Biophilic Building Design

Linking architecture and building systems

Throughout history, humans have derived inspiration from nature and it has often been integral to maintaining a healthy and dynamic life. Nature and what it inspires is present through history in art, sculpture and ancient architecture, and has evolved as time has passed. In 1964 psychologist Erin Fromm defined a term for this relationship, “biophilia.” He defined it as “humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.”

Biophilia today has become something that enhances, rather than decorates. It brings a sense of comfort and healing to a space. The challenge we face is to understand why it matters, and how it can be used in our designs to address issues that depart from “program based or sector specific types,” and instead examine the well-being and comfort of an individual.

Many studies have analyzed how the presence of nature can help generate creativity, reduce stress, increase our mental agility and, as a result, increase our health. But according to a study done by Terrapin Bright Green, there are three ways that we can implement nature in our designs:

NATURE IN OUR DESIGNS

These three implementations affect our bodies cognitively, psychologically and physiologically; having tremendous meaning within our designs. Nature in the space as seen in the biological response table has the largest amount of evidence supporting its effect on our mental and physical well-being. Just by incorporating elements of water, natural ventilation and natural views in to our designs, we can have immense impact on the building inhabitants. On the other hand though, natural analogues have less of an impact on our health, and in some cases become a symbol of biophilia. As we continue to design buildings we need to understand and be cautious of how to utilize these techniques in order to generate elements of healing rather than representation.

When thinking about particular examples where occupant wellness and comfort come hand in hand with architecture, healthcare is the first one we consider. With an increase in technological advancements in medicine, there has been a higher demand for architecture that can accommodate these technologies. However, people view this in terms of first increasing productivity over well-being. Technology and building systems are seen as a core human need, while biophilic techniques are not always viewed this way. Often healthcare design focuses on meeting the needs of both the patient and the client. Roger Ulrich PhD, an architecture professor from Texas, has studied the medical effects of natural views. In his 1984 study, he concluded that images of nature on walls and window openings increased patient recovery rates. In most hospitals, white is supposed to be a soothing aspect of the design, but it is quite the opposite. It actually causes no effect on a patients’ recovery, while images or views of landscapes, showed dramatic impact on the patients’ emotions.

Various biophilic tactics were used in the design of the Xiang Ya hospital. Including multiple gardens and interior courtyards for patient healing.

A number of healthcare facilities in our country lack a connection with their natural environment. Studies like this one have shown that the recovery rates are slower in facilities without access to nature. The studies find such buildings also induce stress in both the doctors and the patients. By just simply exposing a patient to a view of the nature or other biophilic design moves, the hospital can reduce the recovery rate and increase the number of patients treated. Access to elements like water, plants, trees or even natural analogues, can reduce the anxiety within these facilities. A study conducted by the University of Oregon in 2011 came to the conclusion that the reason why 10% of workers miss work a year can be linked to the lack of nature within the building design.

Even though the effect of biophilic elements seems small initially, in the long run, they create more pleasing working environments, where people are able to innovate within their working atmosphere.

In addition, biophilic elements can also reduce building waste. By incorporating tactics such as green roofs, operable windows and views to nature, one can aid storm water runoff and help with the heat-island effect. The use of natural ventilation also allows for a decrease in energy cost and in turn, generates a more comfortable environment. These are all elements we consider in order to foster sustainable design, but while balancing all these elements, biophilia should one of the components we include in this process.

BUILDING MATERIAL CONCEPT

Amherst College has incorporated biophilia through the use of earth tone materials, and a scrim water feature for the harvesting of rainwater.

When we design we consider elements that enhance productivity as well as how the building users feel in the space. Cognitively restorative environments not only increase an individual’s productivity level, and reduce building expenses, but also patient and worker well-being. Within this technological era, and development of cities, we can’t forget that feeling of relaxation from simply looking at a water fall, or sitting at in park. No technology can give us this feeling. But by introducing biophilic elements in a space, we can inspire those feelings and provide a link between architecture and building systems by creating a unified building with a multi-platform of strategies.

Sources:
Biophilia Hypothesis
Biophilia in Context
Biophilia in Practice: Buildings that Connect People with Nature