What is Biophilic Design

What is Biophilia

Close your eyes and imagine your happy place. It’s likely somewhere in nature — lying on grass under a clear blue sky, watching the ocean, or feeling the breeze in the trees. That’s biophilia: our innate connection to the natural world.

The word biophilia comes from bio (life) and philia (love). It describes the deep, evolutionary bond humans have with living organisms and nature. For more than 99% of our history, humans lived in natural environments. We only began building permanent structures about 5,000 years ago, long after we evolved for life in nature. Because of this history, nature has shaped how our bodies and minds function, influencing our physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being.

Biophilic design means intentionally integrating elements of nature into the built environment to create positive emotional experiences — joy, calm, wonder, comfort, and connection.

Biophilic Design for Health and Well-Being

Although most of us spend the majority of our time indoors — on average up to 93% of it according to the Environmental Protection Agency — our bodies and minds still respond powerfully to natural elements and patterns. (EPA sources)

Designed spaces that reflect aspects of nature can:

  • Reduce stress

  • Lower blood pressure

  • Improve sleep

  • Enhance mood and focus

  • Support social interaction

  • Strengthen immune function

  • Increase happiness

Biophilic design is not a trend or a style. It is a design philosophy that can be applied across interior styles — from contemporary to traditional — because it supports how people feel in their spaces, not just how they look.

Incorporating natural light, airflow, plants, water, and natural materials helps make homes feel healthier, more restorative, and more supportive of everyday living.

“Biophilic design is about creating good habitat for people as a biological organism in the modern buildings and constructions that advance people’s health, fitness and well-being.”

Dr. Stephen Kellert

The Three Patterns of Biophilic Design

1. Direct Experience of Nature

These are elements that bring real nature into a space:

  • Natural light

  • Fresh air

  • Water features

  • Plants

  • Natural landscapes or views

  • Weather and seasonal changes

  • Fire elements (e.g., fireplaces)

2. Indirect Experience of Nature

These design elements evoke nature and can be easily applied in living spaces:

  • Natural materials (wood, stone, metal with patina)

  • Natural colors

  • Simulated natural light and airflow

  • Nature imagery and patterns

  • Curved, organic shapes

  • Materials that age gracefully and develop patina

  • Biomimicry, natural geometry, and textures

3. Experience of Space and Place

These relate to how a space feels and functions:

  • Prospect and refuge (comfort and visual openness)

  • Organized complexity that feels familiar and layered

  • Transitional spaces that create calm movement

  • Spatial clarity and intuitive wayfinding

  • Attachment to place through cultural and ecological cues

“Peoples‘ physical and mental well-being remains highly contingent on contact with the natural environment, which is a necessity rather than a luxury for achieving lives of fitness and satisfaction even in our modern urban society”

Stephen R. Kellert

Evidence Based Benefits of Nature and Biophilic Design

Learn more

References

  • Environmental Protection Agency (Indoor Time Use Statistics)

  • Kellert, S. R., Biophilic Design Principles

  • Journal of Environmental Psychology (Stress & Natural Elements)