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Wood Education

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

Arboskin pavilion is made from bioplastic

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.

Crocheted wood exterior at pavilion in Spain
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.

Case Western Reserve University's biomimetic material
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.

Reclaimed wood in conference room adds to the wabi sabi
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.

Mosaic Centre in Alberta uses natural elements
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.

Lobby optimized to provide people with optimized space
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.

No WiFi at Fox in the Snow Cafe
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.”

Arboskin pavilion is made from bioplastic
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.

Pinnacle at Symphony Place in Nashville
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.”

Interior of Pinnacle at Symphony Place in Nashville
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.

Rendering of Asian Cairns farmscrapers
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 teak wood used for ceiling at Energy Bioscience Building wood ceiling flows uninterrupted from interior to exterior

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.

Old growth lumber used in renovated green building in Kentucky
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.

Where reclaimed wood is sourced from
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.

Reclaimed lumber beam
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.

Reclaimed wood and plants in Etsy's Brooklyn HQ
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.

Reclaimed wood in lobby at Primary Color
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.

Reclaimed teak wood used for ceiling at Energy Bioscience Building wood ceiling flows uninterrupted from interior to exterior
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.

Michael Green's T3 building is largest mass-timber building in the USA
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?

indoor biophilic gym

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.

Biophilic spaces are a hotspot for social interaction
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.

Wood stadium seating allows for greater office interaction and collaboration
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.

Open workspace at Friends of the Earth
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.

Example of biophilic office
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.

Sky Central Azure's three-level cowork space
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.

Example of range of seating options for employees
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.

Sustainably designed Studio 111
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.

indoor biophilic gym
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

LEED Gold Certified Denver Union Station

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

Mass Timber frame seen at Bullitt Center in Seattle
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.

Stairs in Bullitt Center in Seattle offer plenty of light and shadows
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

Shipping containers create multipurpose workspace
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.

BOY Siam Square Salon modular rail design
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

NOAA Inouve Regional Center received LEED Gold Certification
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.”

LEED Gold Certified Denver Union Station
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

Nestle Purina's St. Louis campus is LEED Gold Certified
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

Allegro Office with plants, large windows, and swings

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

Biophilic Design: Singapore Hospital has trees, greenery, and daylight
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.

Allegro Office with plants, large windows, and swings
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.

Lush trees in minimal, industrial space at Karolinska Institute
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.

Biophilic display at Interface Showrook at Clerkenwell Design Week
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

Biophilic seating area with living wall and reclaimed wood cladding
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.

Newport Hospital lounge offers pleasant area for patients and visitors
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.

Seating area at Station 101 includes fireplace, stone wall, and greenery
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.

Geometric ceiling at Temple Israel of Hollywood
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

Reclaimed wood paneling and cladding at Capital One in Chicago
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.

Biophilic restaurant with living wall and hanging plants
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

Daylight and wood improve indoor environment at Middlefield CampusFrom 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.

Circadian lighting at Swedish Ballard Behavioral Health
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.

Ceiling creates patterned shadows at Etham South Project
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

Small living wall and plants at This Health office
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.

Etsy's Brooklyn office uses biophilic design elements
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.

Natural daylight, wood, and plants at Cook Fox in Manhattan
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.

FBiophilic convference room with tiered seating
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

NYC's Hotel Hugo use a living wall in restaurant

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

Living wall at G Sky in Atlanta
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.

Living wall at G Sky in Atlanta creates vibrancy in windowless office
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

Naava living wall
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

NYC's Hotel Hugo use a living wall in restaurant
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.

Curved wood-paneled soffit at Hotel Hugo's restaurant in NYC
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

Living wall at Henry Ford Hospital
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

Modular design living wall
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

Under Armour logo embedded in living wall
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

Pair of living walls add to small office
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

Living wall contours to room's structure
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

Outdoor living wall at University of Texas, Austin
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

Giant living wall at University Guelph Humber
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

Living wall at Novotel Hotel in Aukland International 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

Outdoor living wall at M&S Simply Food
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

Apple retail location has copious amounts of natural light and greenery

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.

Apple retail location has copious amounts of natural light and greenery
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.

Shopping center mall features vibrant plants and natural light
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.

Sam Edelman uses biophilic building materials
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.

Skylights at Skylight Books in LA allow plenty of natural light
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.

Thousands of plants grow on NYCs largest living wall at InnisfreeFrom 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.

Ferns and plants are used at Stock MFG men's store in Chicago
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.

The Intersection of this Year’s Office Design Trends and Biophilic Design

Dropbox's San Francisco HQ uses potted trees

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

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

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

This Google office seamlessly meshes comfort spaces with biophilic design

Google office meshes comfort with biophilic design
From Bored Panda: This highly biophilic workspace combines trees, reclaimed wood, and a panoramic view

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

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

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

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

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

Fosbury & Sons uses plant life in minimalist workspace
From ArchDaily: Fosbury & Sons’s Antwerp office uses plants throughout to bolster employee productivity and mood

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

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

Fosbury & Sons office space in Belgium created an industrial, minimalistic space
From ArchDaily: Plants enrich the industrial space and create a welcoming atmosphere

OVH connects workers by using natural elements

OHV's office connects workers using wood, vegetation, and natural light
From Dezeen: OVH’s office is resplendent with wood, vegetation, and lots of natural light

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dropbox spices up a monochrome design palette with plants

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

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

Conclusion

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

12 Unique Ways to Implement Biophilic Design in Hospitality Spaces

Tropical Island Resort Krausnick Germany

The hospitality industry is more vibrant than ever, and with this boom has come an increased focus on customer experience. Hospitality designers have been looking to the field of experience design to provide more targeted, immersive experiences that leave smiles on customers’ faces. Ultimately, this means designing for the people you’ll be serving, and that requires a close consideration of customers’ wants and needs.

One of the best methods to unexpectedly delight and enhance customer experience, no matter what sector of hospitality, is to use biophilic design elements. Here are 12 of my favorite use cases.

1. Abundant natural materials create a strong connection to nature

Westin Buffalo includes several biophilic elements
From C+TC Design Studio: Westin Buffalo boasts several biophilic elements: plenty of reclaimed wood, a living wall, and plants

For an easy way to enhance the biophilia effect of any space, place several biophilic elements near each other. Even the simple placement of a plant next to a wooden wall can make a noticeable impact on people’s mood and behavior. Doing so creates a visual connection with nature as well as a connection with natural systems, which are two of the 14 patterns of biophilic design as stated by Terrapin Bright Green. The more natural elements you include, the happier and more relaxed your patrons will feel, culminating in a positive experience.

2. For indoor spaces, try biophilic focal points

Living wall in Hotel Hugo, New York
From the Design Institute of San Diego: This living wall in New York’s Hotel Hugo is a striking biophilic focal point

Indoor spaces without abundant daylight or sightlines to the outdoors are most in need of biophilic elements. For these types of indoor areas, including a biophilic focal point will foster the natural connection needed for customers to feel their best. Go big so as to draw guests’ eyes, impress them, and satisfy their desires to be closer to nature. Living walls, gardens, waterfalls, fountains, ponds, and fireplaces are some examples of biophilic focal points that can be implemented in any indoor environment.

3. Hanging plants provide a unique biophilic aspect

Hanging plants in hotel lobby
From Mason: Hanging plants can be used to create a suspended garden that wows visitors

This biophilic technique is easy but a bit unexpected. A small assortment of hanging plants placed together can be used to simultaneously add biophilic elements and make a room feel fuller and more alive. You can use different types of hanging greenery to make a floating garden or place the plants more sparsely to create points of visual interest throughout a space.

4. Reclaimed wood adds natural elegance

Hotel bar's reclaimed wood paneling offers classy design
From Metropolis: This bar’s reclaimed wood paneling is a classy design touch that also serves as a biophilic focal point

In terms of green design materials, reclaimed wood is certainly one of the most versatile and beautiful. Its authentic charm is perfect in any built environment. It can complement laid-back or upscale spaces, and it works in tandem with a room’s existing décor. It especially shines in hospitality environments. Whether it’s used for the floors of a lounge, the walls of a restaurant, or to clad a reception desk, reclaimed wood can make customers and guests feel better and more satisfied with their experience.

5. Lobbies present wonderful opportunities for biophilic design

Open lobby with pond, trees, and large windows
From Ambius: This lobby’s breathtaking view is perfectly paired with a soothing pond that stretches between trees

Lobby design is of increasing importance in the world of hospitality. Since lobbies are getting more use today than ever before, it makes sense to optimize them for guests and visitors. Best of all, lobby spaces are ideal for biophilic design, and whether your lobby is small or large, you can transform it into a sanctuary for your guests. Any sort of biophilic focal point will work wonders in a lobby. You may choose to install a small pond or focus attention on a reclaimed wood fireplace. A noticeable biophilic element in a lobby will ensure that guests receive all of the benefits associated with biophilia, and it’s a great way to give an outstanding first impression.

6. Seating areas can benefit greatly from potted plants

Potted plants makes small areas feel more open
From Kinorigo: Potted plants are an easy way to add biophilic elements

Potted plants are small but mighty. Research demonstrates that they can help to purify the air even if air filters are already in use. They also reduce stress and thus facilitate more positive moods. Even just a few indoor plants will provide all these benefits, and when plants are combined with other biophilic elements, the indoor environmental quality of a space improves dramatically. Potted plants work particularly well in lounges and other seating areas, especially ones that don’t have a clear view of nature. As shown above, a few pops of greenery in a seating area can be incredibly effective in enhancing the biophilia effect.

7. Create clear sightlines to the natural world outside

Ladera Resort features breathtaking views
From Matador Network: Ladera Resort in Hawaii features breathtaking views of the lush trees, hills, and ocean surrounding the building

One of the most important patterns of biophilic design is visual connection with nature. A direct sightline of nature often provides the most benefits for guests, especially if your building is located near trees or bodies of water. This can be crucial for hotels; Terrapin Bright Green found that the cost of a hotel room with a view of nature is typically 18% higher than a room without a view. Of course, if a view of nature isn’t feasible, you can simulate the results with other biophilic elements. An appealing natural vista will not only improve guest satisfaction but also increase the chances of them returning.

8. Bring uncommon outdoor elements inside

Hotel in Portugal includes tables with trees
From Traveller Made: This inspired Portugal hotel includes a unique tree-through-table installation

For an especially creative way to implement biophilic design, take an uncommon natural element that exists outdoors and bring it indoors. This is the basic idea behind biophilic focal points like living walls and waterfalls, but there are many interesting ways to bring this concept to life. For example, the hotel pictured above features an indoor tree, which is both biophilic and novel. Other hospitality spaces have brought stone walls, large gardens, and even beaches indoors. The sight of an outdoor element in the built environment will generate interest among guests and can even encourage social interaction.

Tropical Island Resort Krausnick Germany
From the Daily Mail: This German resort’s one-of-a-kind indoor beach is a biophilic design haven

9. Find innovative ways to implement greenery

Plant map provides interesting and biophilic focal point
From Plant the Future: This eye-catching plant map is a wonderful and interesting biophilic focal point

There’s something to be said for coming up with new and exciting ways of showcasing greenery. The more visually interesting an installation is, the more guests will talk about it and enjoy it. This can be as simple as creating a wall garden of potted plants or as complex as installing larger topiaries. This is another concept that’s ideal to execute when an environment doesn’t have a direct and open view of nature.

10. Turn a room into an indoor garden

1 Hotel in Brooklyn turned a space into a indoor garden
From Retail Design Institute: Lots of plants on the walls and throughout the room make this industrial space much more biophilic

I’ve already discussed the merits of potted plants and gardens: improved air quality, better biophilic impact, and heightened moods, to name a few. An alternative idea is to take a room and transform it into an indoor garden. Since this involves creating patches of soil in which plants may grow, it’s a more intensive biophilic design technique, but it’s extremely effective. Seating areas, event spaces, meeting rooms, and eating areas are a few types of indoor environments that can benefit from large gardens.

11. Experiment with raw, unfinished biophilic elements

Rustic reclaimed wood and indoor trees bolster biophilia
From Momentum: The rough reclaimed wood on the desk and the raw tree installation bolster biophilia

Connection with natural systems is one of the patterns of biophilic design I’ve discussed in this article, but it’s so important that it deserves its own section. A connection with natural systems reflects the ongoing changes and processes present in various ecosystems. Some examples include erosion, weathering, aging, and plant cycles. This is one of the reasons why reclaimed wood is such a boon to biophilic design; its natural variances are perfect for creating a connection with natural systems. Other unfinished natural materials like rough stone can strengthen the connection.

12. Ample wood fosters serenity in hotel rooms

Hotel room uses reclaimed wood paneling
From Mocha Casa: This hotel room’s reclaimed wood paneling contributes to the relaxed atmosphere

When your guests are looking to get a good night’s sleep, they’ll be expecting a calming hotel room in which to relax at the end of the day. Since wood works to reduce stress, it’s an ideal material for hotel rooms. It will work with existing elements in the room (like a perfectly made bed or a view of nature) to make your guests feel cozy and at home.

Conclusion

Biophilic design is largely becoming the norm for all kinds of hospitality spaces. Guests expect more than ever, and biophilic design is an effective answer to these ever growing demands and needs. By implementing a few of these concepts, your hospitality space can easily stand out and create an unforgettable experience that will keep people coming back for more.

How Indoor Environments Affect People’s Lives: 10 Things You Need to Know

Deloitte Amsterdam headquarters provide employees with a human-optimized workspace

There’s lots of research aimed at making the natural environment a better place for humans to be, but what about simulated environments? With research indicating that people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, creating optimal indoor environments is more important than ever. While architects and designers have long prioritized sustainability and eco-friendliness, recently indoor spaces have become a focal point. Builders and designers are becoming increasingly concerned about all kinds of indoor elements from air quality to exposure to natural light. After all, since the built environment is fundamentally a space for humans to be, it makes sense that designers should try to make indoor spaces the best they can be.

There’s a growing body of research that documents how people respond to various indoor elements, and this knowledge is crucial to anyone who spends a lot of time indoors. A poor indoor experience can stifle productivity, waste money, and affect occupant health. So whether you’re an architect, designer, business owner, or employee, you should be aware of these 10 ways the indoors can affect you.

1. Indoor elements are often surprisingly toxic

The first questions that arise when discussing indoor environments are how the indoors affect us and how far-reaching those effects are. Those questions are multifaceted because the average indoor environment is complex, with many factors potentially affecting occupant well-being. The CDC’s definition of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) notes that building dampness and contaminant exposure are typically responsible for occupant health issues. Recently, materials with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been spotlighted as particularly harmful to air quality; the EPA points out that concentrations of VOCs are noticeably higher indoors (as much as ten times higher than outdoor environments). Since VOCs are so common in paints, varnishes, wood preservatives, and other building materials, people who spend lots of time indoors are likely being exposed to particularly high levels of these damaging compounds.

Chart shows major sources of VOC emissions
From South Coast Air Quality Management District: Architectural and surface coatings are two of the most common sources of VOCs, making many indoor spaces unhealthy for occupants

Thankfully, there are some simple ways to rectify this issue of exposure. Green building materials that have low or no VOCs are ideal for creating healthier indoor environments. However, the fact remains that materials with high concentrations of VOCs are still in widespread use, a fact that occupants and designers alike need to be aware of.

2. Indoor elements affect how you work, interact, and even sleep

An indoor environment doesn’t have to be toxic to significantly affect its occupants. That’s what the Well Living Lab, a collaboration between Delos and the Mayo Clinic, found in its first study. Researchers attached biometric wearables to office workers and monitored their biological response to various changing elements in the environment, including changes in acoustic, lighting, and thermal conditions. The Lab concluded that such changes affected how the workers performed, interacted, and slept. We’re more sensitive than we might think to even more subtle environmental changes, and as a result, if indoor elements aren’t carefully optimized, people won’t feel or perform their best.

Employees working in an office with natural light
From Annual Leave: Elements such as exposure to natural light can greatly affect how occupants feel and behave in a space

3. A poor indoor environment can cause productivity (and profit) to plummet

Unfortunately, the stereotype of the stuffy office is still true today. It’s not uncommon to see workplaces without windows, adequate ventilation, fitness solutions, or places of rest. These conditions can cause a poorer quality of life, and occupants in spaces like these may suffer from major sleep issues. Perhaps most noticeably, productivity rapidly declines and may even hit an all-time low.

Deloitte Amsterdam headquarters provide employees with a human-optimized workspace
From New Atlas: Employees who work in sustainable, human-optimized indoor workspaces, like this one in Amsterdam, perform better than workers in unoptimized workspaces

This may not seem obvious until you take a look at how employees in optimized workspaces are performing. For instance, an increase in ventilation from 20 cubic feet per minute of outdoor air to 40 boosts annual productivity per worker by $6,500. Even the smallest of changes can create a ripple effect; the simple inclusion of one plant per square meter increases productivity by 15%. For business owners and employees alike, these statistics underscore the importance of creating a work environment conducive to health and well-being.

There are also countless worker health benefits that a better workplace brings with it. A 2000 study published in the Annual Review of Energy and the Environment observed that millions of dollars and countless work hours are lost yearly due to a poor indoor environment. The study estimated that better environments could reduce problems related to respiratory diseases, allergies, asthma, and other building-caused health issues, saving an estimated total of $31 billion annually. (And that’s not even counting the estimated $140 billion savings from improved employee performance in general.) All in all, a human-first indoor workspace isn’t a design accommodation but rather a fundamental necessity.

4. Be aware of the 9 foundations of a healthy building

At Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Healthy Buildings project is examining exactly what a “healthy building” looks like and how the A&D industry can set new standards for indoor health. The initiative is the brainchild of Environmental Design professor Joseph Allen and his team, who have synthesized a wide range of environmental research into a condensed approach they call the 9 foundations of a healthy building. These foundations are the elements that make up the indoor built environment: air quality, thermal health, moisture, dust and pests, safety and security, water quality, noise, lighting and views, and ventilation. These 9 foundations require the right balance to foster the best possible indoor environment. This list is perhaps best used as a springboard to identify problem areas within an indoor environment and establish a set of criteria by which indoor spaces can be evaluated and explored.

9 Foundations of Healthy Building chart
From forhealth.org: The 9 foundations of a healthy building review the most essential components of the indoor built environment

5. Air quality is one of the most important indoor elements

While all of the 9 foundations for a healthy building are essential to an optimized indoor environment, many designers and businesses are focusing heavily on air quality. This makes sense, as the EPA states that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can have long-term health effects, possibly including respiratory diseases, cancer, and heart disease. Less severe but nonetheless damaging effects include irritation, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. It’s well documented that inadequate ventilation (and therefore lower IAQ) can lead to a loss of productivity and satisfaction. The EPA suggests several methods of improving IAQ, such as eliminating or reducing air pollution, improving ventilation, and utilizing air cleaners. Since air quality impacts all occupants and can have lasting effects, it needs to be a top priority for anyone in A&D.

Building with natural light and plants improves indoor air quality
From Aeroqual: Strategic implementation of elements like windows and greenery can help improve IAQ

6. Climate change may impact IEQ

The relationship between outdoor and indoor environments is more interconnected than it may at first appear. That’s what a 2011 report by the Institute of Medicine indicated, noting that climate change may worsen already poor indoor environments. The abstract states, “As the world’s climate changes, buildings that were designed to operate under the ‘old’ climatic conditions may not function well under the ‘new’—affecting the health of those who live, work, study, or play in them.” Indoor elements like air quality, building dampness, thermal stress, and ventilation could all be adversely affected by climate change. If left unchecked, these elements can create detrimental indoor spaces, so it’s critical to monitor these in both old and new buildings.

7. Integrating biophilic design is better for everyone involved

The typical indoor environment today isn’t exactly what I’d describe as “connected to nature.” Indoor spaces tend to be rather shut off from the natural world, and many don’t even have windows. Yet a connection to nature is exactly what biophilic design aims to create in order to foster a healthier environment for humans. Biophilic design can help improve behavioral health as well as social interaction and work performance. Many other aspects of biophilic design are naturally healthy––the presence of plants can enhance IAQ, for example––and it’s also a highly sustainable design philosophy, making it an attractive option for both human occupants and the indoor environment.

Biophilic indoor environment
From Mocha Casa: Biophilic design transforms indoor environments into spaces that respond to our biological needs

8. Studies prove that comfort matters

Most indoor spaces are built to be comfortable, but few builders and designers qualify comfort during the planning and building processes. Comfort can be correlated with the indoor elements that affect occupants (see #2 above). A study in the International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment looked at thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, and visual comfort. Each element is essential to overall IEQ and needs to be regulated to maximize occupant comfort. Furthermore, these elements can be manipulated to create various indoor environments. For example, natural ventilation causes people to feel closer to nature than mechanical ventilation. Thus the particular levels of comfort can be adjusted with occupant needs and the local environment in mind.

Allsteel's DC office boasts acoustic comfort
From Work Design Magazine: Allsteel’s Washington, D.C. office boasts excellent acoustic comfort

9. Watch out for Sick Building Syndrome and Building Related Illness

The range of negative health effects that an indoor space can have on occupants is often categorized under the Sick Building Syndrome term. As defined by the EPA, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is “used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.” While the culprits are often easy to identify (e.g., high-VOC materials, inadequate ventilation, etc.), if left untreated SBS can significantly impact occupant health. SBS can affect more than physical health; workers can experience a loss of energy and productivity, while visitors and guests may experience dissatisfaction with the space. The best prevention against SBS is continuous surveillance of indoor elements and ongoing maintenance to ensure that IEQ is at its best.

lOptimized Ventilation Diagram for Office Workspaces
From EPA: Optimized ventilation can help mitigate SBS and BRI

Similar to SBS, Building Related Illness (BRI) refers to health issues that “can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants.” A 1994 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology categorized the mechanisms by which agents cause BRI into four categories: immunologic, infectious, toxic, and irritant. It’s also possible for more than one of these mechanisms to cause BRI. However, the problems of SBS and BRI are preventable and manageable through vigilance and proactive measures.

10. Circadian-based light exposure can improve productivity and mood

Human circadian rhythms are responsible for the regulation of our energy cycles, but many artificially lit commercial settings disrupt these natural rhythms. In an office setting, this often causes workers to underperform and feel drowsy throughout the day, and in a general commercial setting, this can cause mood drops in occupants. Considering circadian rhythms in the built environment ultimately aids in performance increases and generates more positive emotions. Specifically, circadian-based lighting is greatly beneficial. Unfortunately, many indoor environments don’t have enough light to biologically stimulate occupants and satisfy circadian cycles. When light is sufficiently able to stimulate a biological response, IEQ increases. In one study, occupants who received more circadian stimuli became less depressed and got more sleep. Modifying lighting to the human circadian cycle is a simple yet dramatically effective change that any indoor space can easily make.

LED Continuous Lighting provides circadian-based light exposure
From SAB Magazine: This indoor environment utilizes a LED ceiling to simulate the sky and satisfy occupant circadian rhythms

Conclusion

The indoor built environment is receiving more attention as architects and designers are recognizing the importance of healthy, human-first indoor spaces. These 10 items are some of the most essential factors when developing and improving indoor environments. Design that considers occupant well-being is the future of A&D. With human wellness as a core driver, the impact of design is greater than ever.

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