Can Architecture Influence Health?

(by Heather Mooney, Designer) A few weeks ago BRD designated one of our routine lunch-and-learns to build our team's working knowledge of Biophilic Design. Designers, Gabby Keim and Heather Mooney presented a background of what biophilic design is, why it matters, and how it is incorporated (often intuitively) into our projects  The following is a summary of their presentation.

Humans evolved in a 100% natural habitat and today we spend up to 95% of our time indoors. The spaces we occupy impact our health and well-being both consciously and unconsciously. Studies show that connection with the natural world has physiological benefits such as reducing stress, supporting better sleep, improving mental health, and reducing aggression.

Biophilic Design offers a framework for incorporating the qualities of the natural world that support human well-being into the built environment. The biophilia hypothesis, popularized by E.O. Wilson in his 1984 book "Biophilia", suggests that “humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.” In a modern world where many are experiencing rising levels of stress and mental health challenges, incorporation of biophilic design can be an effective factor in moving the needle toward restoration and well-being.

While sweeping views of the outdoors and plants in our interior spaces are lovely, incorporating other less literal biomorphic elements is equally effective and is often an accessible design choice.  For example, designs that incorporate a variety of complexity, order, and scales of detail engage some of the same neurological pathways that are activated when experiencing these patterns in the natural world.

Biophilic design also brings attention to the myriad non-visual sensory experiences of space. While humans are sight-dominant, we are multi-sensory beings, which is especially important to consider when working toward designing more inclusive and universally accessible spaces. Biophilic design brings attention to the other senses through temperature, air flow, auditory, and olfactory stimuli. Terrapin Bright Green, leaders in the green building movement, coined the 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design. They are:

1.    Visual connection with nature

2.    Non-visual connection with nature

3.    Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli

4.    Thermal & airflow variability

5.    Presence of water

6.    Dynamic and diffuse light

7.    Connection with natural systems

8.    Biomorphic forms and patterns

9.    Material connection with nature

10.  Complexity and order

11.  Prospect

12.  Refuge

13.  Mystery

14.    Risk/Peril

You can read more at https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/14-patterns/.