TOPIC: INTEGRATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN WITHIN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

ABSTRACT

The world is developing each day. In the process, the nations around are continuously losing the

green cover at a faster pace. The recent analysis done by the times of India states that our

nation, India has lost 60% of its green cover in the last 10 years. It is a responsibility of any

citizen to preserve the nature, and yet maintain the development, thereafter the concept of the

biophilic design steps in. Every individual has an unknown affinity towards nature. Living with

the nature keeps a person active, stress free and calm, stated by the psychologists who have been

studying biophilia. Nature within the built environment would control the rapidly diminishing

green cover and even enhance the relationship between the architecture and the individual.

Education has always been a critical half in influencing an individual towards a positive

direction. Therefore, to create an impactive skyline and to maintain its resonance, integrating the

biophilic design into educational spaces is the productive approach. The concept of biophilic

design would generate seeds for a better and a responsive built environment in future. This study

would bring in case studies and references and would focus on the reflection of biophilia within

the built up space.

KEYWORDS

Biophilia, Biophilic design, Built environment

INTRODUCTION

Biophilic design is a method of design which binds both an individual and nature. Considering

the human and nature connection, it can reduce stress, therefore improving cognitive function

and creativity of an individual, improve our well-being and faster healing. As the world

population and the urbanization continues to increase, these qualities are getting even more

important.
TOPIC: INTEGRATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN WITHIN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Biophilic design is important for providing individuals with opportunities to live and work in

healthy spaces with minimum stress and greater overall health and well-being.

Biophilia is biological connection of an individual with nature. This paper is to articulate the

relationships between nature, and the built environment so that we may experience the human

benefits of biophilia in our design applications.

TEXT

CURRENT SCENARIO

NATURE-DESIGN RELATIONSHIP

Natural Biophilic design may be broadly classified into three categories Nature in the Space,

nature analogues, and Nature of the Space providing a framework for grasping and enabling

thoughtful incorporation of diversity of strategies to imbibe nature into the built environment
TOPIC: INTEGRATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN WITHIN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

NATURE IN THE SPACE PATTERNS

It adds the direct, physical and less time existing presence of nature in a space or place. It

includes plants, water, animals, as well as breezes, scents, sounds, and other natural elements.

The strongest design belonging to this category experiences are achieved through the creation of

direct connections with these natural elements in a meaningful way, particularly through

movement, diversity and multi-sensory interactions.

1. Visual Connection with natural environment:

EXPERIENCE
View of the elements of nature and its process. It may convey a sense of time, weather and

other living things within your design. Viewing scenes of nature stimulates a larger portion

of the visual cortex than non-nature scenes, which triggers more pleasure receptors in our

brain, leading to prolonged interest and faster stress recover.

EXAMPLES
Naturally Occurring examples
TOPIC: INTEGRATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN WITHIN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Natural flow of a body of water; Vegetation, including food baring plants; Animals, insects;

Fossils; Terrain, soil, earth.

Simulated or Constructed examples
Mechanical flow of a body of water; Green wall; Artwork depicting natural scenes animals,

insects; highly designed landscapes

2. Non-Visual Connection with the natural environment:
EXPERIENCE
It adds the Auditory, haptic, olfactory, or gustatory stimuli which connects in individual to

the nature in an indirect manner. A space with a good Non-Visual Connection with Nature

feels fresh and well balanced; the ambient conditions are perceived as complex and variable

but at the same time familiar and comfortable, whereby sounds, aromas, and textures are

reminiscent of being outdoors in nature.

EXAMPLES
Naturally Occurring examples
Fragrant herbs and flowers; Songbirds; Flowing water; Weather (rain, wind, hail); Natural

ventilation (operable windows, breezeways);Textured materials (stone, wood, fur);

Crackling fire/fireplace; Sun patches; Warm/cool surfaces

Simulated or Constructed examples
Digital simulations of nature sounds; mechanically released natural plant oils; highly

textured fabrics/textiles that mimic natural material textures; Audible and/or physically

accessible water feature; Music with fractal qualities; Horticulture/gardening, including

edible plants; Domesticated animals/pets; Honeybee apiary.

3. Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli:
EXPERIENCE
A space with good Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli feels as if one is momentarily privy to

something special, something fresh, interesting, stimulating and energizing. It is a brief but

welcome distraction.
EXAMPLES
Naturally Occurring examples
Cloud movement; Breezes; Plant life rustling; Water babbling; Insect and animal movement;

Birds chirping; Fragrant flowers, trees and herbs

Simulated or Constructed examples
TOPIC: INTEGRATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN WITHIN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Billowy fabric or screen materials that move or glisten with light or breezes; Reflections of

water on a surface; Shadows or dappled light that change with movement or time; Nature

sounds broadcasted at unpredictable intervals; Mechanically released plant oils

4. Thermal and Airflow Variability
EXPERIENCE
Thermal and Airflow Variability can be characterized as subtle alterations in air temperature,

relative humidity, flow of air across the skin, and surface temperatures that mimic natural

ecosystem and its elements. Like when we move under a tree, we feel the cool breeze during

the summer as compared to an open area.

EXAMPLE FACTORS

Naturally Occurring examples

Solar heat gain; Shadow and shade; Radiant surface materials; Space/place orientation;

Vegetation with seasonal densification

Simulated or Constructed examples
HVAC delivery strategy; Systems controls; Window glazing and window treatment;
Window operability and cross ventilation

5. Presence of Water

EXPERIENCE
A space which has a Presence of Water condition feels capturing and exiting. Fluidity, sound,

lighting, proximity and accessibility each of these qualities of water contribute to whether a

space is stimulating, calming, or both.

EXAMPLES
Naturally Occurring examples
River, stream, ocean, pond, wetland; Visual access to rainfall and flows; Seasonal arroyos
Simulated or Constructed examples
Water wall; Constructed water fall; Aquarium; Fountain; Constructed stream; Reflections of

water (real or simulated) on another surface; Imagery with water in the composition

6. Dynamic & Diffuse Light

EXPERIENCE
TOPIC: INTEGRATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN WITHIN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

A space with a good Dynamic and Diffused Light conveys various expressions of time by

the variations and motion to generate feelings of drama and intrigue, buffered with a sense of

calmness
EXAMPLES
Naturally Occurring examples
Daylight from multiple angles; Direct sunlight; Diurnal and seasonal light; Firelight;

Moonlight and star light; Bioluminescence

Simulated or Constructed examples
Multiple low glare electric light sources; Illuminance; Light distribution; Ambient diffuse

lighting on walls and ceiling; Day light preserving window treatments; Task and personal

lighting; Accent lighting; Personal user dimming controls; Circadian colour reference (white

light during the day and lack of blue light at night); Colour tuning lighting that produces

white light during the day, and minimizes blue light at night.

7. Connection with Natural Systems

EXPERIENCE
A space with a good Connection with Natural Systems evokes a relationship to a greater

whole, making one aware of seasonality and the cycles of life. The experience is often

relaxing, nostalgic, profound or enlightening, and frequently anticipated.

EXAMPLES
Naturally Occurring examples
Climate and weather patterns (rain, hail, snow; wind, clouds, fog; thunder, lightning);

Hydrology (precipitation, surface water flows and resources; flooding, drought); Geology

(visible fault lines and fossils; erosion, shifting dunes)

NATURAL ANALOGUES PATTERNS

1. Biomorphic Forms & Patterns

TOPIC: INTEGRATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN WITHIN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

EXPERIENCE
A space having Biomorphic Forms and Patterns gives us a feeling that is interesting and

comfortable, captivating, contemplative and absorptive in nature

EXAMPLES
Decor examples
Fabrics, carpet, wallpaper designs based on Fibonacci series or Golden Mean; Window

details: trim and mouldings, glass colour, texture, mullion design, window reveal detail;

Installations and free-standing sculptures; Furniture details; Woodwork, masonry; Wall

decal, paint style or texture

Form/Function examples
Arrangement of the structural system (e.g., columns shaped like trees); Building form;

Acoustic panelling (wall or ceiling); Railings, banisters, fencing, gates; Furniture form;

Window details: frit, light shelves, fins; Pathway and hallway form.

2. Material Connection with Nature

EXPERIENCE
A Material Connection with Nature includes the material and elements from nature that, are

being made through minimal processing, reflect the local ecosystem or geography to create a

distinct sense of place. Nature feels rich, warm and authentic, and sometimes stimulating to

the touch.
EXAMPLES

Decor examples
Accent details made (natural wood grains; leather; stone, fossil textures; bamboo); Interior

surfaces (veneer, countertops); Woodwork, stonework; Natural colour palette, particularly

greens
Form/Function examples
Wall construction (wood, stone); Structural systems (heavy timber beams); Faade material;

Furniture form; Footpaths, bridges

3. Complexity and Order

TOPIC: INTEGRATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN WITHIN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

EXPERIENCE
Complexity and Order is rich sensory information that adheres itself to a space hierarchy

similar to those encountered in nature.

EXAMPLES
Decor examples
Wallpaper and carpet design; Material texture and contour; Window details: trim and

mouldings, glass colour, texture, mullion design, window reveal detail; Plant selection

variety and placement; Complex plant oil fragrances; Auditory stimuli

Form/Function examples
Exposed structure/exoskeleton; Exposed mechanical systems; Faade materials; Faade,

spandrel and window hierarchy; Building skyline; Floor plan, landscape plan, urban grid;

Pedestrian and traffic flows; Resource flows

NATURE OF THE SPACE

1. Prospect

EXPERIENCE
Prospect is an unobstructed view over a distance for surveillance and planning. A space with

a good Prospect condition feels open and freeing, yet imparting a sense of safety and control

in ones mind, particularly when alone or in unfamiliar environments.

EXAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS
Spatial Attributes
Focal lengths 20 feet (6 meters); Partition heights 42 inches (hedges; opaque workplace

partitions)
Common Features
Transparent materials; Balconies, catwalks, staircase landings; Open floor plans; Elevated

planes; Views including shade trees, bodies of water or evidence of human habitation

2. Mystery

EXPERIENCE
Mystery is the promise of providing more information which is achieved through partially

obscured views that forces an individual to travel deep into the environment. A space with a
TOPIC: INTEGRATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN WITHIN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

good Mystery condition has an immense sense of anticipation, or of being teased, offering

the senses a kind of denial and reward that compels one to further investigate the space.
EXAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS
Spatial Attributes
At least one edge of the focal subject is obscured, preferably two edges; Auditory

stimulation from an imperceptible source; Winding paths

Common Features
Light and shadow; Sound or vibration; Scent; Activity or movement; Artwork or installation;

Form and flow; Translucent materials

3. Risk/Peril

EXPERIENCE
A space with a good Risk/Peril condition gives a feel of thrill, and with an implied threat,

maybe even a little mischievous or perverse. One would feel, it to be dangerous, but

intriguing, worth exploring and possibly even irresistible. In short, it is a threat which exists

with a reliable safeguard.

EXAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS
Common Features
Double-height atrium with balcony or catwalk; Architectural cantilevers; Infinity edges;

Faade with floor-to ceiling transparency; Experiences or objects that are perceived to be

defying or testing gravity; Transparent railing or floor plane; Passing under, over or through

water

What it would look like after integrating biophilic design into the built environment
TOPIC: INTEGRATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN WITHIN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

CONCLUSION

In this paper, it has been indicated the ways through which the condition of biophilia can be

attained through architecture. It states the methods by which the condition of biophilic design

can be attained within a built environment along with examples stated with every aspect that

needs to be considered for the fulfilment of biophilic design.

It states three broad design considerations and further classification. One amongst the

classification is to be followed from all the major three categories to attain a biophilic design into

a built environment.

REFRENCE

BIOPHILIC DESIGN- creating healing spaces

By Erica Rascn on Aug 6, 2012 in News

http://www.yardi.com/blog/news/biophilic-design/2706.html

THE PROMISE OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN

By Lindsay and Mikhail November 8, 2012

http://blog.interface.com/the-promise-of-biophilic-design

http://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/14-patternsofbiophilicdesign
TOPIC: INTEGRATION OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN WITHIN BUILT ENVIRONMENT

BOOK

Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life

By Stephen R. Kellert, Judith Heerwagen, Martin Mador

Building for Life: Designing and Understanding the Human-Nature Connection

By Stephen R. Kellert