The concept of biophilia was introduced in 1984 by a Harvard naturalist, Edward Wilson who defined biophilia as the “love of life.” He described it as the innate connection of humans with nature and the human tendency to have difficulty in thriving in enclosed, urban environments where it is largely absent.
A biophilic home is a concept that incorporates natural elements inside a person’s residence. These natural elements could include daylight, water, natural materials, ventilation, plant life, playing with colors and patterns that are part of the natural world, and so much more.
With time, research and experiences of people living in biophilic homes have demonstrated that these elements can encourage a sense of tranquillity, boost natural circadian rhythms, regulate temperature, and help promote balanced, peaceful living. This blog will give you a few tips to revamp your house and make nature a part of it!
Green is the Way to go!
Imagine waking up, drawing the curtains, and the first thing you see is greenery and plants on your window ledge, glistening in the morning sun, and soaking up sunlight. Isn’t that a sight for sore eyes? This is why you should consider investing in a biophilic home. Install a wooden framework outside your window and decorate it with all sorts of plants.
English Ivy, snake plants, gardenia, and spider plants are a few small plants that thrive well, require low maintenance, and stay lush throughout the year. You can even put flowers to add color and fragrance that freshen up both sight and smell. This not only adds to the aesthetic value but also keeps your room cooler because of transpiration and cuts down on your air-conditioning costs, in addition to detoxifying the air that you inhale.
Ways to Include Water around You
Water bodies are a focal point for a therapeutic effect. Be it a fishpond, fish aquarium, or a small indoor fountain, the sound and presence of water can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and enhance productivity and concentration. Having a small aquarium in a central position in your biophilic home can be a great idea in many ways.
The gliding of fish in the water will give a sense of liveliness that brings you closer to nature. While taking a break from household chores, pause and look at your aquarium and you will see how installing it was a great idea.
You can also fit a small, portable indoor fountain like the one shown above in any corner of your home. The sound of water trickling is bound to bring you serenity as scientists have found that flowing water stimulates the brain to release stress-relieving hormones.
Put it near your work or study table and it will help you increase your attention span and help you produce quality work.
Biophilia: A handbook for bringing the natural world into your life
Playing with Textures
The feel of natural materials on the skin can make a home comforting. You can spread a carpet or rug made of pure wool or cowhide in your bedroom. Another great idea can be the usage of wooden furniture wherever possible.
The idea of biophilic home designing is incomplete without the addition of wood into the setting. You can put a woven rattan hanging chair in your children’s room or your bedroom and sit on it in your leisure time. You can also buy a wooden rocking chair and enjoy tea or read a book while sitting on it.
If you want to stay minimalistic, you can use wooden accessories like pencil holders, wooden cutlery, and china plates with a wooden texture. You can get pinecones and place them as centrepieces in your drawing-room. They have a very earthy vibe and will help you establish the ideal connection with nature. You can also buy scented candles. They come in a variety of different aromas.
Light them up according to your mood and your home can smell like sea salt, lavender, vanilla, or cacao whenever you want, bringing you closer to mother nature.
For an example of a real-life biophilic home, we have ‘Second Home’ for you. Second Home co-working spaces are located worldwide.
Designed by architects Selgas Cano and Estudio Cano Lasso, they are conceived as nature-infused workspaces, improving productivity, inspiration, and creativity. This picture from the Lisbon Second Home offers a powerful contrast between vast greenery and the industrial nature of the building.
Read more about the ideologies behind Second Home and the makers have used evolutionary psychology and biophilia to design these spaces, here.
Biophilic home is a new trend that is rapidly gaining popularity because of its numerous benefits. Everyone appreciates having the experience of nature. You should also bring nature into your home and see the difference!
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