Biophilia has become an important criterion in all designs today; Image credits:
Post-industrialization and a rampant surge in urban development, our cities arrived at a point where no natural surroundings could be found in one’s vicinity. While our built environment should be able to inspire those who inhabit it, the absence of nature has led to distress. Biophilic design is an approach aimed at reintroducing that connect by incorporating natural elements into our built environment.
In this blog, we explore the origin and purpose of biophilic design, and its subsequent impact.
What is biophilic architecture?
Biophilia refers to the innate human affinity towards all things natural. The term was popularised by renowned biologist E.O. Wilson in his Biophilia Hypothesis. According to Wilson, we have an inherent bond with nature which influences our physical and mental well-being. Interacting with natural elements around us can make us feel more relaxed, focused, and content. Biophilic architecture is an extension of this hypothesis.
Biophilic architecture involves more than simply adding plants to a space. It requires thoughtful passive design elements such as maximising natural lighting, using natural materials, and juxtaposing natural views during the design process. Today, the best architects in India and the world are using biophilic principles to create corporate micro-environments that promote health, well-being, and productivity.
Today, biophilic design is recognised as a critical component of sustainable and human-centred architecture.
Use of Biophilic Designs in Corporate Projects
Incorporation of green infrastructure boosts its occupants’ wellness and productivity; Image credits: KRC, Hyderabad by Morphogenesis
Today, most corporate architectural projects have an element of natural harmony contained within the overall design and tone. This transformation is a result of the realisation that there is a link between the physical environment and employee performance. A prime example is the Infosys Campus in Nagpur, helping one of the world’s leading technology companies in creating mindful indoors for its occupants.
Enhancing Indoor Environments With Biophilic Design
Biophilic design in office spaces creates healthier, more engaging, and more productive work environment by incorporating:
Natural Light and Views: Increasing the presence of natural light through large windows, skylights, and traditional Indian elements such as jaalis.
Indoor Plants and Green Walls: Adding living green walls and indoor plants creates a calming atmosphere whilst also purifying indoor air quality.
Natural Materials and Textures: Use of locally available materials can help enhance the outdoor-indoor connect for the occupants, .
Lush Outdoor Spaces and Roof Gardens: Creating accessible outdoor areas such as terraces, courtyards, and rooftop gardens where employees can take breaks and rejuvenate.
Water Features and Natural Ventilation: Incorporating water features like ponds and fountains, and enhancing ventilation to let in natural scents and aromas, which are also a part of the biophilia hypothesis.
Biophilic Architectural Projects By Morphogenesis
Infosys Campus, Nagpur, by Morphogenesis is a net-zero enabled design; Image credits: Paul Raftery
At Morphogenesis, our belief in sustainability shapes all our projects. We are committed to passive and low energy designs that are unique and offer a high degree of comfort, health and well-being for the occupants. We celebrate biophilic principles of architecture and have numerous projects that enhance the built environment’s S.O.U.L (Sustainability, Optimised, Unique and Liveable).
Infosys Campus, Nagpur: Enshrining a link between people, place, and space, this unique project offers a high degree of adaptability to the local environment. Nestled in vegetation, much of which was retained at the site, the project is optimised to consume up to 57% less energy than the GRIHA energy performance benchmark index.
Radial IT Park, Chennai:
Being developed in 2 phases, the International Tech Park for CapitaLand is spread over 4.6 million square feet with four dedicated blocks for office spaces. Certification as India’s first net zero business park by IGBC, it has also earned the prestigious WELL Building StandardⓇ certification embracing high-quality biophilic principles.
GR Infra Corporate Office, Gurugram: Located in a lush borough of the millennium city, the one-of-its-kind corporate office has green terraces and rooftop gardens that offer a welcome respite for its occupants.With a few large open spaces containing green elements the project incorporates the best of biophilic principles.
Combining real and artificial nature, studies indicate that elements mimicking nature can also have a significant psychological effect on residents. This has led to a growing use of biomorphic patterns, natural paintings, and other artificial green elements to enhance interiors. Therefore, in instances where there are physical or logistical limitations to biophilic design, commercial architects are exploring opportunities to mimic nature to create holistic environments.
To summarize, biophilic designs revitalize cityscapes, regulate microclimates, and are a sustainable way of integrating nature within our urban fabric. In a world that is rapidly urbanizing, incorporating both real and artificial elements of nature in our designs is essential for creating healthier and more balanced living environments. By embracing these principles, we can foster a deeper connection with nature, even in the heart of our cities.
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