BIOPHILIC DESIGN:Designing for Health& Increased Employee

Performance TRACY BACKUSLEED AP ID+C, WELL AP, WELL Faculty

Director, Sustainable ProgramsTeknion

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding Biophilic Design as it relates to building interiors

2. Learn leading reasons to integrate Biophilic Design in projects

3. Explore a case studies for Biophilic Design

4. Biophilic Design benefits by the numbers-ROI

3.1 million

BIOPHILIA

biophilia

bi·o·phil·i·a

noun: a strong attraction for or emotional attachment to the living world.

.

OUR CONNECTION TO NATURE BEGINS AT BIRTH

WE PLAY IN THE DIRT

WE EXPLORE

BUT WE BUILD WITH NO SENSE OF PLACE

What if we could experience the same physical, psychological, and emotional benefits moving through an urban landscape that we experience walking through a forest?

BIOPHILIA HYPOTHESIS

The biophilia hypothesis suggests that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems that has been mapped in our brains for thousands of years

CREATING THE ARCHITECTURE OF LIFE

IN THE WORDS OF

STEPHEN R. KELLERT:

We will never be truly healthy,

satisfied, or fulfilled if we live apart

and alienated from the environment

from which we evolved.

BIOPHILIALOVE OF LIFE

Terrapin Bright Green, “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design”

1.Visual connection with nature2.Non-visual connection with

nature3.Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli4.Thermal & airflow variability5.Presence of water6.Dynamic & diffuse light 7.Connection with natural systems

8. Biomorphic forms & patterns9. Material connection with nature10. Complexity & order

11. Prospect12.Refuge13.Mystery14.Risk/Peril

Biophilia

Environmental Features:• Color• Water• Air• Sunlight• Plants• Animals• Natural materials• Views and vistas• Façade greening• Geology and landscape• Habitats and

ecosystems• Fire

Biophilia Natural Shapes and Forms:• Botanical motifs• Tree and columnar supports• Animal (mainly vertebrate) motifs• Shells and Spirals• Egg, oval, and tubular forms• Arches, vaults, domes• Shapes resisting straight lines• Simulation of natural features• Biomimicry

BROCK ENVIRONMENTAL CENTERVIRGINIA BEACH, VA

LIVING CERTIFIED BUILDING

BROCK ENVIRONMENTAL CENTERVIRGINIA BEACH, VA

LIVING CERTIFIED BUILDING

BROCK ENVIRONMENTAL CENTERVIRGINIA BEACH, VA

LIVING CERTIFIED BUILDING

is the idea humans and nature are

connected, suggesting that humans have an affinity towards

the natural world.

Biophilia

• Bring elements of Nature into the office.

• Evoke Nature with the use natural materials and analogs.

• Incorporate spatial organizations that recall the experience of being in nature.

• Program buildings to allow access to outside.rs

Nearly all employees admitted that their attitude about work is

adversely affected by the quality of their workplace environment

visual connection to nature

Terrapin Bright Green Offices

visual connection to nature

biomorphic forms & patterns

biomorphic forms & patterns

refuge

refuge

organic shapes

natural patterns

Of employee absenteeism

can be attributed to a lack of

access to nature

Decrease in pain medication

costs for hospital patients with

views

The Economics of Biophilia Why designing with nature in mind makes financial sense

18% Increase in test scores in

schools with daylighting

http://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/report/economics-of-biophilia/

Access to natural light,

outdoor views, ventilation

reduces eyestrain and relieves

mental fatigue

10%

18%

21%

“There are ways of mimicking nature indoors … that can still deliver the same benefits as the real thing and not break the bank.” adobe

Adobe HQ, Photography Emily Hagopian

increased healing ratesPhoto Attribution : Houston northwest Medical Center

Improved engagement & test scores

fewer sick days & higher productivity

Photo Attribution : teknion

INITIATIVE GOAL

ILFI PHILOSOPHY

BDI ADVISORY

To achieve broad adoption of Biophilic Design among the design community, building owners and cities.

The Institute embodies the belief that a compelling vision for the future is a fundamental requirement for reconciling humanity’s relationship with the natural world.

The International Living Future Institute has brought together leading experts in the field to form an Advisory Task Force that will lead the initiative through collaboration and inclusion of existing resources.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN INITIATIVEliving-future.org/biophilic-design/

ADD TO THE MAPmaps.living-future.org

Thank you