“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein.
We live in this era that is dominated by technology and human connection to nature often feels like a very distant memory. This human–nature bond called biophilia dictates our intrinsic desire to connect to the natural world. A famous sociobiologist Edward O. Wilson coined this term to make us aware of the relationship that we lost with our mother nature which may have been caused due to rapid industrialization and urban sprawl.
The current day life in cities with high densities is more screen-centric leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and a reduction in mental wellness. In response to the above-mentioned issues, architects, designers, and researchers have begun to investigate methods to reconnect nature with constructed environments. Adapting biophilic strategies in one such approach aims to incorporate natural components into daily spaces to enhance both mental and physical health. This article lets us into the influence of biophilic design on mental health through three main perspectives: scientific research, real-world applications, and practical strategies through examining the research and achievements associated with biophilic design, and highlighting its transformative potential to create nature-inspired spaces that can enhance mental wellness.
Scientific Research
It is a fact that the natural environment is capable of affecting the health and mental performance of an individual. The studies that illustrate how the basic elements of nature – greenery, sunlight, or water features help an individual to cope with stress, manage mood, and give situational satisfaction are numerous – including the ones like Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory and Ulrich’s Stress Recovery Theory.
Kaplan’s theory states that a green- break such as taking a walk in the garden or watering the plants helps refresh our minds thus letting our brains recover from fatigue and improve concentration. Additionally, Ulrich’s theory iterates the impact that green-blue spaces can have on soothing the human mind by lowering stress and improving physical recovery. Both these theories highlight the positive impact of nature on mental health reinforcing the concept of biophilic design- for better mental health.
In addition to the above, there is various other documented evidence pointing to the benefits that individuals reap from using biophilic environments. Reduced cortisol levels, improved heart rate variability, and increased productivity are a few among the many. For example, office spaces that are well-lit naturally and equipped with indoor greens report better levels of workplace engagement and lesser rates of burnout. Similarly, patients who can access nature visually were found to recover quicker than those who were not. The upcoming section gets into the statistical details of those mentioned above.
Real-World Applications
Including natural features like indoor plants and designing the spaces to allow daylight into the interiors are proven measures that improve employee performance and satisfaction. From the journal, Restorative Effects of Biophilic Workplace and Nature Exposure during Working Time: A Systematic Review, it is identified that the employees working in a biophilic environment noted a decline in stress levels by as much as 30% and a marked improvement in mental well-being. The mere presence of natural light contributed to a 15% increase in productivity and a 6% decrease in sick leave, backed by findings in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. Similar to the above case, research conducted by Nieuwenhuis et al. (2014) makes it clear that the addition of indoor plants has enhanced the employee’s cognitive abilities and job contentment.
Within healthcare settings, the healing efficacy of biophilic design can be seen more profoundly. A study in one of its chapters of Frontiers clarifies that natural features, elements like water, gardens, and natural lighting, could help lower the patients’ stress by around 25%, cut down on anxiety, and set back recovery time by as high as 20%. Ulrich’s 1984 study complements that above by stating that patients with views of nature required less pain medication and healed faster.
Practical Strategies
Biophilic strategies can be implemented only through adopting realistic solutions that aim to balance aspirations with practical constraints. Financial constraints, spatial limitations, and high maintenance demand – are a few of the most commonly witnessed challenges. These are more often addressed by opting for solutions that include – using native plants that help reduce maintenance costs, choosing locally available natural materials that reduce transportation charges, and creatively utilizing existing spaces to maximize natural light.
The classic example of biophilic design – Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy overcame diverse challenges in integrating biophilic principles for a high-rise structure. Designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti, the structure holds over 20,000 trees, shrubs, and plants – a green hub. To support the weight of these greens, the architects reinforced the building’s structure and created terraces capable of securely holding large planters. They addressed the challenge of sustainable irrigation by implementing a centralized system that uses recycled gray water, ensuring efficient watering while conserving resources. Additionally, horticulturalists were involved in selecting plant species that are suited to the local climate, wind conditions, and varying sunlight exposure across the building’s facades. This thoughtful approach demonstrates how architects can tackle the practical constraints of maintaining extensive greenery in urban high-rises while achieving ecological and aesthetic goals.
The extensive research on biophilic design showcases its ability to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall productivity. Implementing the six biophilic principles such as —Environmental features, Natural shapes and forms, Natural patterns and processes, Light and space, Place-based relationships, and Evolved human-nature relationships— helps promote wellness in the spaces that we occupy and creates an environment that is capable of restoring our connection with nature. To continue to navigate in this fast-paced world that is mostly driven by technology, these natural spaces are a go-to option for fostering reliance, creativity, and mental clarity.
Citations for Websites
- Inas Al Khatib, Samara, F. and Ndiaye, M. (2024). A systematic review of the impact of therapeutical biophilic design on health and wellbeing of patients and care providers in healthcare services settings. Frontiers in Built Environment, 10. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1467692. [Accessed 31 Dec. 2024].
- Stefano Boeri Architetti (2018). Vertical Forest | Stefano Boeri Architetti. [online] Stefano Boeri Architetti. Available at: https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/en/project/vertical-forest/..[Accessed 04 Jan 2024].
- Bochart, S. (2019). Six Principles of Biophilic Design – Biophilic Design Elements. [online] Shepley Bulfinch. Available at: https://shepleybulfinch.com/evolving-our-connection-with-nature-six-biophilic-design-applications/. [Accessed 04 Jan 2024].
- Ackerman, C. (2019). What is Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (ART)? Benefits + Criticisms. [online] PositivePsychology.com. Available at: https://positivepsychology.com/attention-restoration-theory/.[Accessed 01 Jan 2024].
Citations for Journals
- Ulrich, R. (1984). View through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery. Science, 224(4647), pp.420–421. doi:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.6143402. [Accessed 31 Dec. 2024].
- Gonçalves, G., Sousa, C., Fernandes, M.J., Almeida, N. and Sousa, A. (2023). Restorative Effects of Biophilic Workplace and Nature Exposure during Working Time: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, [online] 20(21), p.6986. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20216986.[Accessed 01 Jan. 2025].
- The effects of exposure to natural light in the workplace on the health and productivity of office workers: a systematic review protocol. (2010). JBI Library of Systematic Reviews, 8(Supplement), pp.1–19. doi:https://doi.org/10.11124/jbisrir-2010-574.[Accessed 01 Jan. 2025].
- Nieuwenhuis, M., Knight, C., Postmes, T. and Haslam, S.A. (2014). The relative benefits of green versus lean office space: Three field experiments. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 20(3), pp.199–214. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/xap0000024.[Accessed 01 Jan. 2025].
- Marselle, M.R. (2019). Theoretical Foundations of Biodiversity and Mental Well-being Relationships. Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change, pp.133–158. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02318-8_7..[Accessed 04 Jan. 2025].
