The biophilia hypothesis. If you’ve worked within the LEED or green design world for any period of time, it’s likely that you’ve run into this term. As intimidating as it might sound, the biophilia hypothesis is actually fairly simple to understand. And, more likely than not, you’ve experienced what the biophilia hypothesis describes.

So, what is the biophilia hypothesis?

The Biophilia Hypothesis: What is it?

The biophilia hypothesis is the belief that humans are genetically predisposed to be attracted to nature. It states that all humans inherently love the natural world.

This idea that we are drawn to and need nature was first put forth by a man named Edward O. Wilson in his book, Biophilia, published in 1984.

The idea that humans have an innate love and need for nature has been adapted to many different areas of study. The biophilia hypothesis has been used to support the idea that humans are healthier when they’re connected to nature and has even become popular within the movement of green design, reusing materials, and eco-friendly architecture.

Though at first the biophilia hypothesis put forth by Wilson was more aspirational than based in scientific fact, researchers are now finding there are health benefits to being surrounded by nature.

The Science Behind the Biophilia Hypothesis

From Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York City, to Edward O. Wilson, to Florence Williams, the belief that nature makes humans healthier is an enduring and fascinating topic.

Nature helps to lower levels of cortisol, the hormone typically used to assess stress levels, improve concentration, and heighten creativity. Research finds that taking a walk in a park and even looking at nature through a window can improve someone’s health.

Nature not only improves health, it helps people to feel happier.

From Architectural Digest: A living wall at mndfl, a meditation studio.

Though science has come a long way to measure and prove the link between nature, health, and happiness — most of us intrinsically know that nature makes us feel good. No one needs to tell us.

Whether science proves it or not, the biophilia hypothesis has played a role in making biophilic design, green architecture, and eco-friendly buildings more popular.

The Biophilia Hypothesis in Architecture and Design

Many large companies are getting behind the idea of biophilic and green design. Everyone from Google to Amazon to Clif Bar are incorporating nature into their buildings to help employees to feel happier and healthier.

In addition to building a brand and selling products, companies are shifting focus to creating a workplace and ethos of holistic health. Bringing nature inside has also proven to improve worker productivity.

Embracing the Biophilia Hypothesis: Enhancing Spaces with Nature-Inspired Design

The tenets of biophilic design are simple, just an attempt to bring nature indoors for the health of the people inhabiting the space but, can lead design to new and unexplored possibilities. The Biophilia Hypothesis highlights the innate human connection with nature and suggests that incorporating natural elements into the built environment can have profound positive impacts on our well-being. By embracing biophilic design, we can create spaces that foster a sense of harmony and promote a healthier, more productive lifestyle.

Incorporate the Biophilic Hypothesis: The Power of Plants

Implementing the biophilic hypothesis with the inclusion of plants is a powerful way to create environments that foster a deep connection with nature. Whether it’s a green roof, a living wall, or the strategic placement of potted plants, plants play a pivotal role in biophilic design, bringing the essence of the natural world indoors.

Embracing the principles of the biophilic hypothesis, even on a smaller scale, can have profound effects. A green wall, for example, introduces a vertical tapestry of living plants that not only adds visual appeal but also enhances air quality, reduces noise, and provides a refreshing connection to nature. This vibrant display of foliage creates a living artwork, instilling a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation within the space.

From International Living Future Institute: In Singapore, the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital brings nature and health to its patients.

When space permits, a green roof takes biophilic design to new heights. By covering rooftops with thriving gardens, we not only improve energy efficiency but also create lush oases that attract birds and beneficial insects, offering a haven of greenery and respite for building occupants. The juxtaposition of urban skylines with verdant vegetation exemplifies a harmonious balance between the built environment and the natural world.

Whether through grand gestures like green roofs or the simple addition of potted plants, incorporating the biophilic hypothesis transforms spaces into havens where nature thrives alongside human life. By harnessing the power of plants, we purify the air, reduce stress levels, and evoke feelings of harmony and vitality. Let biophilic design guide your choices, cultivating environments that reflect our deep-rooted connection with the natural world and contribute to our overall well-being.

From Inhabitat: A green wall in Dubai.

Embracing the Biophilia Hypothesis with Natural Materials

The biophilia hypothesis comes to life when we opt for natural materials in our built environments. Instead of relying on cold metals, plastics, or synthetic materials, the use of wood stands as a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing alternative. Reclaimed wood, in particular, takes this commitment to eco-friendliness and beauty to a whole new level.

Leading companies like Google and Amazon have recognized the transformative effects of incorporating nature elements into their office spaces. By integrating reclaimed wood accents, flooring, and paneling, they create environments that foster a deep connection with nature. The natural warmth and organic textures of reclaimed wood instill a sense of calm and well-being, enhancing employee productivity and satisfaction.

Terramai’s reclaimed wood flooring and tree inside Google’s Mountain View headquarters.

Choosing reclaimed wood aligns with the principles of the biophilia hypothesis, as it embodies sustainability and showcases the inherent beauty of nature. Each piece of reclaimed wood carries a unique history, with distinct characteristics such as weathered patina, knots, and grain patterns. By utilizing reclaimed wood, we not only reduce waste and prevent deforestation but also infuse spaces with the natural elements that evoke a sense of biophilic harmony.

By embracing the biophilia hypothesis through the use of natural materials like reclaimed wood, we create environments that inspire and nurture. Let the timeless elegance and eco-friendliness of reclaimed wood transform your space into a haven of biophilic design, where the natural world seamlessly intertwines with our built surroundings.

Amazon’s Seattle headquarters uses TerraMai’s reclaimed wood wall paneling.

Biophilic Design: Bring In Natural Light

Incorporating natural light into biophilic design goes beyond its visual benefits; it engages our senses and fosters a deeper connection with the natural world. By designing buildings that embrace their location and maximize light and ventilation, we create spaces that are not only more beneficial to occupants but also more environmentally friendly.

Optimizing natural light in building design offers a multitude of advantages. Beyond reducing the reliance on artificial lighting, it creates an uplifting and energizing ambiance. The dynamic interplay of sunlight throughout the day casts ever-changing patterns and shadows, enhancing the visual interest and adding a touch of natural enchantment to the space.

Windows serve as gateways to the outside world, inviting natural light to flood the interior while allowing for refreshing views of the surrounding environment. Opening windows further allows the infusion of fresh outdoor air, improving indoor air quality and fostering a healthier atmosphere. By integrating windows strategically, we reduce the need for mechanical ventilation systems, promoting energy efficiency and reducing our ecological footprint.

Embracing natural light as a key element of biophilic design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also creates spaces that support well-being and enhance our connection with nature. By thoughtfully incorporating windows that optimize natural light and fresh air, we establish a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding natural elements. Let the transformative power of natural light illuminate your designs, fostering spaces where occupants thrive and the environment flourishes.

Embracing Biophilic Design: CreatingSpaces that Nurture Well-being and Connection

The biophilia hypothesis reaffirms what we intuitively understand: nature has a profound impact on our happiness and health. Biophilic design has inspired architects and designers to embrace this concept by seamlessly integrating natural elements like reclaimed wood, plants, and natural light into their creations.

By embracing the principles of biophilic design, we embark on a transformative journey that transcends conventional boundaries. Nature becomes our guiding inspiration, allowing us to craft spaces that go beyond functionality and aesthetics. These spaces become havens of well-being and connection, where the inherent beauty and vitality of nature infuse every aspect.

Let us wholeheartedly embrace the biophilia hypothesis and embark on a design revolution that prioritizes the nurturing of human well-being. By embracing nature in our designs, we create spaces that foster a deep sense of connection, revitalization, and harmony. Together, let us shape environments that not only inspire but also embody the inherent wisdom of the natural world.

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Looking for reclaimed wood to enhance your next commercial or residential project? Explore TerraMai’s wide selection of eco-conscious and stunning reclaimed wood products today.

Biophilic concepts are steadily making their way into popular design. The concepts can take a variety of forms as local culture, ecology, project intent, and architect and designer perspective all direct how biophilic elements are applied to a space. The research is clear – biophilic design has many positive outcomes, most importantly it makes us happier. Biophilia seeks to reconnect us with nature, and by doing so provides all kinds of benefits—behavioral, mental, and physical. Studies have shown that biophilic design improves human well-being and boosts productivity.

From a commercial perspective, biophilia is a solution for creating better working environments. Windowless offices, poorly lit common areas, and cluttered design can all have numerous negative effects on humans, ranging from sleeping issues to increased sick leave. By building and designing with biophilic principles in mind, these problems can be significantly mitigated.

From C+P: This biophilic office was designed to optimize employee well-being

Moreover, these biophilic principles need to be deeply embedded in architectural and design philosophies. Access to nature needs to be prioritized in order to create the most optimal environments for humans. In other words, biophilia can’t be an afterthought.

Here are some ways architects and designers might integrate biophilia more holistically.

Nature as a necessity, not a tool

Commercial designers that design from a perspective of nature can gain insight and find inspiration to create re-imagined spaces. Using nature as the design driver and not simply another tool––is a necessity. While it is important to strategically include natural elements in a way that is aesthetically pleasing, nature needs to come before design. Therefore, instead of asking a question like, “How can we complement this space with natural elements?” one might ask, “What natural elements are vital for this space?”

When nature comes first, more biophilic needs are satisfied, and the environment appears more organic. It shouldn’t seem as if nature was thrown into the mix at the last minute. Some noteworthy examples of this concept include the Google Quad Campus and the COOKFOX Architects studio.

From Terrapin Bright Green: The COOKFOX studio was designed with nature in mind

Balancing the organic and the artificial is key

Although biophilia aims to restore a connection with nature, it must work hand in hand with constructed materials. As with any design, the elements must be in balance and have relevance. Terrapin Bright Green notes that biophilic design is the inclusion of “aspects of nature that most impact our satisfaction with the built environment.” Designers must uncover how best to implement the principles of Biophilia for each particular space.

A prime example of this balance is the Alliander business park in the Netherlands. The entire environment is outfitted with large skylights, open walkways, and ample vegetation. The natural elements and the constructed architecture work seamlessly together, creating the ideal balance.

From ArchiNed: The Alliander building is an excellent example of the biophilia effect in action

Biophilic design must meet real human needs

The basic premise of biophilia is that humans innately need to participate in nature. By extension, biophilic design must consider these needs and work to fulfill them. This overarching need for nature can be broken down into 14 patterns, which provide a framework for architects and designers. Each of these patterns addresses a fundamental aspect of biophilic needs, and when one or more patterns are utilized in a human-created space, these needs are met.

Station 101, a multi-office building in Westwood, Massachusetts, exemplifies biophilic design that satisfies human needs. Wood and vegetation create a natural connection, while the large windows allow daylight to pour in.

From TerraMai: Station 101 focuses on biophilia with wood and greenery

Commercial architecture has a need for greater usage of biophilic design principles. By using green building materials and keeping biophilic needs in mind, designers can craft environments that make humans happier and healthier.