nature in space
Nature in Space addresses the direct and physical presence of nature in a space. This includes plant life, water and animals and natural elements.
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Nature of the space
Nature of the Space addresses spatial configurations in nature. This includes our innate and learned desire to be able to see beyond our immediate surroundings and create spaces using nature.
MoreNature Analouges
Natural Analogues addresses organic, non-living and indirect depictions of nature using objects, materials, colors, shapes, sequences and patterns found in nature, abstracted as artwork, ornamentation, furniture, décor, and textiles in architecture.
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Visual Connection
Simply seeing nature helps our bodies find calm – regardless of whether that nature is organic or artificial. A visual connection to nature has been shown to contribute to positive emotions, lowered blood pressure, and increased happiness.
Non-visual connection
This concept involves the other sensory consequences of nature – the feelings, sounds and textures of the space. Rustling leaves, fresh-smelling air, and organic textures further support the effects of experiencing nature.
non rythmic sensory stimuli
People are drawn to unique features, which are common in nature and rare in the built space. Repeating geometric or mathematical patterns quickly become uninteresting to us because they are easily understood, while these unique stimuli offer something more rare, more dynamic, and more engaging.
Thermal & airflow variability
Creating a biophilic environment means creating a space that is meant for life. By making your space hospitable in terms of airflow and temperature control, it becomes more intentional in its devotion to supporting life, enhancing the biophilic experience.
Presence of water
The presence of water provides a natural source of constantly shifting visual stimulation. Water features like fountains, waterfalls, and small ponds coupled with greenery and natural elements create a rich and diverse visual landscapes to intrigue the mind.
Dynamic & Diffuse Light
To create lighting supportive of a biophilic atmosphere, you need balance between brightness, movement, and color. Using canopies of foliage to filter light from above, you can use artificial greenery to create dynamically shifting natural patterns of light and shadow.
Connection with natural system
A strong connection to surrounding area and its natural features can radically change the perception of your space. By replicating the flora all around you within the built space, you foster a sense of understanding and intimate connection to the local natural space.
prospect
We feel more at ease when we have a lay of the land, and interior spaces that provide distant views help achieve that feeling. Creating vantages where users can see more then 20 feet away is important to wayfinding, and a sense of belonging in the space.
refuge
The need for a sense of Refuge is an evolutionary development that means we feel comfortable in spaces that feel protected, yet offer information about the surrounding world. Areas of refuge can be created with a copse of artificial trees, creating an enclosed natural barrier with a canopy ceiling set within a larger space.
mystery
The concept of Mystery in the built space contrasts the idea of Prospect, instead intentionally denying some information about the environment. People are driven though physical space by the need to explore and understand, and creating a sense of incomplete information or mystery can compel that exploration.
risk / peril
Features that present a perception of risk, like a glass-bottom bridge or a narrow path over water, also present a chance for people to engage with the space. When people confront risk, they gain mastery and understanding of their environment, which improves their mood and well being.
Biomorphic forms & patterns
Biomorphic patterns are built elements that intentionally resemble natural ones – like wall panels sculpted to look like rippling water, or a surface that uses a faux woodgrain pattern. These help to create visual interest and gently remind us of nature.
material connection with nature
Using materials in their natural form creates a more comforting atmosphere and connects the built space with natural textures. Using things like real wood tree trunks combined with replica foliage further enhances the biophilic experience.
Complexity & Order
The delicate balance between boring and overwhelming, predictable and chaotic is crucially important to the biohpilic space. Information-dense areas like replica greenery landscapes should be balanced out with simpler areas for mental respite.
