Green living extends far beyond solar panels and renewable energy. This enlightening article by Forbes looks at the benefits of biophilic design, which blends architecture with natural elements to provide a positive influence on our physical and emotional well-being.
Humans lived for millions of years in natural environments, taking or creating rough shelter as the natural world allowed. Buildings as we know them today are a relatively recent development, and their comforts and conveniences even more so.
The theory of biophilic design is that we evolved in accordance with the natural world, and that architecture that most fully incorporates supportive natural elements can have a positive effect on human health and well-being. You can see that theory designed into buildings with circadian (also called human-centric) lighting that mirrors the natural path of the sun from dawn to dusk. Its benefits include limiting blue light in the evenings to make falling asleep easier.
Other biophilic examples include the use of natural materials and patterns in design, rooms with abundant natural light, green walls, and cooling features that incorporate breezes through well-sited windows, doorways and outdoor spaces, rather than just mechanical systems.
When a real estate listing touts ocean breezes, lake views, mountain air or wooded lot, it is really sharing some of the premium biophilic features of the property – features that typically command a premium price. We’re drawn to nature for many reasons we can easily name, like its beauty, associations with happy times, feelings of awe it can inspire or the calm it can evoke.
We may also be drawn to it for reasons we can’t name, but instinctively feel. In Taking Charge of Your Health & Well-being, the University of Minnesota writes, “Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.” The publication went on to quote a study of hospital patients recovering from gallbladder surgery: “Half had a view of trees and half had a view of a wall. According to the physician who conducted the study, Robert Ulrich, the patients with the view of trees tolerated pain better, appeared to nurses to have fewer negative effects, and spent less time in a hospital.”
So what do you do if the view from your bedroom, living room or home office window is a brick wall, rather than trees, and you’re not able to move or remodel? What if you lack a balcony and the nearest park is a bus ride away? You’re not doomed to miss out on biophilic benefits, even if you’re sheltering at home.
Here 10 some tips for incorporating biophilic features into your living space, whether you’re an owner or tenant:
This article was written by Jamie Gold from Forbes and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.