Biophilic design can be divided in three categories that provide thoughtful strategies and recommendations to be incorporated in the built environment.

 

The first one, NATURE IN THE SPACE, refers to the direct presence & connection of natural elements, such as plant life, water, animals, air, among other.

1. Visual Connection with Nature: A view to elements of nature, living systems and natural processes.

2. Non-Visual Connection with Nature: Auditory, haptic, olfactory, or gustatory stimuli that triggers a positive reference to nature, living systems or natural processes. Ex: Fragrant herbs and flowers, songbirds, sound of rain/wind, textured materials (stone, wood, fur), etc.

3. Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli: Stochastic and ephemeral connections with nature that may be analyzed statistically but may not be predicted precisely. Ex: Cloud/animal movements, materials that move or glisten with light/breezes, reflections of water on a surface, birds chirping, etc.

4. Thermal & Airflow Variability: Subtle changes in air temperature, relative humidity, airflow across the skin, and surface temperatures that mimic natural environments. Ex: solar heat gain, shadow and shade, HVAC delivery strategy, systems controls, etc.

5. Presence of Water: A condition that enhances the experience of a place through the seeing, hearing or touching of water. Ex: river, stream, ocean, wetland, water wall, aquarium, fountains, etc.

6. Dynamic & Diffuse Light: Leveraging varying intensities of light and shadow that change over time to create conditions that occur in nature. Ex: Daylight from multiple angles, direct sunlight, light distribution, etc.

7. Connection with Natural Systems: Awareness of natural processes, especially seasonal and temporal changes characteristic of a healthy ecosystem. Ex: climate and weather patterns (rain, snow, wind, clouds), hydrology (surface water flows, flooding, drought), geology (erosion, shifting dunes), wildlife habitats (birdhouse apiary, flowering vegetation).

 

The second one, NATURAL ANALOGUES, refers to indirect connections with natural elements; natural elements that are no longer in their “natural” state. Strategies that can be incorporated are found in objects, materials, colors, shapes, and patterns found in nature. Examples are mimicking plant life, incorporating furniture with organic shapes and natural materials.

8. Biomorphic Forms & Patterns: Symbolic references to contoured, patterned, textured or numerical arrangements that persist in nature. Ex: windows details (trim and moldings, glass color) furniture details, building form, acoustic paneling, etc.

9. Material Connection with Nature: Material and elements from nature that, through minimal processing, reflect the local ecology or geology to create a distinct sense of place. Ex: accent details (natural wood grains, leather, stone), wall construction (wood, stone), etc.

10. Complexity & Order: Rich sensory information that adheres to a spatial hierarchy similar to those encountered in nature. Ex: wallpaper and carpet design, plant selection and placement, expose structure and mechanical systems, etc.

 

The last one, NATURE OF THE SPACE, refers to the spatial connection with nature.

11. Prospect: An unimpeded view over a distance for surveillance and planning. Ex: focal lengths over 20 feet, transparent materials, open floor plans, etc.

12. Refuge: A place for withdrawal, from environmental conditions or the main flow of activity, in which the individual is protected from behind and overhead. Ex: canopy, spaces with visual privacy, etc.

13. Mystery: The promise of more information achieved through partially obscured views or other sensory devices that entice the individual to travel deeper into the environment. Ex: curving edges, light and shadow, sound and vibration, etc.

14. Risk/Peril: An identifiable threat coupled with a reliable safeguard. Ex: Heights (falling), gravity, water (getting wet), double-height atrium with balcony or catwalk, infinity edges, etc.

 

If you would like to read the full document from Terrapin Bright Green, please click here.