Seven Principles of Biophilic Design | Industry Insights (2024)

FAQs

What are the defining design principles of biophilic design? ›

A key aspect of biophilic design is making it regularly accessible to the people in the space, and users of a building spend much more time interacting with the interior than the exterior. Another important aspect is using smaller elements to create an overall setting, rather than focusing on small, individual areas.

Biophilic design is a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions.

As experts in biophilic interior design, we at Plantique recommend exploring the concept of biophilic design by journeying through the five senses: touch, smell, hear, sight and taste.

The fundamental principles of design are: Emphasis, Balance and Alignment, Contrast, Repetition, Proportion, Movement and White Space. Design differs from art in that it has to have a purpose. Visually, this functionality is interpreted by making sure an image has a center of attention, a point of focus.

There are twelve basic principles of design: contrast, balance, emphasis, proportion, hierarchy, repetition, rhythm, pattern, white space, movement, variety, and unity. These visual and graphic design principles work together to create appealing and functional designs that make sense to users.

Biophilic Design tries to translate humans' attraction to and desire for connection with Nature, namely biophilia, into the design of environments. However, to justify the psychological benefits and effectiveness of biophilic design, designers often draw inspiration from restorative environment design, ...

Stephen Kellert is known as a father of biophilic design because of his widely accepted principles and framework around the idea. Below is a short summary of his biophilic framework.

Incorporating direct or indirect elements of nature into the built environment have been demonstrated through research to reduce stress, blood pressure levels and heart rates, whilst increasing productivity, creativity and self reported rates of well-being.

Stress Reduction and Emotional Well-being

Modern life often inundates individuals with stressors. BiophiThe biophilic responds to this by introducing elements that evoke tranquility. Natural textures, soothing colors, and the presence of plants have been shown to reduce stress levels and elevate mood.

What are the three pillars of biophilia? ›

Exposure to nature within a disconnected space – like an isolated plant, an incongruous depiction of nature, or a natural material in contrast to dominant spatial features – does not exemplify effective biophilic design. Biophilic design cultivates emotional bonds with settings and places.

By prioritising human-scale design, walkability, and access to nature, biophilic urbanism aims to create healthier, more resilient cities that nurture both people and the planet.

Environmental features

Direct contact with vegetation, in and around the built environment, is one of the most successful strategies for fostering human-nature connection in design. The presence of plants can reduce stress, improve comfort, enhance mood, and prompt healing.

The principles of design are balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, repetition, proportion, rhythm, variety, and unity. These words can provide an interesting vocabulary for thinking about and discussing what we see in nature.