further. Now, designers need to not only pay close attention to industry trends but also construct inspired environments that reflect their intended purpose as well as their natural surroundings. This is biophilic design in action. Biophilic design aims to create spaces that connect its occupants to nature and, in doing so, improve their health. Many Architecture & Design professionals have been using biophilia as a way to achieve aesthetic goals, and reclaimed wood is a widely used biophilic building material that engages occupants in many of the 14 patterns of biophilic design.

From Architectural Record: Biophilic design provides universally pleasing aesthetics that satisfy natural human needs

What’s so special about reclaimed wood is its ability to create an aesthetic that is at once natural and contemporary. It simultaneously reminds occupants of the environment and brings forth association with high-end architecture. Post consumer reclaimed wood reflects its age through its unique visual character that’s different with every piece, and in this way, reclaimed wood installations tell a story all their own. The distinct type of weathering that reclaimed wood undergoes and the natural patina it develops over time are beautiful in ways that virgin wood cannot match. Other methods of reclaim wood sourcing, like orchard salvage, industrial fall down or water reclaimed can allow for a clean aesthetic or a unique look.

From TerraMai: Reclaimed wood in the fitness center and commissary areas produces a pleasing aesthetic at Toyota’s North American HQ

Conclusion

It’s easy to see why reclaimed wood is a modern designer’s dream building material. It’s not only sustainable throughout its lifecycle but also capable of fostering a refined aesthetic. It’s become more important with the growth of biophilic design, and it will continue to be a vital part of Architecture & Design as a whole. When looking for materials that are both sustainable and visually pleasing, reclaimed wood delivers on both fronts.

Over the last several years, certain Architecture & Design trends have risen to prominence and are now widely used. How these trends interconnect is really interesting to me. Sustainability, modular design, minimalism, and biophilic design may seem disparate, but they all have one common thread: intentionality. All of these ideas promote a deliberate, purposeful design approach toward the built environment. To create a desired experience, design must be done with intention in mind.

That ethos is summed up by intentional environment, a holistic way of viewing intentionality in architecture. The idea is to give architects and designers a comprehensive framework that champions health and wellness, and it’s an exciting and innovative step forward in the world of A&D. Here’s why intentional environment is so important.

What Is Intentional Environment?

Intentional environment is the approach taken in the design process so that conditions will be created that will encourage and result in great work. Design and the resulting environment are absolutely connected. The physical environment will affect occupants emotionally and physically; how they feel, act and what they do and how they do it. When the consulting firm, aptly named Intentional Environment, opened its doors in 1997, they properly introduced their namesake term with the goal of creating healthier built environments. The company takes inspiration from myriad design and wellness principles, simultaneously utilizing concepts like sustainability and feng shui to optimize buildings for humans. Founders Damon and Cathy Coyne define intentional environment as building “healthy living and work spaces that support health, well-being and higher consciousness.”

From the AIA: Symantec’s WELL Certified corporate HQ is a haven for workers

Intentional environment can be more specifically defined by considering its various tenets. It prioritizes occupant wellness, conscious design, energy flow, stress reduction, and enhancement of indoor environmental quality (IEQ). In this way, intentional environment is similar to movements like biophilic design. Human health is a prime consideration during the building and design process, and harmony with nature is highly valued.

In practice, intentional environment integrates these many parts into one unified whole. An intentional environment feels good to be in and promotes mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Intentional environment can be broken down into three general constituents: purpose, sustainability, and biophilia.

The Importance of Purposive Design

From Business Insider UK: Facebook’s Tel Aviv office was designed to boost worker health, maximize workflow, and optimize collaboration

Obviously intent is a crucial part of intentional environment, but what exactly does that look like? First, a built environment must be designed to increase human health. In other words, occupant wellness should be a thoroughly integrated focus rather than an afterthought. From the outset, everything from building materials to site layout should be viewed through the lens of human well-being. As Terrapin Bright Green’s Bill Browning puts it, “the real point of buildings is people.”

Second, an intentional environment needs to fully facilitate the kinds of activities and elicit the behaviors for which the space is constructed. The emphasis here is on holistic design. For instance, when collaboration is an important business objective, an office building should naturally allow for work and collaboration to happen anywhere within its boundaries. For a hotel, the design should foster rest and relaxation in every room. A retail store may aim to evoke a specific emotion or sensory experience in order to make customers more receptive to their brand. Gone are the days of limiting activities to specific spaces. Instead, designers are considering the purpose of a building and integrating that purpose into every part of the building.

From Dezeen: Particular Architects in Melbourne designed a modular office that allows for work to happen anywhere

An intentional environment, then, is a built environment that holistically supports human health and activities. Intentional environment architects employ an interwoven web of methodologies and philosophies to accomplish those goals, and sustainability and biophilia are two of the most common.

Sustainability in the Intentional Environment

Intentional environment deals with health and wellness first and foremost, and sustainability plays a large role here. Sustainable design not only benefits the earth but also helps to eliminate building toxins and create a cleaner space. This ultimately results in greater harmony with the earth and improved occupant health. Herein lies the premise behind Building Biology, one of the core concepts of intentional environment design. According to Intentional Environment, Building Biology “strives for methods and materials that create a supportive living environment in balance with nature.” This ensures that buildings nourish their inhabitants and maintain positive energy flow.

From Lammhults Design Group: Sweco Gothenburg’s highly sustainable design nurtures a wellness-first environment for employees

Building Biology is composed of 25 principles that moderate everything from site location to air quality. The principles break down into four categories: site and community design; building materials and design; natural and man-made electromagnetic radiation safety; and environmental protection, social responsibility, and energy efficiency. Each category relies on sustainable practices including net zero/net positive energy, preservation of natural resources, and use of green building materials like reclaimed wood.

From Terrapin Bright Green: Glumac’s LEED Gold Certified Shanghai office features localized and sustainable water, waste, and electricity systems

In intentional environment architecture, sustainability is also applied to site-specific purpose that depends on location and natural surroundings. Architects and designers might think of ways to immediately benefit or protect the surrounding environment. Two excellent examples are rainwater systems that reduce runoff and buildings that are constructed without disturbing trees and vegetation. Safeguarding nature––when combined with other sustainability initiatives––allows a built environment to be conscious of its location, creating the foundation for Building Biology and intentional environment and fostering spaces that humans love to inhabit.

From ZGF Architects: The Randall Children’s Hospital boasts numerous sustainability initiatives and healthy amounts of biophilic design to improve patient wellness

The Role of Biophilia in Intentional Environment

Biophilic design is the last piece of the puzzle that makes up the major aspects of intentional environment. As I mentioned earlier, the goals of intentional environment and biophilic design are identical: to encourage buildings that maximize human health. Specifically, biophilic design operates within intentional environment, using natural elements to realize the goals at which intentional environment aims.

Many of the issues that intentional environment addresses can be remedied using biophilic design. Air quality, which Building Biology prioritizes, can be enhanced with greenery (like potted plants and living walls) and natural ventilation solutions. Biophilia also has the power to foster positive energy in the space by improving mood and social interactions. Design materials from nature, like reclaimed wood, have been proven to do those very things. In addition, a careful balance of physiological and mental benefits is critical in creating the best possible environment.

From Sourceable: The ideas and materials used in biophilic design go hand in hand with intentional environment

Together, biophilic design and sustainable design can also reduce unwanted disturbances such as electropollution and geopathic stress. Intentional environment stresses congruence between a building and its location in order to encourage clarity and comfort, and such disturbances can skew that synthesis. Ideally, the combination of optimizing design for humans and mitigating problems produces InZones™, the name Intentional Environment gives to spaces that support and restore human energy and focus. While forms of this idea have long existed in design––private, isolated spaces for solo office work come to mind––InZones™ go above and beyond, providing areas that replenish and rejuvenate the body and mind.

From Intentional Environment: Intentional environment InZones™ like this conference room provide positive energy that improves focus and clarity

Conclusion

Like biophilia and experiential design, intentional environment reflects the growing emphasis on human-first design within Architecture & Design. It’s a field of study that closely examines the relationship between a building and its occupants, namely insofar as a building’s energy and health affect human wellness. That connection is going to shape the future of A&D as we aim to construct buildings designed specifically to help people feel, work, and live better all day long.

Reclaimed wood is a popular design trend today. This versatile building material has quickly gained momentum with some of the top designers and architects, and you’ll see it gracing commercial buildings across the globe. Fittingly, reclaimed wood has a long and storied past. The reclaiming of wood stretches back to the early twentieth century with methods evolving over time. Here’s an abridged history of reclaimed wood and a look into its impact on contemporary architecture and design.

The Growing Need for High Quality Wood

Over the centuries, wood has nearly always been the building material of choice. Dating back to about 8,500 BC, wood is the world’s second oldest building material, predated only by brick. Wood consumption was particularly high during the Industrial Revolution and further increased in the period following World War II. As a result, by the mid-twentieth century, old-growth wood, wood from trees that grew naturally for over a 100 years, became increasingly rare. Old-growth wood is still sought after today because it’s extremely durable. As a tree ages, its wood grows denser and stronger, which is ideal for building.

From The Architect’s Newspaper: The renovated Green Building in Louisville, Kentucky uses beautiful old growth wood that is original to the building

While it makes for a great building material, living old-growth wood is almost nonexistent in the United States. According to the United States Forest Service, there’s only about 3 percent of old-growth forest left. However, old-growth wood still exists in many buildings, especially those built in the early twentieth century. Since this wood is so valuable, it’s often reclaimed from older buildings that have fallen or been demolished. When architects are in search of high quality wood that will serve as a visual and load bearing component, they often seek to spec reclaimed old growth wood.

Reclaimed Wood and Sustainability

Reclaimed wood delivers on aesthetics, but there are two central reasons why reclaimed wood has surged in popularity, sustainability and depth of supply. Architects and designers are seeking to create buildings that contribute more than they consume from the earth. Choosing reclaimed wood utilizes an existing resource and eliminates the need to cut down living trees. When builders elect to use reclaimed wood, it is a sustainable option that further protects living old-growth trees from being unnecessarily cut down.

From TerraMai: We source our reclaimed wood from all around the world using a variety of sustainable methods

Over time, there has become more awareness of full impact cost for materials, and commercial architects and designers have become more tuned in to energy costs that come with sourcing new wood. During the cutting, processing and transport of new wood, much energy is expended in various forms. Reclaimed wood requires fewer resources and thus, consumes less energy in the process.

There are many approaches to sourcing reclaimed wood, but post-industrial and post-consumer are the most common. At TerraMai, we look for any instance where quality wood is considered a waste product and is slated for the landfill, wood chipper or firewood pile. Working with sourcing partners to salvage this discarded wood ensures our deep and continuous supply of beautiful reclaimed woods. We also like the idea of salvaging wood so it can be used for its highest use potential with the hope that reclaimed wood can have many lives and be repurposed again at some point.

Typically, the salvaged wood is dried, milled, and finished with stain, oil or poly to prepare the wood for its end application. When the character of reclaimed wood is preserved and the material is finished, it’s often the most beautiful it’s ever been in its lifetime. Reclaimed wood can be a utilitarian component as well as contribute charm and a timelessness to a space. It’s a win-win; builders gain aesthetic and functional advantages while preserving trees and what remains of old-growth forests.

From the New York Times: This piece of lumber was reclaimed from a building in Manhattan, where reclaimed wood is seeing widespread use

The use of green building materials like reclaimed wood is also helpful for buildings pursuing various certifications such as LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge. Since reclaimed wood is both sustainable and biophilic, it positively impacts both humans and the natural environment. This in turn satisfies requirements of many building standards.

From Gensler: Etsy’s Brooklyn HQ gained Living Building Certification thanks in part to its use of reclaimed wood

From Trend to Trailblazer

Like artisanal goods, reclaimed wood embodies the essence of craftsmanship and brings an authenticity reminiscent of simpler times. While it first enjoyed popularity as a niche product, reclaimed wood quickly became a standard material for commercial projects. At first, its use was common for businesses like coffee shops and restaurants that aimed to evoke an artisanal atmosphere. It swiftly crossed over to commercial buildings and has since become a favored choice for spaces like offices, restaurants, and hotels. As health and wellness benefit data surfaces, reclaimed wood is finding its way more and more into hospitals, schools and retirement homes.

From Primary Color: Reclaimed wood is a great choice for office lobbies

Appropriately, the rise of biophilic design bolstered the demand for reclaimed wood. All 14 patterns of biophilic design center around a deeper connection to nature, and reclaimed wood is a natural biophilic fit. It excels at fostering a material connection with nature, and its natural patina can connect occupants to natural systems, which creates an environment that is “relaxing, nostalgic, profound, or enlightening, and frequently anticipated” according to Jonce Walker in Terrapin Bright Green. In other words, wood helps people feel better and look forward to being in a space.

This is scientifically backed by numerous studies that have analyzed the complex web of different types of relationships between humans and nature. Reclaimed wood in particular has wellness-enhancing properties that can improve how people feel, work, and interact in a space. The presence of wood lowers heart rates and stress responses, so occupants feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. When used in conjunction with biophilic elements like natural light and greenery, or in spaces meant for refuge or collaboration, reclaimed woods’ effect intensifies, resulting in a built environment optimized for human well-being.

From GB&D Magazine: Reclaimed wood is renowned for its ability to create a calming atmosphere

When architect & design experts realized the benefits of reclaimed wood in commercial projects, word began to spread and reclaimed wood use began to really grow. At this point, reclaimed wood ceased to be a mere trend and became something more significant. The broader adoption of reclaimed wood coincided with the new era of sustainability in A&D. Now, more than ever, the focus on environmental friendliness, biophilic design and occupant wellness encourages builders to seek out greener materials and methods. And, reclaimed wood, while providing an eco-friendly option, can hit a designer’s aesthetic vision.

Today, you can find all types of reclaimed wood in commercial buildings everywhere. From the floors of office lounges to the beams of a five-star hotel, reclaimed wood has cemented its spot in contemporary design. Many designers have gotten especially creative with reclaimed wood implementation.

From Dezeen: Michael Green’s stunning T3 building, erected from reclaimed wood, is largest mass-timber building in the United States

Conclusion

Even though reclaimed wood began as a design trend, it has become much more than a fad. Its sustainable nature and scientifically backed benefits have made it consistently one of the best green building material choices for commercial projects. Reclaimed wood is also a major signifier of the future of the Architecture & Design industry. Building is greener and more health-centric than ever before, and reclaimed wood is one of the many vehicles that have allowed A&D to move forward in a more positive, sustainable direction.

Each year, I like to take note of the interior design trends. And each year, sustainable design trends become more and more prominent, This year, sustainable design is leading. Architects and designers are taking pains to make great-looking buildings that are also friendlier to the environment, and that approach shows in some of this year’s best new buildings. Sustainability adds more value for a building’s local environment as well as its occupants. Gensler’s Nellie Reed writes that “green [design] adds value—long-term environmental, social, and economic value. This is the growing consensus, and it’s starting to reshape the office real estate market.”

So what do the current sustainable design trends look like? Here are a few of the biggest sustainability trends that are redefining commercial architecture.

Biophilic Design Melds Sustainability and Wellness

From ArchDaily: Seattle’s Bullitt Center is one of the best examples of both sustainable design and biophilic design in action

Sustainable design trends often cross paths with biophilic design, which is also one of the largest trends this year. Both sustainable and biophilic design involve utilizing natural elements within design, although the two have different objectives. Whereas sustainable design aims to create more eco-friendly buildings, biophilic design works to make buildings healthier for humans. Some of the best and most progressive buildings in the world combine these two schools of thought, and the results are inspiring.

Take Seattle’s Bullitt Center, a six-story office space that’s billed as the “Greenest Commercial Building.” From the start, it was designed with sustainability in mind, and it boasts an extensive list of green accomplishments. The building is outfitted with solar panels, rainwater treatment systems, and a ground-source heat exchange system, all of which result in a net-positive energy environment. Additionally, the building materials were carefully handpicked so as to avoid 14 categories of chemicals. Impressively, as of 2015, the Bullitt was the world’s largest certified Living Building Challenge (LBC) facility.

From the Miller Hull: The Center’s stairwells offer ample light and shadows providing biophilic benefits to occupants

Best of all, the Bullitt Center exhibits many biophilic features as part of its sustainable core. The Bullitt Center is the first timber-framed structure to be permitted in Seattle since the 1920’s, workspaces use ample amounts of reclaimed wood to connect workers to nature, and large, fully operational windows provide unobstructed views of the outdoors and fresh air. In addition, the long vertical windows provide ever changing patterns of light and shadow particularly in the staircase that truly encourages occupants to take the stairs. The Center chose clean biophlic building materials as fewer chemicals make the built environment healthier and reduce building-related illnesses like Sick Building Syndrome.

Buildings like the Bullitt Center have led the way for more recent projects to combine sustainability and biophilia. That more contemporary buildings are following in the Center’s footsteps is proof of its innovative design.

Multi-use Spaces Reduce the Need for New Buildings

From Decoist: This contemporary, multipurpose workspace brings modular design to the office

Sustainable design is about more than green building materials and environmental initiatives. For a building to be sustainable, its architects and designers have to consider the long term impact. This is a major part of programs like LEED, which considers long-term commitment to its standards when certifying buildings. Usability also factors into the long term impact of a building. Namely, a multi-use space will be more sustainable over time because it can change and adapt to new occupant needs.

One of the biggest benefits of multi-use spaces is a reduced need for new construction. Instead of building spaces for specific functions, architects and designers are creating buildings that can serve a wide range of uses. Many offices are also considering different types of work and collaboration when building, resulting in multifunctional lobbies and adaptable workspaces. As Building Design & Construction reports, multipurpose spaces and load sharing opportunities will be major concerns for interior design this year and beyond.

From ArchDaily: BOY Siam Square Salon’s modular rail design provides unique flexibility for occupants

This is also why many buildings are starting to use more modular design, which is incidentally another one of this year’s interior design trends. Modular design helps to unlock the potential of a space and allow occupants to change it to meet their needs. CallisonRTKL architect Grace Lennon notes that modular combines necessity and creativity in design. This pairing is evident in buildings like BOY Siam Square Salon in Bangkok, which a modular rail-based design to allow occupants to use mirror and shelving units throughout the space.

Green Certifications Are Going Mainstream

From HOK: The HOK-designed NOAA Inouye Regional Center received LEED Gold Certification

Due to the ever-growing interest in sustainable design, buildings now have more options than ever for pursuing certifications that prioritize environmental friendliness and wellness. LEED is undoubtedly the industry standard. Its rigorous requirements and keen focus on sustainability make it the building standard of choice for architects and designers seeking to be more mindful of the environment. In 2016, there were already over 80,000 projects around the world participating in LEED, and that number is steadily increasing.

LEED also provides a springboard for further implementation of green building elements, inspiring designers to go above and beyond the basic requirements. In a press release, Perkins+Will President and CEO Phil Harrison said that “LEED certification is just one marker of our commitment. We strive to go beyond what’s currently accepted to create buildings that move the marker of what’s considered sustainable forward.”

From USGBC.org: The LEED Gold Certified Denver Union Station boasts excellent design and a sustainable foundation

In the last several years, a host of other standards have risen up to provide complementary programs to the stalwart LEED. The Living Building Challenge encourages built environments that are self-sufficient, biophilic, and beneficial to natural systems. Seven performance areas, called Petals, are analyzed during the certification process to evaluate the positivity of a building’s impact on its environment. In terms of energy efficiency, Energy Star and Passive House are two other standards that encourage net zero and/or net positive energy usage. The WELL Building Standard, like LBC, has a biophilic focus. WELL looks to advance human health and wellness by creating healthier buildings.

Many buildings choose to pursue numerous certifications, as various programs overlap and thus work hand in hand. The Bullitt Center, for instance, has earned both Living Building Challenge and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Project (the first commercial building to do so in the US) certifications. The two programs mesh nicely. FSC Project Certification is specific, requiring the timber used to be FSC certified. LBC focuses on positive sustainability on a large scale, requiring wood be FSC or salvaged. Many businesses opt to use especially eco-friendly FSC certified reclaimed wood. Recently, LBC and WELL have begun working collaboratively to find ways to align their two rating systems.

Sustainability is Adapting to Mitigate Climate Change

From GB&D Magazine: LEED Gold Certified buildings at Nestlé Purina’s St. Louis campus maintain a low carbon footprint

Today’s buildings must adapt to the effects of climate change in order to be truly sustainable. Sustainable design––which reduces energy emissions, promotes green building materials, and positively affects the local environment––is instrumental to this overarching goal. In fact, many built environments are turning to sustainable design chiefly to adapt to climate change. To that end, green standards like LEED encourage building design that consumes fewer precious resources and emits less carbon dioxide, both of which can help alleviate climate change.

Of course, building materials play an important role here. Using materials that are less taxing on the environment is ideal. This explains the uptick in reclaimed wood usage; it’s one of the best ways to lower a building’s carbon footprint and avoid further greenhouse gas emissions.

On the other side of the coin, architects and designers are seeking to improve resiliency in order to defend buildings from the effects of climate change. Many buildings are susceptible to flooding and other natural disasters due to climate change, so resiliency is fast becoming a key focus for sustainable design. As a result, new initiatives like RELi are emerging to enhance resiliency. RELi is an up-and-coming resiliency standard developed by Perkins+Will senior project engineer Doug Pierce, and it aims to create a codified system to protect buildings from calamity. Pierce argues that “resiliency is the next step in the entire green ecological design framework,” and it’s a concept architects and designers will need to think carefully about from now on.

Conclusion

This year’s trends underscore the fact that sustainable design is shifting to meet the environment’s needs, and they’re indicative of where the Architecture & Design industry is headed as a whole. Understanding these trends will ultimately allow architects and designers to create buildings that are better for the people who occupy them and for the future of the earth and the climate.

As we learn more about the effects of biophilia; improved mood, reduced stress, and enhanced productivity, more and more businesses around the world are seeking both small and large ways to implement biophilia. If you’re looking to include an element that enhances the aesthetic of a space and turns heads, then you’ll want to take a look at these 12 living walls. Living walls are easily one of the most striking biophilic elements, and are a powerful method of improving quality in the built environment from hospitality to retail.

This living wall brings nature to an enclosed office space

From PRWeb: This impressive living wall features a variety of plant life creating patterns within the wall

While many offices boast panoramic views of nature and easy access to the outdoors, there are still many windowless workplaces that are completely enclosed. In many cases, installing a daylighting solution may be impractical. For employees who work in cubicles, warehouses, or other spaces with exposure only to artificial light, alternative methods of staying in touch with nature are required. Using a living wall is one of the best ways of enhancing occupant wellness in offices with few or no windows. An abundance of plant life will transform the space, complement any existing daylight, and provide a strong biophilic connection. The result is improved air quality and bolstered productivity.

From PRWeb: A living wall will amplify any existing daylight, but it can also create vibrancy in windowless offices

Finland startup Naava brings artificial intelligence to living walls

From Inhabitat: Naava’s living wall uses sensors to track indoor variables and modify the space accordingly

The founders of Naava, a Finnish living wall company, set out to solve the problems of unclean, unhealthy air that many businesses face. To that effect, they’ve made some astounding innovations in living wall technology. Naava’s walls use artificial intelligence to monitor and react to various indoor elements. Impressively, the sensors inside the walls utilize a remote system to gather information from weather satellites. The walls also use fans to circulate purified air into the surrounding environment. In actual use, Naava walls reduce up to 57% of air pollutants after a single filtration and also help remove volatile organic compounds already present in a space.

What Naava has done excellently is to take the living wall concept and augment it with artificial intelligence. The amalgamation of biophilia and smart technology is one designers will be exploring in the near future to unlock the most powerful ways to make biophilic design the most effective it can be.

NYC’s Hotel Hugo uses a living wall to comfort and wow restaurant-goers

From Luxury Listings NYC: Diners at Il Principe enjoy a well-lit view of the living wall, which works with reclaimed wood to serve as a biophilic focal point

Many businesses use lighting as a way of emphasizing focal points, but Il Principe in NYC’s Hotel Hugo takes this one step further. The L-shaped restaurant uses wood and light to direct attention to the back, where an enclosed private dining area awaits. This private area is adorned with a living wall that covers the entire central wall of the room. In addition, the space receives ample amounts of natural light from the skylight. By making this biophilic section the center of attention, patrons will remember it as a highlight of the experience, even if they didn’t dine in that particular area. Il Principe’s use of biophilia is especially memorable because the restaurant is located in the heavily commercial Hudson Square area. This apt use of greenery and lighting transforms Il Principe from a restaurant into an oasis.

From Luxury Listings NYC: The curved, wood-paneled soffit draws one’s attention to the living wall in an excellent example of biophilic design

Henry Ford Hospital provides patients with beneficial biophilia

From Planterra: A living wall affords a point of respite within this hospital

Hospitals are decidedly suitable choices for biophilic design. The benefits of biophilia in hospitals are not only physical and physiological but also mental and emotional. That’s because biophilic design humanizes clinical spaces, creating a caring, welcoming atmosphere. Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan did just this by installing a living wall in the building’s atrium, which hosts private functions in addition to serving as a community meeting space. A nice touch is the inclusion of poinsettias to add a seasonal color that complements the lively green of the wall itself.

Modular design meets the living wall in this China office

From New Atlas: This one-of-a-kind living wall combines industrial modular design with biophilia

Modular is one of the latest trends in office design, and it allows for unparalleled levels of flexibility so designers can use their imagination. One great example of modular creativity is the living wall in the TJY Office Building in Shenzhen, China. The wall uses a grid of piping that has a dual purpose. The piping sends water to the plants, and the grid itself has slots in which plants can be placed. The wall is able to be reconfigured, and workers can even “unplug” plants from the system to bring to their workstations. This living wall both implements current trends and biophilic design making it a great example to follow.

Under Armour’s branded living wall reimagines experiential design

From American Builders Quarterly: The logo embedded in the middle of this living wall makes an unforgettable brand statement

The corporate buildings that stand out the most are the ones that tell a story. Immersing employees and visitors in an experience is a surefire way of improving mood and morale. Under Armour creates this experience, thanks in part to a large living wall that boasts the company logo. The wall’s installation was the decision of Neil Jurgens, the vice president of global corporate real estate, after polling workers to figure out what they wanted in their workplace. Fittingly, the incorporation of the logo symbolically affirms that Under Armour is a company that cares about nature and the health of its workers.

Small living walls can make a big impact

From Good Earth Plants: A pair of small living walls complement the laid-back feel of this space perfectly

Living walls don’t have to fill up a room in order to make a space healthier and more beautiful. Smaller living walls are just as powerful and are able to suit a variety of spaces. In more petite spaces, a small living wall becomes the focal point, and in larger spaces, it elevates the existing design. Of course, you can use small living walls in conjunction with other biophilic design elements like reclaimed wood and water installations, resulting in a multisensorial, natural environment.

This living wall emphasizes the structure and unity of its building

From PHS Greenleaf: This living wall contours to the room’s structure, creating a seamless installation

There’s no doubt that living wall installations designed from scratch look great, but you can also implement a living wall anywhere in your building without completely overhauling the architecture. Existing walls can be adapted to host greenery using a hydroponics system. This approach has the advantage of highlighting the architecture of a space without having to spend lots of time and money remodeling it. If you’ve got a foyer, office, or dining area with an already eye-catching wall, you can make the most of it with a living wall.

This outdoor installation is a fresh take on the living wall

From the University of Texas at Austin: This outdoor living wall uses local plant life and a novel design

This living wall, installed along the façade of the University of Texas at Austin’s Goldsmith Hall, is unique in both its design and performance. The honeycomb design creates pockets in which a variety of plants, all native to the Austin area, sit, and like the modular living wall showcased above, it creates a robust impression upon students and visitors. The wall is equipped with noise, light, temperature, and moisture sensors as part of ongoing research to evaluate its other benefits of building cooling, city cooling, storm water mitigation, noise buffering, and serving as a natural air filter. (This local flora was specifically selected to attract nearby fauna.)

Diamond Schmitt Architects is designing breathtaking, monumental living walls

From ArchDaily: This massive living wall at the University of Guelph-Humber instantly awes with vivid greenery

When Birgit Siber, Principal at Diamond Schmitt Architects, was serving as project architect for the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto, she approached the university’s research team to find a way to implement their work into the campus’s design. The team had recently completed a seven year project on biofiltration, so a living wall was an obvious choice to reflect their hard work. The resulting wall spans the height of the university’s central atrium, which is topped with a glass ceiling to illuminate both the wall and the atrium itself. In an interview, Siber reflected on the biophilic benefits the wall brings to the university: “I feel a light cool breeze coming off the living wall and the scent of plant life. It feels as though nature has been invited in on a grand scale…and I believe that affects us on many levels.”

A living wall adds an exotic flair to this airport

From Greenroofs.com: This airport bar and lounge uses a beautiful living wall and standing greenery

Ever wonder if an airport can successfully use biophilic design? The answer, of course, is yes, and this living wall from Auckland International Airport is proof of that. Located in the Square Restaurant & Bar inside of the airport’s Hotel Novotel, the wall features greenery found in New Zealand, such as pan-pacific creepers. The hotel even consulted the local Tainui people while developing the wall to ensure it accurately reflected New Zealand’s landscape.

This building wears a living wall on its second floor

From Fresh Montgomery: This store’s upper level is coated in an assortment of dense foliage

British retailer M&S Simply Food is an example of just how good biophilic design can look. Shoppers will find the exterior second story of one of the chain’s stores covered in a living wall. With pops of purple and tan, the wall is undeniably appealing and instantly memorable. The biophilic store was even shortlisted for the 2016 Surface Design Awards, proving that biophilic design looks every bit as good as it feels.

Conclusion

The living wall is a perfect biophilic design element, literally bringing life to a space while enhancing occupant well-being emotionally and physically with benefits like natural air filtration, reducing noise and helping to maintain humidity and temperature. These 12 examples show how striking living walls can be. Thanks to adaptable hydroponics, living walls are easier than ever to implement. When used alongside other biophilic elements like daylight, reclaimed wood, and water features, a living wall can drastically improve any building’s environment and health.

Each year, there are new sets of lists describing the design trends for the upcoming year. This year, I thought I’d view these trends through a biophilic lens. There’s no doubt that the yearly trends are important on their own as they can be indicative of larger, more general changes in Architecture & Design. Thus, it pays to follow them and even implement some. However, for architects and designers who focus on human wellness and environmental sustainability, a new question arises: How can you be inspired by these trends while combining them with biophilic and sustainable design?

It’s no secret that biophilic design and sustainable design improve productivity and performance in the workplace, and green building materials like reclaimed wood are renowned for their abilities to improve collaboration and boost employee morale and satisfaction. But how can these work hand-in-hand with the latest office design trends?

If you’re designing a commercial office space and want it to be eco-friendly and healthy while incorporating some of the latest trends, look no further. Here’s how this year’s predicted trends of comfort spaces, minimalism, monochrome, materials with purpose and modular furniture are creating stylish, sustainable spaces that enhance human wellness.

This Google office seamlessly meshes comfort spaces with biophilic design

From Bored Panda: This highly biophilic workspace combines trees, reclaimed wood, and a panoramic view

Google has been repeatedly crowned as one of the best places to work, and it’s no surprise why; their offices are designed to maximize employee health and satisfaction. Google’s workspaces are filled with plants, reclaimed wood, views of nature, water installations, and even more exotic biophilic elements like rock walls.

Google also does an excellent job of pairing biophilic design with current design trends. Noticeably, many of their offices incorporate comfort spaces to provide workers with a sense of calm. This combination of biophilia and comfort spaces inspires employees with contemporary design while anchoring their senses in biophilia. As a result, these workspaces are conducive to both productivity and relaxation. It also reflects Google’s brand: purposefully up-to-date and always responsive.

From Bored Panda: A rock wall and greenery add life and biophilia to this industrial space

Like many other businesses, Google has realized the growing need for more comfort spaces in the workplace. Today’s workers need an office that prioritizes their physical and mental wellness. The ideal office should foster a positive, harmonious work culture that meets all sorts of employee needs from mental breaks to intensive coworking sessions.

Fosbury & Sons uses plant life to enhance productivity in minimalist workspaces

From ArchDaily: Fosbury & Sons’s Antwerp office uses plants throughout to bolster employee productivity and mood

Minimalism is one of the more widespread design trends that’s appeared in recent years. There’s a strong appeal to clean, uncluttered spaces, and many corporate offices have implemented minimalism to maintain tidy workplaces that feel good to work in. At the same time, biophilic design is particularly powerful at increasing productivity in the workplace, and this is one huge reason why biophilic elements are so common in top-performing offices.

For Fosbury & Sons, a coworking office space in Belgium, productivity is especially important, so they chose to take their industrial, minimalist space and liven it up with plenty of plant life. Their workspaces feature a variety of potted and planted flora strategically placed near desks and tables to ensure that there’s always a few plants nearby. This also creates an unforgettable first impression. From the moment a visitor enters the lobby, he or she knows that this is a unique office. Most importantly, the inclusion of biophilia prevents the space from becoming too minimal, ensuring that people feel and perform at their best.

From ArchDaily: Plants enrich the industrial space and create a welcoming atmosphere

OVH connects workers by using natural elements

From Dezeen: OVH’s office is resplendent with wood, vegetation, and lots of natural light

When cloud computing business OVH decided to remodel their Quebec City workspace, they took inspiration from both minimalism and biophilic design. The result is a brightly lit, open space enhanced with greenery, which is steadily gaining popularity. The office uses woods with lighter tones to complement the abundance of natural daylight, and the greenery sprinkled throughout the building adds a healthy dose of biophilia. Aside from being visually stunning, this office is excellent for solo work, group work, and employee interaction, as it prioritizes both working and socializing.

Meaningful and natural design materials reflect a company’s values and they deliver on biophilia

From Office Snapshots: Beams clad with reclaimed oak at Sam Edelman’s NYC HQ reflect the brand’s Americana vibe and mirror humble beginnings, hard work and reinventing oneself for success.

The materials chosen in design can establish a meaningful connection for occupants to the office space and the company. Design materials can be selected to reflect the local community and surrounding landscape, and can portray the values of the company’s brand. Choosing sustainably sourced materials and furnishings with non-toxic finishes helps you maintain healthy indoor air quality and supports social and environmental responsibility. And, when these materials are analogues of nature, like reclaimed wood, they can bring the benefits of nature indoors.

Trevor Hoiland’s new biophilic office furniture brings practical modular design to the workplace

From Contemporist: Trevor Hoiland’s new line of modular furniture is rooted in wood, perfect for any office space

In 2017, Burns & McDonnell Design Manager and former Helix Architecture Principal Trevor Hoiland debuted the Story Collection, a line of modular office furniture manufactured by Hightower. Modular design has already made waves in commercial architecture this year, and it has many benefits for the workplace.

Modular workspaces are gaining traction for their flexibility and adaptability; in the office, this means better and frictionless collaboration and productivity. This is why Hoiland’s furniture is so visionary. It can be used for work, meetings, socializing, or any combination of those. Given that the contemporary office needs to be able to suit a range of demands, the usage of modular furniture and layouts makes perfect sense. In addition, the furniture prominently features wood, which is a nice biophilic touch that makes this highly functional collection even better.

From Hightower: Modular seating sets can be configured to meet a variety of needs

Dropbox spices up a monochrome design palette with plants

From Office Lovin: This seating area at Dropbox’s San Francisco HQ uses potted trees to provide pattern and a pop of color to the monochrome scheme

These days, many minimalist spaces are opting for monochrome color palettes. The use of monochrome pairs well with minimalism, as the two work in tandem to create a calming, clean interior that layers shades of the same color. The natural light in Dropbox’s lounge area cast shadows that add additional gray tones, pattern and movement to complement the design. The inclusion of greenery provides pops of color and a natural element to soften the monochrome effect. A few well-placed plants or natural installations (like fireplaces or ponds) can add verve to a minimalist office without subtracting from the minimalist design itself. Expect to see more biophilic elements in minimalist or industrial spaces in 2018 and beyond.

Conclusion

From the lobby to the conference room, an office needs to cater to its workers. That can be a tall order, as employees should feel good and also enjoy their time in the workplace. Thankfully, you can easily balance the latest office design trends with the timeless benefits of biophilic design using these techniques. Designing office spaces to create environments that are inspiring and engaging while including biophilic elements will ensure that workers are feeling great. This is the future of the corporate office: a space that combines the cutting edge of office design with the staying power of biophilia. It’s truly a win-win.