WHAT IS GOOD BIOPHILIC DESIGN?

According to Terrapin Bright Green, an environmental consulting firm based in New York City, “Biophilic design is the designing for people as a biological organism, respecting the mind-body systems as indicators of health and well-being in the context of what is locally appropriate and responsive. Good biophilic design draws from influential perspectives—health conditions, socio-cultural norms and expectations, past experiences, frequency and duration of the user experience, the many speeds at which it may be encountered, and user perception and processing of the experience—to create spaces that are inspirational, restorative, and healthy, as well as integrative with the functionality of the place and the (urban) ecosystem to which it is applied. Above all, biophilic design must nurture a love of place.”

A recent paper published by the firm asserts there are 14 unique patterns of biophilic design that serve to improve health and well-being in the built environment. Connecting the ideas to design concepts, these patterns fall into three main categories: Nature in the Space Patterns, Natural Analogues Patterns, and Nature of the Space Patterns. The 14 stated patterns of biophilic design break down as follows:

Nature in the Space Patterns

1. Visual Connection with Nature
2. Non-Visual Connection with Nature
3. Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
4. Thermal & Airflow Variability
5. Presence of Water
6. Dynamic & Diffuse Light
7. Connection with Natural Systems

8. Biomorphic Forms & Patterns
9. Material Connection with Nature
10. Complexity & Order

11. Prospect
12. Refuge
13. Mystery
14. Risk/Peril

As an example, the Visual Connection with Nature pattern helps link the human experience to the natural environment, addressing the impacts to mind and body of viewing elements of nature, living systems, and natural processes; the Non-Visual Connection with Nature emphasizes the other senses. For instance, the feel of different textures that evoke the natural environment. As another example, Biomorphic Forms & Patterns are “symbolic references to contoured, patterned, textured, or numerical arrangements that persist in nature.” Some decor illustrations of this biophilic pattern can be found in certain window details, wall decals, paint, or textures that are evocative of elements found in the natural environment.

By establishing these 14 basic patterns, the authors aim to “encourage the widespread scientific study, language development, and design implementation of biophilia.” The paper further breaks down each pattern, delving into the experience, the roots of the pattern, and working with the pattern. It further provides an overview of the relationships between the patterns. For example, Visual Connection with Nature often overlaps with Non-Visual Connection with Nature, Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli, Presence of Water, Biomorphic Forms & Patterns, and Prospect.

At its core, in terms of indoor environmental quality and the human condition, the authors assert that “from an architectural perspective, biophilic design patterns have the potential to refocus the designer’s attention on the links between people, health, high-performance design, and aesthetics.”

Source: Browning, William; Clancy, Joseph; and Ryan, Catherine. “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design: Improving Health & Well-Being in the Built Environment.” Terrapin Bright Green. 2014. Web. 2 August 2018.