In today’s fast-paced world, where urbanisation and galloping technology seem to have taken over, ideas and approaches that can realign mankind with nature and redesign spaces that awaken the senses and reconnect the soul are emerging strongly.
This is where biophilia comes into play, bringing with it an unstoppable energy that transforms interior design and architecture into sectors capable of reconciling with the beauty of the natural world. This term (literally ‘passion for life’) was first coined by the philosopher and psychologist Erich Fromm to describe the psychological tendency to be attracted to everything that is alive and vital.
In the 1980s, the American biologist Edward Osborne Wilson again used this term with the same meaning in his book Biophilia, where he described the bonds that humans seek with other living organisms. The latest definition proposed by Wilson himself dates back to 2002, according to which biophilia is “the innate tendency to focus our attention on life forms and everything that reminds us of them and, in some circumstances, to become emotionally affiliated with them”.
According to this theory, humans have an inherent tendency to seek out, connect and bond with natural elements such as plants, animals and landscapes. This connection with nature is deeply rooted in human biology and evolution, and consequently a lack of exposure and contact with the natural world can lead to physical and mental health problems.
This theory is increasingly influencing the design of urban environments and architectural spaces, encouraging the inclusion of natural elements to promote well-being and improve people’s quality of life. It is therefore not just a question of appearance: it is not simply a matter of placing plants in the corner of a room! In its contemporary interpretation, biophilic design focuses on the introduction of natural elements into built environments, such as natural light, water, plants, organic materials and shadows. The true essence of this theory is therefore to integrate nature into the design itself.
The benefits of this are truly extraordinary:
Improved well-being: Several scientific studies have shown that the presence of natural elements in indoor environments reduces stress and improves the general well-being of occupants, promoting concentration, creativity and productivity.
Air purification: Plants absorb carbon dioxide, converting it into oxygen, and filter pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde, thus improving the air quality in the surrounding environment. This function can be particularly useful in areas with high traffic or industry.
Emotional connection: The presence of natural elements such as sunlight, water and vegetation increases the emotional connection to space, stimulates the senses and creates environments in which people feel happier.
Sustainability: Introducing biophilia in interior spaces encourages the use of sustainable materials and reduces the overall ecological footprint of buildings. Natural elements promote environmental awareness and an ethos of protecting and caring for nature.
Of the many strategies that can be adopted to incorporate biophilia into architecture, the most immediate is obviously the use of plants. So-called vertical gardens are walls covered with plants, which are grown on special structures that develop vertically rather than horizontally. This technique is perfect for exploiting unused spaces, such as external walls of buildings, terraces or even interior spaces such as walls and columns. Climbing plants or plants that can grow vertically, such as ferns, mosses and succulents, are usually used.
Alongside this, the use of natural materials such as wood, stone and bamboo brings intrinsic beauty to spaces and connects users with the very essence of nature. The introduction of water elements such as fountains or reservoirs can help create a relaxing and serene atmosphere as well as a powerful connection with nature.
Again, the skilful use of natural light is of paramount importance in creating biophilic spaces: letting in plenty of natural light through large windows and adopting light colours for walls contributes to making interiors more open and welcoming.
Finally, outdoor spaces such as terraces or gardens can be considered as an extension of indoor spaces, allowing people to enjoy the freshness and beauty of the outdoors. These spaces can be designed as places for socialising, meditation or simply to take a break from the stresses of everyday life.
At a time when our relationship with nature is often compromised, biophilia in interior design and architecture therefore offers us concrete hope for a future in which we will be able to create spaces that respect and honour the vital interconnection between man and nature.
“Biophilic architecture reminds us that we are not separate from nature but an integral part of it. It is the realisation that our health depends on the health of the ecosystems around us and that creating spaces that foster connection with nature is fundamental to our well-being.” – Bill Browning
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Arch. Alessandra G.
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