DANZER UK NEWS

Biophilic design aims to create spaces that promote both human well-being and environmental sustainability by embracing our inherent connection to nature and integrating it within the built environment.
 
What is Biophilic Design and Where Do the Six Elements Originate?
Biophilic design is a methodology for creating buildings and landscapes that foster a connection between people and nature. It integrates natural features into the built environment, creating spaces that resonate with our affinity for the natural world. The six elements of biophilic design were developed by Stephen Kellert, a prominent social ecologist and advocate for the biophilic design approach.
Kellert acknowledged that while the concept of biophilic design is straightforward, its real-world application can be complex. This complexity arises from our limited understanding of how our biological connection to nature works and how to incorporate that knowledge into physical structures. Kellert’s six elements aim to provide a framework for effectively applying biophilic design principles.
 
How Does Biophilic Design Benefit Humans?
Humans have evolved in natural environments for most of their history, giving us an ingrained connection to nature. According to Kellert, interacting with natural elements isn’t just beneficial but crucial for human well-being. In his work on biophilic design, he cites studies demonstrating that exposure to nature leads to:
 
- Faster recovery from illness and surgery
- Fewer health and social issues
- Increased productivity and motivation, with reduced stress among workers
- Enhanced cognitive performance
- Healthier development in children
- Improved quality of life and stronger community bonds
 
The Six Elements of Biophilic Design
Kellert's biophilic design framework is built on two main dimensions: the **organic (or naturalistic)** dimension, which reflects natural shapes and forms in the built environment, and the **place-based (or vernacular)** dimension, which connects buildings to local cultural and ecological contexts. These dimensions are further divided into six key elements, each featuring various attributes.
 
1. Environmental Features
This element focuses on integrating natural features into built environments, such as plants, animals, and natural materials like wood or stone. Design elements like water, sunlight, and color also evoke a connection to nature. Buildings that work with their natural surroundings—such as those with ivy-covered walls or those that blend into local geological features—are particularly effective.
 
2. Natural Shapes and Forms
This element emphasizes shapes and forms inspired by the natural world. These can include representations of vegetation, animals, or natural motifs like tree leaves or animal structures such as hives. Buildings that incorporate flowing, organic forms over sharp, angular designs tend to feel more harmonious and connected to nature.
 
3. Natural Patterns and Processes
This element is about incorporating properties found in nature, such as sensory variations (light, sound, texture) and the richness of natural detail. Spaces with focal points, clear boundaries, and connections between distinct areas are more appealing, as they give a sense of wholeness and completeness similar to that found in nature.
 
4. Light and Space
The use of light and space is critical in biophilic design. Natural and filtered daylight enhances well-being, while the interplay of light and shadow can add dynamic visual interest. The strategic use of space can create openness, foster a connection between indoor and outdoor environments, and define the shape and purpose of different areas within a building.
 
5. Place-Based Relationships
This element connects cultural and ecological contexts, emphasizing the importance of local features and traditions in design. People form emotional bonds with places, and buildings that reflect their geographical, historical, and cultural surroundings encourage stewardship and a deeper sense of connection to the environment.
 
6. Evolved Human-Nature Relationships
This element focuses on the deep, fundamental connections between humans and nature. Designs that reflect safety, exploration, curiosity, and mastery tap into our natural instincts. For example, a space that offers both shelter and a sense of exploration satisfies our need for protection and discovery, reflecting the complex relationship between humans and their natural surroundings.
These six elements provide a foundation for applying biophilic design principles, offering a starting point for those interested in exploring how to create more harmonious, nature-inspired spaces.
 
Danzer UK has a new strategic partnership with Thermory, a globally renowned manufacturer of thermally modified wood.