Flossbau incorporate principles
A growing body of research is supporting measureable, positive impacts on human health and performance as a result of exposure to nature. As these studies advance, the need to incorporate biophilic design into everyday life is becoming increasingly important for designers, building and portfolio managers, occupants, students, teachers, healthcare providers and community leaders alike. However, a gap remains between research and implementation. This publication aims to bridge that gap by providing the foundation of biophilia, illustrating its primary elements and attributes and discussing best practices for its incorporation.
Biophilic design encompasses a variety of spatial, material and experiential strategies rooted in human biological science and natural patterns. These largely include the use of daylight, water, color and natural or simulated landscapes. These principles can be applied at the scale of a single room, a whole building or even an entire neighborhood or campus. The selection of these elements and the way they are woven together will vary according to the programming, climate, site and culture of each particular space.
Floßbau Humans are innately drawn to natural features and landscapes and these principles can be leveraged by architects, interior designers and landscape architects to create healthy, vibrant environments that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. These spaces can help to reduce stress and promote healing, learning and social connection. They can also contribute to the sustainability of the building or neighborhood, reducing operational costs and enhancing the resiliency of the built environment.
How does Flossbau incorporate principles of biophilic design?
These design principles are not new; they have long been incorporated into historic structures and sites throughout the world. The consistency of these themes reflects human intuition and the emerging scientific evidence that humans need connections to nature for health and well being. These connections are not just physical; they have a direct impact on the brain and can be measured through various neurological and physiologic indicators.
Incorporating biophilic design into the daily lives of those in urban settings presents unique challenges and opportunities. For example, many of the most impactful natural features may not be feasible due to limited land availability or zoning restrictions. Moreover, incorporating these elements into high-density urban settings may require an adjustment in the design process to ensure adequate accessibility. In these cases, it may be beneficial to consider the inclusion of micro-restorative experiences – short sensory interactions with nature that promote a sense of wellness. These interventions can be more easily implemented and positioned in areas where frequent exposure is possible and can provide the same benefits as larger restoration features.
Additionally, it is important to note that the design of a biophilic space must be integrated with the overall project goals and objectives. This can be challenging as there are often competing priorities, especially for back-of-house and night shift operations that are often the most deprived of natural stimuli. Lastly, monitoring the efficacy of biophilic designs can be challenging given the complexity and cost of certain measurement techniques, e.g. fMRI or EEG, which may be overly invasive and costly for the typical user.
