Biophilic Design

Healing Patterns: The Biophilic Effect of Patterns in Nature

Throughout the millennia, architects, mathematicians, and psychologists have all been fascinated by the various patterns that appear in nature. From the Fibonacci sequence to fractals, patterns have proven to be an important part of the natural world. What is especially interesting is the fact that humans resonate so strongly with these patterns. My aim in this article is to explore the connections between human beings and natural patterns as well as explore what that connection means for architects and designers.

A Closer Look at Patterns in Nature

$A fern is an example of fractal patterns in nature$
From Phys.org: Patterns like fractals are found all throughout nature

It’s impossible to step outdoors without taking notice of some sort of pattern. From the self-similar patterns of trees and their branches to the spirals of a sunflower, patterns are everywhere. As humans, we instantly recognize these patterns even if we’re not actively looking for them. Scientist and author Philip Ball noted that “we know it when we see it,” adding that some patterns (like zebra stripes) don’t perfectly repeat. A pattern, then, is instinctual on some level. It connects with some innate aspect of the human brain.

Recently, scientists have found that patterns are especially helpful in facilitating stress reduction in humans. Fractals are some of the most impactful structures that occur in nature, and they have numerous healing effects. Researchers at the University of Oregon discovered that viewing fractals can result in stress reduction of up to 60 percent. Another study concluded that “humans display a consistent aesthetic preference across fractal images, regardless of whether these images are generated by nature’s processes, by mathematics, or by the human hand.” While fractals are especially potent, there are countless patterns that are universally appealing and contribute to stress reduction.

Other well-known patterns like the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio are rooted in mathematics and thus have direct applications to architecture. Curved lines are another inherently natural pattern. Rarely do straight lines exist in nature, and this observation has led to the Golden Angle of 137.5 degrees as opposed to the stark 90-degree angles often seen in the built environment.

The Biophilic Benefits of Patterns

From Interface: Biomorphic patterns provide many wellness benefits

There is a deep, foundational connection between natural patterns and biophilia. A pattern like a fractal fosters a connection to nature and meets many biophilic needs. Such patterns are called biomorphic patterns. According to Terrapin Bright Green, biomorphic patterns “are symbolic references to contoured, patterned, textured or numerical arrangements that persist in nature.”

Biomorphic patterns are particularly effective from a biophilic perspective. Since patterns are deeply embedded into nature, their presence is instantly identifiable to the human eye. Furthermore, studies have shown that superior pattern processing is a fundamental part of the human brain. That’s why patterns are so powerful; we’re evolutionarily inclined to recognize them, and this instant identification is conducive to the stress-relieving properties of patterns.

From Architecture & Design: Biomorphic patterns are often eye-catching and almost always discernible, bringing their stress reduction capabilities to the forefront

Patterns also convey a sense of order. In an increasingly complex world, order is integral to optimize and maintain human wellness. Order doesn’t even have to be immediately noticeable. Humans often recognize order on a subconscious level. As Ball put it, “there’s an abundance of detail in nature that we can’t see. Even in what seems unstructured, there’s pattern.”

Terrapin Bright Green’s report also states that patterns can promote cognitive and psychological improvement. In a way, a single pattern has the ability to connect humans with nature. When patterns are combined with other biophilic elements, they provide a holistic experience of biophilia.

Biomorphic Patterns in Architecture & Design

From Interior Design: Using patterns in architecture is beneficial to occupant well-being

Biomorphic patterns have endless applications in Architecture & Design. Throughout human history, patterns have been essential to the built environment, but today’s A&Ds are finding new and exciting ways to incorporate patterns. This is especially prevalent in biophilic design. More architects and designers are deliberately reflecting natural patterns in building design using a variety of methods. This falls under the category of biomimicry, or the act of emulating nature in design.

Given that Architecture & Design continues to emphasize comfort and occupant wellness, it’s easy to see why biomorphic patterns are in such wide use. These patterns are appealing to the eye and restful for the brain. They also help to maintain a sense of balance and harmony in the built environment, which increases the enjoyment that people feel while working or interacting in a space. These patterns are manifested in many ways, from honeycomb-shaped seating areas to curved atriums.

From Autodesk: The curvatures of this room resemble the flowing lines and patterns that occur in nature

It’s common to see fractals in architecture, and you’ll often notice these patterns as part of an installation. Some innovative design firms are taking pattern integration to the next level by crafting entire rooms based on fractals. Fibonacci sequences are also sometimes used to determine the shape of a building or, less frequently, a room. Finally, many natural patterns are used more casually in various parts of design. For example, a lounge with curved walls may not represent anything specific in nature, but the curves still compose a pattern. As long as occupants can recognize a pattern, consciously or subconsciously, it will enhance the biophilia of a space.

$Office space incorporates fractal geometry$
From the Shard: This office space, designed by Perkins+Will, incorporates fractal geometry into its design

Pattern usage can even be applied to the specific building materials employed for a project. Reclaimed wood and greenery are two excellent materials to use when aiming for a more biophilic environment. Reclaimed wood is particularly apropos for this since each piece of wood bears its own unique aesthetic conveying fluidity and pattern. The grain and patina of naturally weathered or distressed reclaimed wood, often with knots and other highlights, can be especially pleasing. Reclaimed wood with noticeable patterns excels at facilitating interaction and boosting mood. Greenery and plant life adds not only splashes of color but also additional biophilic benefits including increased productivity.

From TerraMai: The abundance of vivid patterns in reclaimed wood provides biophilic and aesthetic benefits

Finally, there’s biomorphic geometry. Geometry is full of pattern opportunity and can also be found everywhere in the natural world. Biomorphic geometry in design is the use of natural shapes and formations in the built environment. Fractals fall into this category, but there are countless shapes to draw inspiration from, including honeycomb, clover, and leaf shapes.

Again, the shapes used need not directly replicate something in nature. They can also indirectly suggest a natural connection. For example, the paneling at Gravitate (pictured above) was centered around a chevron pattern, complementing the decor and design of the room. While chevron or herringbone looks aren’t instantly evocative of a specific natural phenomenon, it implies a naturalness due to scaled self-similar pattern and the character of the wood.

Conclusion

Ultimately, including patterns in building design can help reduce stress in occupants and increase the aesthetic appeal of the space. Patterns help create spaces that are enjoyable to work and interact in. Best of all, a focus on natural patterns is already shaping the next generation of A&D by fostering built environments that make humans happier and healthier.

How Reclaimed Wood Achieves Environmental and Aesthetic Objectives in Architecture

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.

What Today’s Designers Need to Know About Intentional Environment

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.

Every A&D Professional Needs to Know These Architectural and Design Terms

The world of Architecture & Design is the most diverse it’s ever been. Every day, new ideas sprout and old ideas are reimagined. You only have to take a look at some of the latest trends to see this innovation. With so much richness and depth present, and new vocabulary emerging, it’s important to be familiar with the latest terminology. We need to be able to seamlessly converse with one another in the language of Architecture & Design, and this means understanding terms and phrases that have been coined only recently (and ones even some architects and designers may not yet be familiar with). Here are some of the most important terms that everyone in the A&D profession needs to know.

1. Biomimicry

The Biomimicry Institute defines biomimicry as “an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies.” It looks to nature for solutions to problems in Architecture & Design. After all, the natural world is the exemplar of sustainability, so it makes sense to take direct inspiration from natural systems and processes.

In practice, biomimicry can take many forms. Many biomimicry designers echo patterns such as fractals and honeycombs that are found in nature, while others construct buildings that incorporate biophilic natural analogues like reclaimed wood, leather or stone. Some built environments have even been designed to emulate animal body shapes.

From Inhabitat: This pavilion in Spain boasts a crocheted wooden exterior that resembles the body of a cicada

2. Biomimetic materials

A biomimetic material is a synthetic material that either mimics a natural material or follows a natural design structure. While Architecture & Design regularly uses natural materials like reclaimed wood, biomimetic materials have a slightly different aim. There are many materials that exist in nature but not in the built environment, and biomimetic materials seek to fill in the resulting gap and improve built spaces. Dr. Peter Fratzl of the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces writes that nature provides lessons “on growth and functional adaptation, about hierarchical structuring, on damage repair and self-healing.” The idea is that as architects and designers, the more we study nature, the better our creations will be.

From Wired: Sea cucumber provided the inspiration for Case Western Reserve University’s biomimetic material

There has already been some incredible progress in constructing new biomimetic materials that may improve our architecture. Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have developed a material that is naturally stiff but becomes soft when water is added. This biomimetic material is modeled after the skin of the sea cucumber. Also noteworthy is the research that Harvard University’s Joanna Aizenberg has conducted on glass sea sponges––which can withstand thousands of pounds of pressure––and their wider applications.

3. Wabi-sabi

The term wabi-sabi refers to a Japanese philosophy that finds the beauty in imperfections (wabi) and welcomes the weathering that occurs over time (sabi). Wabi-sabi sees old, worn, and even damaged materials as possessing a distinct appeal that’s aesthetically pleasing. This is in stark contrast to many design philosophies that prize immaculate interiors. Proponents of wabi-sabi argue that such pristine design is unnatural and even unhealthy.

Applied to architecture, wabi-sabi embraces simplicity, straightforwardness, and change. Minimalist space design that uses biophilia and the natural patina on reclaimed wood are two prime examples of wabi-sabi. Wabi-sabi is often connected with biophilic design, as both schools of thought emphasize a connection to natural systems.

From Corporate Design: The unique character of reclaimed wood brings the beauty of wabi-sabi to the built environment

4. Intentional environment

Simply put, intentional environment is all about creating spaces in which occupants feel their best. Popularized by the consulting firm of the same name, intentional environment is more than just another A&D buzzword. Rather, it’s a humanistic lens through which architects and designers can view the built environment. Like biophilic design, intentional environment focuses on improving occupant health and considers the energy within a space. Drawing from feng shui and building biology, this concept aims to help architects and designers build places that allow humans to thrive.

From Canadian Architect: The Mosaic Centre in Alberta is an intentional environment that promotes wellness and clarity

Intentional environment is determined by many factors, including design materials and aesthetic choices, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), air quality, energy flow, and space usage. Fostering an intentional environment can result in enhanced occupant wellness, higher productivity, better mental clarity, higher employee retention rates, and much more.

From Intentional Environment: Optimized intentional environments provide people with the most ideal indoor spaces

5. Building biology

Another term popularized by Intentional Environment, building biology is “the holistic study of the built environment and its impact on human health and planetary ecology.” Building biology is composed of 25 principles that govern various aspects of design, material use, safety, and sustainability. Much like biophilic design, building biology evaluates the health of a space. The ultimate goal is to foster supportive environments that are pleasant to dwell in.

6.Conscious building

Conscious building is the concept of responsibly building spaces that are fundamentally designed to benefit occupants and the surrounding natural environment. Site location, intentional environment development, and energy flow are a few of the key factors that contribute to conscious building. From using green building materials like reclaimed wood to enhancing the IEQ of a space, there are many ways to implement conscious building into your next project.

7. Electropollution

Electropollution is the idea that electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can invisibly “pollute” a space by interfering with the human body’s bioelectrical system. Given that humans use technology more than ever before, electropollution is a concern for many. Thankfully, electropollution can be reduced in built environments by creating areas without EMFs. Think lounge areas without a nearby Wi-Fi network or designated cell phone-free spaces.

From Experience Columbus: At Fox in the Snow Café, the lack of Wi-Fi complements the biophilic design

8. Geopathic stress

Architecture & Design professionals are palpably aware of all kinds of disturbances, but there are some that often fly under the radar. Geopathic stress often falls into this category. Just as radiation comes from technology, it also emerges from the earth itself. Geopathic stress occurs when natural electromagnetic zones are distorted by underground streams, water pipes, electrical lines, and other irregularities that exist underground. Spending time in geopathic stress zones can lead to adverse effects on health, performance, mood, and overall wellness.

9. Bioplastics

It’s no surprise that plastic is one of the most widely used materials in the world, and it’s commonly used for various construction purposes. However, it’s also no secret that plastics are harmful. Enter bioplastics, sustainable plastics made from renewable biomass such as plants and vegetables. Bioplastics are less damaging to the earth and healthier for humans. In addition, many bioplastics are biodegradable. One of the most famous examples of bioplastic design is the ArboSkin pavilion in Stuttgart, Germany. The bioplastics that make up the pavilion consist of over 90% renewable materials and “combine the high malleability and recyclability of plastics with the environmental benefits of materials consisting primarily of renewable resources.”

From Dezeen: The ArboSkin pavilion is a breakthrough in bioplastic architecture technology

10. Invisible architecture

It’s often said that the best design is invisible. This is often applied to website design and was popularized by Jared Spool, who wrote that “when things are going well in a design, we don’t pay attention to them. We only pay attention to things that bother us.” This idea translates perfectly to architecture.

From EOA Architects: The Pinnacle at Symphony Place in Nashville is a stunning example of the power of invisible architecture

Invisible architecture is the notion that architecture should be inherently functional and serve its occupants without drawing unneeded attention to itself. That’s not to say that aesthetics don’t matter. Rather, the aesthetics should contribute to the purpose of the space and help to create an intentional environment. As artist James Turrell put it, “The qualities of the space must be seen, and the architecture of the form must not be dominant.”

From EOA Architects: The Pinnacle’s interior is a different sort of invisible as a result of its intentional design

11. Starchitect

The word “starchitect” is a portmanteau of the words “star” and “architect,” so naturally it refers to a famous architect. Starchitect can refer to either a solo architect or a firm, and it’s been used to describe celebrity architects like Frank Gehry, I.M. Pei, Norman Foster, and Bjarke Ingels. Consequently, the term “starchitecture” was coined to describe the works of starchitects.

12. Farmscrapers

“Skyscraper” has long been part of the A&D lexicon, and it’s seen many adaptations over the years. One of the newest is “farmscraper,” or a skyscraper that also serves as a self-contained ecosystem. The idea comes from the European firm Vincent Callebaut Architects, who plan to construct six farmscrapers in China’s Shenzhen province. The sustainably designed farmscrapers will feature suspended gardens, vertical farms, wind turbines, and solar cells.

From the Daily News: This rendering showcases the proposed “Asian Cairns” farmscrapers

Conclusion

These terms I’ve shared represent the cutting edge in Architecture & Design. These concepts and trends are constantly innovating and pushing the industry forward. Understanding and being aware of these terms help us to stay current and can inspire our thinking, so it’s smart for anyone in the A&D profession to tune in to the latest terminology.

Beyond Design Trends: How Reclaimed Wood Went Mainstream

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.

Socializing, collaboration, and physical activity — What do they have to do with biophilic design?

Biophilic design is an excellent match for the workplace. Numerous studies have connected increased productivity and morale with the presence of biophilic elements like daylight, plants, and reclaimed wood paneling. It’s why biophilic design is at the core of many of the world’s top offices. However, the benefits of biophilia don’t stop at boosted productivity. Biophilic design can satisfy several intrinsic human needs, bringing a whole host of benefits. Three of these needs that biophilia meets are socialization, collaboration, and physical activity. Here’s how biophilic design elegantly optimizes each.

How Biophilic Design Drives Social Interaction

The human need to connect and socialize with others is a powerful driving force. It’s what’s ties civilizations together and creates relationships. There are many practical needs for socialization as well. From the workplace to the store, socializing is an important aspect of experiencing a space, and this is especially true for places that host events. That’s where biophilic design comes in.

The biophilia effect is the simple concept that humans crave nature. Just as it’s natural for humans to socialize, it’s also natural for humans to connect with nature. And as it turns out, biophilia and socialization are intertwined. Socialization is a natural human need, and biophilia satisfies many natural needs, helping people reach a more native state of well-being. As a result, biophilia helps people feel more relaxed and thus open up and connect with others in an instinctive expression of human connection.

From EarthShare: Relaxing biophilic spaces like this studio are hotspots for social interaction

This link between biophilic design and socializing has been documented in several studies. One such study examined a focus group of elderly individuals and analyzed their behavior when using wood or plastic products. The study found that wood products significantly increased social interaction. Other studies have looked holistically at the effects of biophilic design on socializing. A Terrapin Bright Green study reported that biophilic spaces can “generate even more healthy social interactions by encouraging their spontaneous occurrence.” When biophilic design is present, people can’t help but feel good and share that positivity with others.

From Architecture Beta: The presence of reclaimed wood in an office naturally increases social interaction

In turn, social interaction has several benefits that are useful in any kind of space. Positive interaction with others releases oxytocin in the brain, which improves mood. There are also myriad studies that connect social interaction with longer lifespans and reduced depression and anxiety. That means the ability to socialize is critical for places in which people will be spending a lot of time, like offices and hotels. In spaces where people don’t spend as much time, socializing is still important, as it enhances the overall experience of being in a space.

From Future Constructor & Architect: Social interaction is a vital need in any space, including common areas like this one

The Relationship Between Biophilia and Collaboration

Just as biophilia can encourage social interaction, it can similarly bolster collaboration. While collaboration obviously necessitates social interaction, it also requires some additional design considerations to maximize productivity.

The ideal workspace for productivity accomplishes a few key goals. First, it helps workers feel healthier. What’s most important is that a space is fully human-first, and that means designing to satisfy human needs and optimize wellness. Many architects and designers employ biophilic design techniques to make this happen. One of biophilia’s biggest benefits is stress reduction, which can cause a positive domino effect in other areas. Consequently, the larger presence biophilia has within a space, the healthier occupants will be. This makes sure workers are at their best, both physically and mentally.

From Interior Design: Biophilia fosters the perfect environment for productive collaboration

Second, a workspace has to facilitate productivity through its design. This requires a multifaceted, comprehensive approach that takes all types of work into account. There should be places for quiet, undisturbed solo work as well as multi-size group work. For group work, there needs to be adequate and adaptable resources. For instance, many workspaces include amenities like a whiteboard, Wi-Fi, and modular furniture to allow for flexible collaboration. Workers need to be able to move seamlessly between solo and group work or even different types of group work.

From Azure Magazine: Sky Central, a three-level coworking space in London, uses biophilic design to maximize productivity

Third, a workspace must naturally encourage collaboration. In other words, if inspiration strikes and a group wishes to arrange an impromptu collaboration session, they should be able to quickly and easily. Of course, this demands that a workspace be designed for productivity, but promoting collaboration goes beyond that. Throughout a workplace, there should be spaces in which collaboration can happen at any time. It’s crucial to offer a variety of seating options, adequate workspace for groups of all sizes, and spots for meeting and lounging, and it’s important that these features are available throughout the entire workplace.

From The Total Office: A range of seating options and workspaces promotes on-the-fly collaboration

Biophilic offices that are designed for collaboration and employee wellness are in demand more than ever. The reason is simple––biophilic design creates the perfect environment for all types of collaboration. In addition, these same applications of biophilic design aren’t just for the office; they translate to any space that hosts collaboration, such as hotel lobbies, coffee shops, hospitals, and event spaces.

The Opportunity for Physical Exercise in Commercial Buildings

Physical exercise remains an essential element of a healthy built environment. Providing opportunities for occupants to work out magnifies the numerous benefits of biophilic design and introduces completely new benefits. In regards to physical activity in the office, some studies show that physical activity programs may have benefits beyond immediate physical improvement, such as better performance and less absenteeism. In a hotel environment, a gym or workout room allows guests to enjoy a healthy amenity.

From First Line Magazine: The sustainably designed Studio 111 offers several fitness programs

Opportunities for physical exercise in the office are particularly important. The CDC suggests on-site programs that are built into the workplace itself. A gym space or weight room comes to mind, but you can take a more subtle and integrated approach using biophilic design. For example, you might install a tree-lined walking path indoors that is curved, emulating the lack of straight lines in nature. This provides a simple and accessible physical exercise option that leaves workers feeling better all around.

You might also take inspiration from biophilic gyms that use natural materials from floor to ceiling. Think sandbags instead of kettlebells and reclaimed wood instead of artificial flooring. A biophilic gyms will fit right into a building that is already using biophilic design and will supply a generous amount of biophilia to a space that’s more traditionally designed.

From Pop-Up City: Biophilic gyms opt for natural materials instead of manufactured equipment

Conclusion

Biophilia is deeply rooted in human nature. When a built environment include more biophilic elements, occupants feel healthier and happier, allowing them to work and live better. Best of all, this is true across all types of built environments, from the office to a casual restaurant. Designing a space with biophilia in mind doesn’t just connect people with nature; it also allows people to become the best versions of themselves.

These Are the Sustainable Design Trends That Are Shaping 2018

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.

Biophilia and Interior Design: Creating a Multi-Sensorial Experience

Design that enables us to be better at our jobs, feel connected and more in tune is particularly intriguing to me. Biophilic design challenges thinking and stimulates design exploration. A space shines and comes to life when natural elements like wood and water are introduced. Central to biophilic design are the 14 foundational patterns of biophilia, and these patterns can be implemented in countless ways. Rooted in science, implementation of the 14 patterns can reduce stress, improve cognitive function and creativity. A mixing of biophilic elements creates a multi-sensorial experience that will maximize the benefits of biophilia.

I’ve rounded up several of my favorite examples of biophilia in commercial design and would like to share them with you. Each example is unique, and most importantly, focused on improving human health.

Daylight and plant life always work well together

From HCWH Europe: This breathtaking Singapore hospital is resplendent with trees, greenery, and daylight; a pure biophilic haven;

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore is an unforgettable example of commercial biophilic design. Thanks to the abundance of greenery and natural light, the building feels less like a hospital and more like a forest. This is a prime example of what biophilia looks like when several patterns are working together and is an inspiration for anyone interested in the possibilities of biophilic design.

From Archello: This office entryway uses lots of greenery and white decor to mix minimalism and biophilia

The presence of plant life is an essential aspect to biophilic design. Even just a few plants can make a big difference and improve indoor environmental quality. Combining daylight with greenery is especially effective. Daylight not only illuminates plant life but also has numerous biophilic benefits of its own, including mood improvement and increased productivity.

Variety in plant life is also key. Potted plants, hanging plants, and living walls can all work together to help an indoor environment resemble the outdoors more closely. Many businesses elect to use greenery that’s native to the local area to connect occupants with their natural surroundings.

From The Small Garden: Lush trees and a living wall/garden combination transform this minimalist hallway into a natural paradise

This approach has long been adopted by some of the world’s top architects and designers, including Perkins+Will’s Ken Hudson and renowned designer Oliver Heath. Many experts consider biophilic design to be the future of interior design, and given the many benefits that biophilia provides, it’s easy to see why.

From Oliver Heath Design: This Heath installation in a London showroom demonstrates the feel-good power plants provide

Biophilia is ideal for lounges and communal seating areas

From Live Wall: This seating area is full of life thanks to the living wall, reclaimed wood clad walls, and wood tables and benches

One of the most studied effects of biophilia is reduced stress (and thus improved mood). Social gathering spaces and lounge areas are a perfect match for biophilic design. In these shared spaces, biophilia fosters connectivity. Occupants feel welcome, relaxed and are more likely to be social. Plants and wood are particularly powerful here. Many studies have concluded that exposure to wood paneling can reduce blood pressure, and similar results have been reached in connection with indoor plants. Together, plants and wood can revitalize any space and comfort occupants.

From NAC Architecture: This Newport Hospital lounge fosters a pleasant environment for patients and visitors

Newport Hospital Health Center in Washington state sustains a congruous balance of biophilic elements. In the seating area pictured above, patients and visitors will find reclaimed wood architecture, bright lighting, a natural stone wall and a panoramic view of the outdoors making for an inviting and calming waiting area.

From Margulies Perruzzi Architects: Biophilic elements like this fireplace, stone wall and greenery combine to make for an ideal seating area for Station 101.

Seating areas that incorporate biophilic elements such as water features and fireplaces, bring a serenity to an environment. They enhance the experience by providing non-visual connections with nature such as the crackling of fire or the sound of flowing water. The example shown above from Station 101 is an exterior space designed as a natural extension of the interior biophilic rich meeting area. Other examples of non-visual connections with nature are shadows and sun patches and their movement across a room, textured materials like weathered reclaimed wood, and fragrant herbs or flowers.

From: The Architects Newspaper: A combination of biophilic elements; the custom-crafted, segmented, geometric wood drop ceiling; abundant daylight; playful shadows and views of nature create a perfect social and spiritual gathering place.

These spaces prove how useful natural materials like reclaimed wood are

From TerraMai: Capital One’s uses plenty of reclaimed wood to give their banks a more natural look

Many of the world’s top offices, retail stores, restaurants, hospitals and even banks use reclaimed wood because reclaimed wood supports a connection to nature and has been shown to help people feel better, heal faster and be more productive and social. Reclaimed wood with texture and character will help occupants relate the material more closely with nature. Time after time, reclaimed wood proves that it’s one of the most flexible green building materials.

From Planters Group: Biophilic design builds upon the refined, chic design of this restaurant

Reclaimed wood adapts very well to its surroundings and will amplify the existing aesthetic of a space. In a high-end restaurant, it adds sophistication and elegance. In a hospital lobby, it creates a calm environment and reduces stress in both patients and visitors. Of course, reclaimed wood has numerous benefits no matter where it’s used, but it has a unique ability to enhance the design of the built environment in which it lives.

Take a look at how these rooms balance indoor elements

From the Business Tribune: In this atrium, daylight and wood work together to optimize indoor environmental quality

In biophilic design, it’s not just the presence of natural materials that’s important. Different indoor elements (such as lighting, air quality, and views of nature) have to be balanced so as to optimize the built environment as a whole. Using several biophilic patterns at once compounds the benefits that each pattern brings to the table, resulting in a space that feels great to be in and looks great to match.

From Healthcare Design Magazine: Circadian lighting and the use of natural patterns make Swedish Ballard Behavioral Health stand out

This harmony of indoor elements is of particular importance to hospitals (or other medical facilities) that use biophilic design. The Swedish Ballard Behavioral Health Unit is a noteworthy example here. Its campus features extensive daylighting, connection with natural patterns, and healthy amounts of wood. In addition, in spaces that necessitate artificial light, circadian lighting solutions are employed. In the morning, occupants are exposed to cool blue light, while in the evening a warm amber glow is emitted. This ensures occupants’ regular sleep and wake cycles are maintained.

From Wolveridge Architects: Patterned shadows, lowered ceiling and a protective space that provides visual surveillance of the surrounding area is an ideal example of Refuge.

Combining biophilic elements is most effective when creating spaces meant for Refuge. The best restoration space is one where occupants feel safe and provides occupants a real sense of withdrawal from the surrounding area. Places of Refuge need to feel unique from the greater space but should not be fully enclosed. The intent is to de-stress but keep the senses engaged. If the space is elevated, giving it the ability for Prospect, it has even greater biophilic effect. Places of Refuge have been shown to reduce fatigue and irritability as well as improved concentration.

Biophilic office design is the future of the workplace

From Oliver Heath Designs: This Heath creation is designed to enhance workers’ health and productivity

Office spaces have changed for the better particularly over the last decade due to the rise of biophilic design. Today’s offices are well lit and designed to maximize productivity and employee health, and designers like Oliver Heath are at the forefront of this movement. The benefits don’t stop there; biophilic design can also prevent Sick Building Syndrome, enhance comfort, and improve air quality.

From NBC: Etsy’s Brooklyn office uses biophilic design to facilitate both work and relaxation

These offices are only growing in popularity as more businesses realize the benefits of biophilia. Ultimately, biophilic design is all about people. It puts human health and wellness first, which is why biophilic spaces are so irresistible across all industries.

From the New York Times: Daylight, air quality, and natural materials are crucial for CookFox’s Manhattan offices

The offices of CookFox Architects in Manhattan exemplify this design philosophy. With generous plant life spread throughout each workspace and a healthy amount of daylight, CookFox’s HQ is a spectacular place to work and thrive.

F
rom Office Anything: This one-of-a-kind biophilic conference room is ideal for productive collaboration

Conclusion

Interior design hasn’t been the same since biophilia entered the picture, and that’s a wonderful thing. Today’s built environments are healthier and better looking than ever before, and the people working in them feel happier and more satisfied. The biophilia effect proves that humans long for a connection with nature, and when biophilic design elements stimulate more than just our visual senses it is the best way of meeting that innate need.

Take a Look at These 12 Innovative Uses of Living Walls

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.

Here’s How Retail Spaces Can Benefit From Biophilic Design

Retail is all about the customer experience. From the moment a customer walks through your store’s front door, he or she should be immersed in a shopping experience that encourages return visits and reflects your brand. Retail is dramatically growing, and a focus on customer experience is crucial to success. As such, many store owners are looking to different forms of experience design to meet this need.

A particularly interesting and effective approach that’s becoming more common is to combine experience design and biophilic design to create the best possible environment for shoppers. Biophilic design is one of the most potent methods of improving the customer experience, and in this article, I’ll share a few of the numerous ways retail stores can leverage biophilic concepts to wow customers.

Exposure to Daylight Fosters Positive Emotions in Customers

Natural light has a range of benefits for humans: improved mood, better sleep, metabolic regulation, and much more. In A&D, these benefits are commonly discussed in relation to office spaces, but they also cross over to retail. In fact, the results of daylighting in retail spaces are quite astounding. Lighting is one of the heroes of retail design, able to influence sales and improve customer mood in one fell swoop.

From Inhabitat: Apple retail locations are well known for their copious amounts of natural light and usage of biophilic design elements like greenery

One of the most powerful effects of daylight is the creation of positive emotions. Many studies have proven that exposure to natural light releases serotonin in the brain, which in turn improves mood. In general, the more natural light a person is exposed to, the happier they will be. This is the foundation of the research that demonstrates the benefits of light in office workers, and the implications for retail are similar.

Customers who are exposed to natural light while in a retail environment will perceive their experience more positively than they would if the space lacked daylight. This effect can be amplified by including other biophilic elements like reclaimed wood, which has been shown to reduce stress and increase social interactions. When multiple biophilic elements are working together, customers will feel more empowered to relax, take their time, and shop around.

From CallisonRTKL: This shopping center features vibrant plant life and natural building materials

Biophilic Elements Can Increase Product Value and Overall Sales

The use of daylight and other biophilic elements does much more than create positive emotions. Believe it or not, biophilia can actually increase the perceived value of products and boost overall sales. When customers are shopping in a space that utilizes biophilic elements, the positive emotions they experience will translate into receptiveness. This happens because customers associate visually appealing biophilic spaces with higher quality and thus higher product value.

From TerraMai: Sam Edelman’s stylish store demonstrates how biophilic building materials like reclaimed wood can improve the customer experience

This phenomenon has been documented in several studies that examined the effects of natural elements on retail customers. One study found that skylights in retail spaces increased sales by 40%. Impressively, the study found that these results have 99% statistical certainty, so if you use skylights or other daylighting methods in your retail space, higher sales are guaranteed.

From Discover Los Angeles: The aptly named Skylight Books features skylights that shed natural light on the open design and greenery within the store

These statistics have led retail businesses to pay more attention to their in-store lighting, and some stores have come up with creative ways of using light. One German fashion retailer saw a 12% increase in sales after installing a lighting system that was specifically designed for the personality profile of its customer base. This is an excellent example of adapting a lighting system for the people and space it’s serving. Every retail space is different and will require its own specific lighting solution.

Natural light is just one of the many biophilic elements that have positive effects for retailers. Greenery is fast becoming one of the hottest design trends, and it’s a perfect fit for retail. Studies show that greenery enhances the visual quality of a retail environment. This has many of the same effects that lighting does: increased perception of quality, higher levels of receptiveness to prices, and a more positive shopping experience in general.

From Inhabitat: A living wall and assorted greenery takes the design of this beauty store to the next level

Biophilic elements can also foster comfort and calmness, which are becoming increasingly important as part of the customer experience. These elements are especially important in more industrial or minimalist spaces, as softer, more comfortable materials and spaces help to balance and complement these types of aesthetics. Materials like reclaimed wood add comfort and sophistication while also providing all of the natural benefits that biophilic design brings.

Indoor Quality Gets a Boost from Biophilia

Those biophilic benefits are another reason why so many retailers are including more nature in their stores. Biophilic design improves indoor environmental quality (IEQ), making it healthier for both employees and customers. To holistically improve IEQ, multiple biophilic elements should be present. Greenery helps to purify the air; daylight works to maintain and satisfy human circadian rhythms; and materials like wood contribute to stress reduction. In concert, these various elements maximize wellness, making the indoors a pleasant place to be.

Focusing on enhancing IEQ is an important step in perfecting a retail space. It’s a worthy endeavor to reduce the amount of contaminants and pollutants your customers come into contact with. First, the introduction of plant life combined with air filtration will ensure the air is clean. You might consider a garden installation, or you might simply disperse greenery throughout your store. Many stores choose plants like Boston Ferns and palm trees that have proven purifying power.

From Time Out: Ferns and other greenery are often used in retail for their air purification properties

Second, choosing materials with low concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will further minimize toxins. VOCs are often present in paints, wood preservatives, cleaners, carpets, and other building materials. Ideally, a retail space should have the lowest amount of VOCs possible, since hundreds or even thousands of people will come into contact with the space every day. Opting for green building materials like reclaimed wood and selecting low-VOC materials will help manage the presence of these compounds in your store.

Conclusion

Retail spaces are evolving. In order to develop the most optimal customer experience, retailers need trustworthy methods of satisfying their audience. Biophilic design is a solution that’s able to deliver an unforgettable experience and adapt to the changing needs of the modern customer. By making biophilic design changes to create a healthy, human-first environment from the ground up, you’ll see happier customers visiting your store for longer periods of time resulting in increased sales.

Biophilic Design

A Closer Look at Patterns in Nature

The Biophilic Benefits of Patterns

Biomorphic Patterns in Architecture & Design

Conclusion

How Reclaimed Wood Achieves Environmental Goals

Reclaimed Wood and Aesthetics

Conclusion

What Is Intentional Environment?

The Importance of Purposive Design

Sustainability in the Intentional Environment

The Role of Biophilia in Intentional Environment

Conclusion

1. Biomimicry

2. Biomimetic materials

3. Wabi-sabi

4. Intentional environment

5. Building biology

6.Conscious building

7. Electropollution

8. Geopathic stress

9. Bioplastics

10. Invisible architecture

11. Starchitect

12. Farmscrapers

Conclusion

The Growing Need for High Quality Wood

Reclaimed Wood and Sustainability

From Trend to Trailblazer

Conclusion

How Biophilic Design Drives Social Interaction

The Relationship Between Biophilia and Collaboration

The Opportunity for Physical Exercise in Commercial Buildings

Conclusion

Biophilic Design Melds Sustainability and Wellness

Multi-use Spaces Reduce the Need for New Buildings

Green Certifications Are Going Mainstream

Sustainability is Adapting to Mitigate Climate Change

Conclusion

Daylight and plant life always work well together

Biophilia is ideal for lounges and communal seating areas

These spaces prove how useful natural materials like reclaimed wood are

Take a look at how these rooms balance indoor elements

Biophilic office design is the future of the workplace

Conclusion

This living wall brings nature to an enclosed office space

Finland startup Naava brings artificial intelligence to living walls

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

Henry Ford Hospital provides patients with beneficial biophilia

Modular design meets the living wall in this China office

Under Armour’s branded living wall reimagines experiential design

Small living walls can make a big impact

This living wall emphasizes the structure and unity of its building

This outdoor installation is a fresh take on the living wall

Diamond Schmitt Architects is designing breathtaking, monumental living walls

A living wall adds an exotic flair to this airport

This building wears a living wall on its second floor

Conclusion

Exposure to Daylight Fosters Positive Emotions in Customers

Biophilic Elements Can Increase Product Value and Overall Sales

Indoor Quality Gets a Boost from Biophilia

Conclusion

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