What is biophilic design? | Examples | Benefits | Resources
Biophilic Design
Bringing Nature into the Built Environment
Discover how biophilic principles can improve
well-being, productivity, and sustainability
Understanding Biophilic Design concept
What is Biophilic Design?
Coined by biologist Edward O. Wilson, biophilia means "love of life." Biophilic design stems from the idea that humans have an innate affinity for nature.
This approach incorporates direct elements (plants, natural light, water) and indirect ones (textures, patterns, colors that mimic nature) into spaces we inhabit daily.
Biophilic design is more than a design trend, it’s a science-backed approach that integrates nature into the built environment to improve human well-being, productivity, and creativity. Rooted in the biophilia hypothesis popularized by Edward O. Wilson, it recognizes our innate affinity for the natural world.
This philosophy transforms spaces by incorporating direct nature elements such as plants, natural light, water features, and fresh air, alongside indirect cues like organic textures, nature-inspired patterns, and earthy color palettes.
Whether applied in architecture, interior design, or urban planning, biophilic design aims to restore our connection with nature in increasingly urbanized lives, creating environments where people feel healthier, more engaged, and more inspired
Why It Matters?
15% rise in
well-being
This shows how simple natural elements like plants and sunlight can greatly reduce stress and boost mood.
6% increase in productivity
Cities like Singapore and Paris are integrating greenery at urban scale.
15% more creativity
Workers in office environments with natural elements, such as greenery and sunlight.
Read more on The International Biophilic Product Association Learning Center
Why Biophilic Design is Important Today
According to the Human Spaces Report , biophilic offices see a:
As urbanization accelerates, projected to reach 70% of the world’s population by 2050, the human-nature connection is at risk. We now spend over 90% of our time indoors, often in spaces devoid of natural light, greenery, or fresh air.
Research shows this disconnection increases stress, reduces focus, and impacts overall health. Biophilic design addresses these challenges by bringing nature back into daily life, improving air quality, enhancing mood, and even boosting productivity by up to 6% and creativity by 15%.
Beyond human benefits, biophilic strategies, like green roofs, living walls, and biodiversity-supporting landscapes, also contribute to climate resilience and ecological restoration. In short, biophilic design isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s a necessity for sustainable, health-focused living in the 21st century.
Mantra Inspired Furniture:
Unity Collection
Real-World Examples of Biophilic Design
Global Examples
The Marvin Brand:
Custom-crafted windows, doors, and skylights.
Tarkett:
Tarkett is a global leader in innovative flooring and sports surface solutions.
Biophilic Design: Interior Products
Bosco Verticale (Milan).
Gardens by the Bay (Singapore).
Fallingwater
(USA).
Biophilic Design in Architecture
Proven Benefits for People and Planet
Key Bennefits
Applying biophilic design can start small or scale to entire buildings. Simple steps include adding indoor plants, maximizing daylight with larger windows or skylights, and incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, or linen.
For larger projects, strategies may involve installing green walls, creating outdoor terraces for work or relaxation, or designing spaces that frame views of nature.
Consider the 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design framework, covering “nature in the space,” “nature of the space,” and “natural analogues”, as a guide for integrating biophilic principles into architecture, interiors, and urban spaces.
By aligning design choices with the local ecosystem, you can create environments that not only look beautiful but also foster health, creativity, and environmental stewardship.
Environment
Purifies air, regulates temperature, promotes biodiversity.
Health
Reduces stress, improves mood, enhances focus.
Economy
Increases rental premiums, improves workplace performance.
Want to Apply Biophilic Design?
Learn and Apply
Applying Biophilic Design:
Biophilic design isn't limited to large projects.
From home interiors to product design, there are many ways to apply its principles.
Discover how to implement it in interiors, workplaces, cities, and products.
Explore more biophilic products and explore the possibilities on the parent site of the International Biophilic Products Association.
Visit BiophilicProducts.org to explore how
The International Biophilic Products Association
celebrates and elevates biophilic design.
Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature into the Built Environment
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