Humans have become too disconnected from nature. As we have transferred our urban spaces into concrete jungles, interior warming has increased, and the monotony of concrete has had detrimental effects on our mood. Biophilic design counters this. This design philosophy believes humans have an inherent connection with nature and must bring it into our living spaces. 

Connecting interior spaces with nature is crucial for enhancing the quality of life. Exposure to natural elements can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall health and productivity. In urban environments, where direct interaction with nature is often limited, nature-based architecture makes interior spaces more enjoyable and conducive to well-being. Here are the key benefits of biophilic interior design:

1. Improved Health and Well-being

Biophilic design reduces stress and anxiety, as plants, water features, and natural light have a calming effect on the human mind. In fact, exposure to greenery and nature-inspired environments can lower cortisol levels measurably.

This design philosophy incorporates natural light, which enhances sleep quality and overall mood by regulating the body’s circadian rhythms. Exposure to natural elements is also linked with improved cognitive ability, as it provides a more stimulating and dynamic environment. Due to its positive effects on health and well-being, biophilic design is essential to many interior design courses, such as the one offered by American International University. 

2. Productivity and Performance

Biophilic design is known to improve work productivity, as incorporating plants and natural light calms and relaxes people and reduces their stress and anxiety. You can provide your employees with a relaxing work environment by incorporating green elements into offices, which translates to increased productivity. For example, natural light reduces eyestrain and headaches, leading to fewer sick days. 

Architecture inspired by nature is also associated with improved learning outcomes and student performance in educational settings. Classrooms incorporating natural elements improve students’ attention span and focus, leading to better academic output.

3. Sustainability

In addition to its health effects, nature-based solutions are sustainable. They enhance the energy efficiency of a building by using natural light and ventilation. By maximizing the use of daylight, biophilic interiors reduce the reliance on artificial lighting and lower energy consumption. Large windows, skylights, and open floor plans allow natural light to penetrate deep into spaces, creating bright and inviting environments while cutting down on electricity use. 

Natural ventilation systems, such as operable windows and passive cooling techniques, are integral to biophilic design, which regulate indoor temperature and improve air quality. This architecture also prioritizes sustainable and renewable materials, like bamboo. Other popular materials include cork and reclaimed wood, which look aesthetically pleasing and are environmentally responsible. They have lower embodied energy than other building materials, so less energy is required for their extraction and processing.

Endnote

Biophilic design has become one of the most revolutionizing trends in modern interior design. It involves incorporating natural elements in living and working spaces, such as placing plants inside buildings, maximizing natural lighting, and using natural building materials. 

Nature-based designs are known to have adaptogenic effects, meaning it can lower our stress and anxiety levels. Natural elements in working spaces also improve productivity and performance by relaxing individuals, whether students or working professionals. They are also sustainable and energy efficient. Because of these benefits, it has quickly become one of the most sought-after interior design trends.