With the majority of our time spent in and around built spaces, urban living has led to a disconnect with nature. 55% of the population currently resides in urban areas and the number is expected to reach 68% by the year 2050
In such a scenario, how can architecture prove to be a powerful tool and foster change?
Biophilic architecture is all about establishing a connection with nature through modern built environments. It’s a step to satisfy our link with nature even in urban living.
By fashioning biophilia in architecture, the design promises to enhance users’ well-being. Being enveloped by nature, the concepts of biophilic design promise physical and visual access to nature that enhances one’s productivity along with keeping the mind happy and relaxed.
The ultimate goal is to curate spaces and structures that prove to be beneficial for humans and other biological organisms as well.
The question is, are all the built environments with hints of nature biophilic?
The answer is ‘No’. Biophilia in architecture takes only those aspects into consideration that have proven to be beneficial for humans over time.
Why Biophilia is Winning Today?
As humans’ natural habitat comprises built environments, there are several reasons why biophilic designs have gained popularity in modern designs.
1. Bridging the Gap between Urban Living and Nature
Biophilic architecture establishes a direct relationship with nature that enables users to experience natural air, light, and even ecosystems. Exposure to nature through designs advances well-being, productivity, and fitness. Whether it’s regular or occasional access to nature, the biophilic design embraces nature and enhances the user’s comfort.
2. Generates an Emotional Attachment to Design
Through the means of biophilic design concepts, every space feels cosy like home. Whether it’s a corporate office or a lavish residence, the hints of nature foster an emotional attachment to the design.
3. Biophilia Enables Coexistence of Humans and Nature
The amalgamation of nature with modern context offers habitat to several other organisms along with humans. Biophilic designs offer a positive interaction with nature even amidst the urban chaos.
One such project fostering the relationship of design with nature is a mixed-use development project– an urban oasis within a concrete backdrop. Along with the brief of curating structures for mixed-use programs, the team designed an urban jungle of clean lines, modern forms, and biophilic design concepts.
5 Ways in Which Biophilic Designs Elevate the User Experience
1. Sweeping Views of Nature
With most of our day spent in or around built spaces, we all call for a break to get some air. This is where biophilic design comes into the picture and caters to these needs. The design features ensure natural ventilation inside spaces. Working along the same lines is this urban biophilic project which guarantees fresh air within large-scale mixed-use development through staggered green terraces.
Natural light is always ebullient. Biophilic architecture welcomes natural light to the built environment further amps up the user experience. Access to sunlight guarantees the user’s well-being and enhances productivity.
4. Masking the Unwanted Sounds
The strategic placement of plants and other biophilic features masks the bustling noise of the city and lets you unwind. Green roofs and walls aren’t only pleasing to the eyes but a smart solution catering to acoustics as well.
5. Soothing Tones and Textures
Material palettes and colours play a major role in taking the design towards a biophilic direction. It’s the play of tones and textures that mimic nature in design and replace the typical ‘modern’ with something more exciting and comforting.
Cutting Down the Conventional Edge
Biophilic designs impart a modern glamour to architecture along with hints of earthiness. Adopting the same approach is a mixed-use development by Talati and Partners designed to emphasise openness along with a seamless connection to nature. The chamfered edges and staggered balconies curate a tranquil and healthy working environment.
The concept of biophilic design lets natural and built environments collide to curate warm and comforting spaces that breathe life!
