In today’s hectic and often stressful world, the physical properties of the space around us can significantly impact our health, emotions, productivity, and overall well-being. That desire to improve the human experience through our environment is at the heart of biophilic design, an approach to design, construction, and architecture that focuses on incorporating elements of nature into various spaces. When we embrace biophilic design in environmental graphics, we integrate natural elements to enhance a connection with nature, encourage a sense of calm and stability, and promote well-being.
How Does Biophilic Design Work?
Several theories and frameworks exist for biophilic design, but the central thesis is that incorporating the experience of nature into designed environments – especially interior and urban spaces – can support the physical, emotional, and mental health of the people using or moving through those spaces.
Stephen Kellert, an acclaimed social ecologist, coined the term ‘biophilic design’ and offered some guidelines for the approach. His core framework consists of three dimensions designed to harmonize human needs with nature, as follows:
- Direct experience of nature: Refers to designs that incorporate direct encounters with natural elements. The use of natural light and weather observance, air flow, water features, plants, the presence of animals (e.g., aquariums, bird feeders, gardens, etc.), and more all fall under this category.
- Indirect experience of nature: Covers any design elements that are representational of nature but are not the elements themselves. Environmental graphics play a significant role in this dimension, as large-scale depictions of natural settings. Geometries, shapes, colors, materials, and patterns used in design may also fall under this category.
- Experience of space and place: All about the elements of design that provide psychological and emotional attachments for the people within. The category is further broken down into elements of prospect and refuge, organized complexity, integration of parts to wholes, transitional spaces, mobility and wayfinding, and cultural and ecological attachment to place.
Another approach to biophilic design, according to Kellert, considers designs in six dimensions. These are environmental features, natural shapes and forms, natural patterns and processes, light and space, place-based relationships, and evolved human relationships with nature.
The outcome is the same in any framework: designs that encourage human harmony with and positive experience of nature. Of course, sustainable materials and technologies are a big part of these designs, as they can further enhance that respect for and harmony with nature. These might include living walls, eco-friendly paints and printing materials, digital nature displays, natural and ethically sourced materials, and much more. The more sustainable and thoughtful the processes and materials, the more authentic and effective the biophilic design.
Environmental graphics are often popular for organizations looking to incorporate biophilic design into their spaces. These graphics are easier to manage than complex water features or total construction overhauls, but that doesn’t make them less impactful. Beautifully designed environmental graphics can evoke natural vistas or natural shapes and patterns that are calming and emotionally satisfying to all who encounter them. When printed using sustainable materials and processes, these graphics enhance a sense of responsibility and connection with nature.
Benefits and Challenges
Biophilic design has been proven to have several health benefits. In one academic study published in the International Journal of Architectural Research, Archnet, researchers found that exposure to natural elements improved mental health 37% faster than traditional urban noise after exposure to stressors. Another literature review found that including plants and water elements can reduce stress and improve mental health. On a larger scale, biophilic cities were found to encourage greater social connectivity and resilience while reducing rates of crime and aggression. In other words, biophilic designs don’t just make you feel happy; they also have measurable and positive impacts on your physical health!
As more organizations bring employees back to the office, either part-time or full-time, biophilic design elements can support their mental and emotional well-being while also promoting desirable outcomes like positivity, productivity, and overall satisfaction. Biophilic designs also integrate well with corporate sustainability policies. By utilizing more sustainable and natural materials and processes, plus encouraging environmentally friendly practices like adding plants and using natural, energy-efficient light, these designs embrace sustainability as a 360-degree approach, not just a short checklist.
Like any design element, biophilic design comes with a set of challenges. Space and budget constraints are the most common, but the flexibility of biophilic design means there are ‘levels’ of options available for any space. Perhaps your building and budget can’t accommodate large gardens and water features, but you can manage some environmental graphics, planters, and improved use of natural light. Just as nature itself varies to thrive in its environments, biophilic design can also conform to any requirements.
What’s Next in Biophilic Design?
As technology continues to evolve, so too will biophilic design. The advent of new and exciting production processes and materials means that construction materials, print and environmental graphics, and much more will continue to advance and provide even more complex, creative solutions for incorporating nature. Advanced sustainable materials allow designers and builders to create environments that not only evoke nature but also support it. Even computer technology, so often seen as a contrast to biophilic designs and the embrace of nature, has gotten in on the game with the ability to create virtual natural environments or incorporate VR and AR technology into more traditional materials like printed graphics.
At Priority Construction, we are always looking for the latest and greatest advances to bring your visions to life. Our environmental graphics are created through innovative design techniques and sustainable, cutting-edge, efficient processes, and we work with YOU to determine the most effective approach to create welcoming environments that support well-being, happiness, and productivity. If you’re interested in reaping the benefits that nature-centric designs can bring to your team, talk to Priority today to learn more about our solutions!
