Biophilic Design

Using Biophilic Design Qualities

Biophilic Design Patterns (2014) states that the implementation of the human and nature relationship tends to fall into three broad experience categories: Nature in the Space, Nature Analogies, and Nature of the Space. Within these categories, there are a number of patterns developed from “empirical evidence and interdisciplinary analysis of more than 500 peer-reviewed articles and books” (Ryan et. al, 2014) laying out the ways in which biophilic design is implemented. 

Nature in the Space

Plant life, bodies of water, animals, and all other elements of nature within a built environment

The strongest Nature in the Space experiences are achieved through the creation of meaningful, direct connections with these natural elements, particularly through diversity, movement and multi-sensory interactions.

Natural Analogues

The organic, non-living and indirect evocations of nature

Objects, materials, colors, shapes, sequences and patterns found in nature, manifest as artwork, ornamentation, furniture, décor, and textiles in the built environment. While they are real, they are only analogous of the items in their ‘natural’ state. The strongest Natural Analogue experiences are achieved by providing information richness in an organized and sometimes evolving manner.

Nature of the Space

Spatial configurations in nature 

This includes our innate and learned desire to be able to see beyond our immediate surroundings; obscured views and revelatory moments; and sometimes even phobia-inducing properties when they include a trusted element of safety. The strongest Nature of the Space experiences are achieved through the creation of deliberate and engaging spatial configurations commingled with patterns of Nature in the Space and Natural Analogues.

The 7 patterns of Nature in the Space include: 

A view to elements of nature, living systems and natural processes.

Auditory, haptic, olfactory, or gustatory stimuli that engender a deliberate and positive reference to nature, living systems or natural processes.

Stochastic and ephemeral connections with nature that may be analyzed statistically but may not be predicted precisely.

Subtle changes in air temperature, relative humidity, airflow across the skin, and surface temperatures that mimic natural environments.

A condition that enhances the experience of a place through the seeing, hearing or touching of water. 

Leveraging varying intensities of light and shadow that change over time to create conditions that occur in nature.

Awareness of natural processes, especially seasonal and temporal changes characteristic of a healthy ecosystem.

The 3 patterns of Nature Analogues are: 

Symbolic references to contoured, patterned, textured or numerical arrangements that persist in nature.

Material and elements from nature that, through minimal processing, reflect the local ecology or geology to create a distinct sense of place.

Rich sensory information that adheres to a spatial hierarchy similar to those encountered in nature.

The 4 patterns of Nature of the Space are: 

An unimpeded view over a distance for surveillance and planning.

A place for withdrawal, from environmental conditions or the main flow of activity, in which the individual is protected from behind and overhead.

The promise of more information achieved through partially obscured views or other sensory devices that entice the individual to travel deeper into the environment.

An identifiable threat coupled with a reliable safeguard.

Sources

Ryan, C. O. et al. 2014. “Biophilic Design Patterns: Emerging Nature-Based Parameters for Health and Well-Being in the Built Environment.” International Journal of Architectural Research Vol. 8(Iss. 2). https://search.proquest.com/docview/1550724648?pq-origsite=summonhttps://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/14-patterns/#the-patterns