In a world where we are spending more and more time disconnected from the natural environment, biophilic design is emerging as one of the most influential trends in architecture and interior design. It is an innovative and sustainable movement that seeks to reconnect people with nature by integrating various elements that evoke it, both inside and outside buildings. Its aim is to maximise the well-being of the people who live there through a range of benefits.
What is its origin?
The term ‘biophilia’, or love of life, was coined in 1965 by the German-American psychologist Erich Fromm, who argued that human beings have a vital need to live in close contact with nature. In the 1980s, the biologist Edward Osborne Wilson popularised this concept and, ultimately, it was Stephen R. Kellert, Professor of Social Ecology, who, building on this idea, developed biophilic design.
The key principles of biophilic design
This discipline can be applied to any type of building: offices, retail premises, hospitals, homes, etc., and is structured around various elements that promote a nature-based, multi-sensory experience for the user:
- Incorporation of vegetation, both inside and outside buildings. Plants, flowers, trees, vertical gardens, etc.
- Use of natural materials, such as stone or wood, and neutral colours
- Encouraging the entry of natural light through large windows and/or skylights
- Reproduction of organic forms or bioformism
- Ensuring adequate temperature, ventilation and humidity.
- Inclusion of water features such as fountains or ponds.
What benefits does it bring?
Various international studies have confirmed the many psychological and physiological benefits that this discipline offers to people. These include stress reduction, relaxation, increased productivity, greater positive emotions and enhanced creativity.
INCOGA and biophilia
At INCOGA, we are at the forefront of the latest trends and collaborate with various professionals who incorporate biophilia into their designs. Proof of this can be seen in the projects we have completed in this regard over the last few years. These include:
- Zela Restaurant in London (see here)
- Complete renovation of a flat in A Coruña (see here)
- Porcelanosa showroom in central Madrid (see here)
- Comprehensive restoration and refurbishment of the Bilbao Casino (see here)
- Renovation of Abeiro da Loba rural accommodation (see here)
- La Bientirada Restaurant in Mirasierra (see here)
