The concept of biophilic design is centered around the idea that nature can have positive effects on health and well-being. In this blogpost, we will explore the distinct patterns and classifications of biophilic design introduced by Stephen Kellert and Terrapin green. These patterns provide a framework for integrating nature into various projects in meaningful ways.
This pattern emphasizes the importance of direct contact with nature. It involves incorporating elements such as natural light, air, flora, fauna, water, sounds, scents, and other natural elements into the built environment. Design considerations include prioritizing exercise opportunities near green spaces, creating visual connections with nature, utilizing multi-sensory water experiences, and incorporating natural sounds and fluctuating light and shadow. An example of this pattern in action includes the interior courtyards at the 1 West Santa Clara project which provide a direct connection with the outdoors and also bring in daylight, helping occupants maintain circadian rhythms.
The Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore is a good example as it maximizes available areas and surfaces for the creation of therapeutic spaces that incorporate nature for both staff and patients to experience from multiple angles.
The New York Building's Birch and Moss Garden by Renzo Piano acts as a dynamic backdrop to the tower lobby.
This pattern focuses on evoking nature through the use of images, materials, and design elements. By incorporating natural forms, organic shapes, natural materials like wood and stone, and mimicking natural light and ventilation, a space can achieve a sense of connection to nature. Using natural materials also contributes to healthier spaces. An example of this pattern is the exposed mass timber at DES's Southline Amenities Building in South San Francisco.
To optimize the benefits of wood and encourage a biophilic reponse, the design exposes and highlights the wood structural system in the most visible spaces. An additional benefit to this approach is a reduction in interior finishes, which contributes to reducing both cost and embodied carbon.
Another example is the Etsy café which maximizes the incorporation of botanical motifs throughout the project, at a variety of scales in both two and three dimensions. The image above is one of the wood murals incorporated in the project.
This pattern relates to spatial configurations that promote health and well-being. It involves creating spaces that allow for movement, exploration, prospect, refuge, and a sense of safety. Design considerations include providing unimpeded views of surrounding settings, understanding defensible space, and arranging spaces in a way that allows for progression from private to public areas. The Ostra Hospital's Psychiatric Facility in Sweden exemplifies this pattern with its repeating L-shaped departments, outdoor courtyards, and processional order of spaces from private to public which provide a sense of safety and comfort to the patients.
The Ostra Hospital's transects from refuge to social space give patients the opportunity to engage with one another on their own terms. The garden courtyards also provide refuge.
As we focus on sustainability and conservation in design, it is equally important to address the diminishing separation between humans and nature. With an increasing urban population, reconnecting people to nature through design is crucial for our health and well-being. By incorporating biophilic design principles, we can create spaces that promote a stronger connection with the natural world and contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling experience.
https://www.architravel.com/project/khoo-teck-puat-hospital/
https://www.csla-aapc.ca/awards/cornelia-hahn-oberlander-2016
https://living-future.org/case-studies/etsy-headquarters-2/
https://www.sld.com/blog/health_and_pharmaceutical/how-design-contributes-to-health-and-mental-wellbeing/
https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/
The concept of biophilic design is centered around the idea that nature can have positive effects on health and well-being. In this blogpost, we will explore the distinct patterns and classifications of biophilic design introduced by Stephen Kellert and Terrapin green. These patterns provide a framework for integrating nature into various projects in meaningful ways.
This pattern emphasizes the importance of direct contact with nature. It involves incorporating elements such as natural light, air, flora, fauna, water, sounds, scents, and other natural elements into the built environment. Design considerations include prioritizing exercise opportunities near green spaces, creating visual connections with nature, utilizing multi-sensory water experiences, and incorporating natural sounds and fluctuating light and shadow. An example of this pattern in action includes the interior courtyards at the 1 West Santa Clara project which provide a direct connection with the outdoors and also bring in daylight, helping occupants maintain circadian rhythms.
The Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore is a good example as it maximizes available areas and surfaces for the creation of therapeutic spaces that incorporate nature for both staff and patients to experience from multiple angles.
The New York Building's Birch and Moss Garden by Renzo Piano acts as a dynamic backdrop to the tower lobby.
This pattern focuses on evoking nature through the use of images, materials, and design elements. By incorporating natural forms, organic shapes, natural materials like wood and stone, and mimicking natural light and ventilation, a space can achieve a sense of connection to nature. Using natural materials also contributes to healthier spaces. An example of this pattern is the exposed mass timber at DES's Southline Amenities Building in South San Francisco.
To optimize the benefits of wood and encourage a biophilic reponse, the design exposes and highlights the wood structural system in the most visible spaces. An additional benefit to this approach is a reduction in interior finishes, which contributes to reducing both cost and embodied carbon.
Another example is the Etsy café which maximizes the incorporation of botanical motifs throughout the project, at a variety of scales in both two and three dimensions. The image above is one of the wood murals incorporated in the project.
This pattern relates to spatial configurations that promote health and well-being. It involves creating spaces that allow for movement, exploration, prospect, refuge, and a sense of safety. Design considerations include providing unimpeded views of surrounding settings, understanding defensible space, and arranging spaces in a way that allows for progression from private to public areas. The Ostra Hospital's Psychiatric Facility in Sweden exemplifies this pattern with its repeating L-shaped departments, outdoor courtyards, and processional order of spaces from private to public which provide a sense of safety and comfort to the patients.
The Ostra Hospital's transects from refuge to social space give patients the opportunity to engage with one another on their own terms. The garden courtyards also provide refuge.
As we focus on sustainability and conservation in design, it is equally important to address the diminishing separation between humans and nature. With an increasing urban population, reconnecting people to nature through design is crucial for our health and well-being. By incorporating biophilic design principles, we can create spaces that promote a stronger connection with the natural world and contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling experience.
https://www.architravel.com/project/khoo-teck-puat-hospital/
https://www.csla-aapc.ca/awards/cornelia-hahn-oberlander-2016
https://living-future.org/case-studies/etsy-headquarters-2/
https://www.sld.com/blog/health_and_pharmaceutical/how-design-contributes-to-health-and-mental-wellbeing/
https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/
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