Biophilic homes do energize humans for better living conditions

Biophilic homes define the art of bringing human proximity to nature. It provides all-round health to the users.

Reasons to adopt biophilic designs:

Human DNA is made of natural elements. Hence, man ideally remains healthier in natural surroundings. The same applies to the human brain, indeed. The blood supply reaching the brain primarily defines a person’s mental health. The biophilic homes logically incorporates water-sense in design; water being the main blood content.

How architects and designers adopted the biophilic concepts is an interesting note. More than 85% of people replied that they were in love with natural surroundings when the researcher asked for their comfortable position. Biophilic buildings are explicit designs to provide maximum natural attributes to the users. It can be either a home or an office or some other structure. Natural views, colors, water features, and plants would enliven the space within the walls.

This in fact, causes increased productivity and enhanced well-being of the occupants. Moreover, Indoor plants arranged by architects with maximized natural light rays have a good physical and mental impact. Dr. Craig Knight from Exeter University says, “Just one plant per square meter space in an office substantially improved memory retention and other basic tests.” This idea undoubtedly supports a study that people willingly pay more for properties with good landscapes. Similarly, properties that face some water bodies also becomes a premium choice.

Light and air for biophilic designs:

The architecture of a building needs significantly oriented to consume the most natural light throughout the day. The buildings therefore designed with clerestory windows and atriums or skylights permit more ventilation for the occupants. Building materials like glass, acrylic sheets, and other reflecting elements also enhance the experience. Amazingly, proper exposure extends some liveliness inside the structure, which is felt in the form of shadows and various reflecting patterns. The temperature indeed plays a vital role in the performance of the abode. Well-maintained coolness inside the walls increases the productivity of the users. For this purpose, architects and designers would incorporate various openings. Doors, windows, or other artistic openings will serve a double purpose if they widen the view of outside natural scenes. Ample wall openings would ensure a good amount of air circulation killing extra temperature and humidity in the building.

Water and landscapes for biophilic designs:
Picture of modern farmhouse depicting the biophilic design.
Biophilic Design of a Farmhouse. Cove Hollow Farm Road Residence, East Hampton, NY.
Photo Courtesy: SARA

Water is an element that makes up almost 60 to 70% of the human body. Such natural sense environmentally attracts people to water bodies or the wetlands. Architects have sensibly embraced it greatly in the form of aquariums, fountains, and swimming pools for homes, offices, or resorts. The sound of the water gives a pleasant feel that significantly reduces stress levels. It also provides an exciting look and a little sentimental touch. Proper light and air ventilation are supposed to increase the overall efficiency of the users in biophilic houses.

Landscaping on the premises is the next important attribute of biophilic buildings. The presence of greenery in the working or living environment gives the utmost satisfaction. Man sheltered himself in a black concrete environment and moved away from green jungles. The guilty consciousness is rising in society for the greenhouse effect. The occupants of the biophilic structures may have some type of satisfaction in this context. The built environment brings in a nice balance of sustainability.  Various plants in different shapes along with the presence of flowers increase health and performance while reducing stress levels. The gardens specially designed by architects provide a live and green environment.

Biophilic presence at city-scale:

Urban centers are meant to address ecological and societal grievances in the biophilic background. It furthers sustainability by connecting to nature and improving resilience by maintaining natural shapes, pathways, and ecosystems. Biophilic architecture aims at building urban values to improve the health and wealth of people. It offers emotional well-being by improving the physical as well as mental health of the individual and the community as a whole.

Natural lights and ample ventilation have primarily contributed to human evolution in past ages. Natural plantations and artistic water presence also share equal importance in biophilic designs.

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