Biophilic design has become a widely used term in architecture and interior design, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Often reduced to “adding plants,” true biophilic design is far more strategic, more impactful, and more rooted in science than decoration alone.
At its core, biophilic design is about creating spaces that support human well-being by intentionally reconnecting people with nature. When applied thoughtfully, it influences how people feel, function, heal, and interact within the built environment.
This guide breaks down what biophilic design really is, why it matters, and how it can be applied meaningfully in architectural and interior projects.
Biophilic design is an approach to the built environment that integrates elements, patterns, and systems inspired by nature to support human health and performance.
The concept is rooted in the biophilia hypothesis, which suggests that humans have an innate connection to nature formed over thousands of years of evolution. Even in modern, urban environments, our brains and bodies continue to respond positively to natural cues.
Biophilic design translates this instinctive connection into physical space through:
Importantly, biophilic design is not a style. It’s a framework that can be applied across aesthetics, industries, and scales, from residential interiors to large healthcare and workplace environments.
People spend the vast majority of their lives indoors. The environments we design directly impact stress levels, productivity, mood, and overall wellness.
Research consistently shows that exposure to natural elements can:
As architects and designers place increasing emphasis on human-centered design, biophilia has become a powerful tool for aligning design intent with how spaces are actually experienced.
Rather than asking “What looks good?”, biophilic design encourages designers to ask:
“How does this space make people feel, and why?”
Biophilic design typically includes a combination of direct and indirect experiences of nature, along with spatial strategies that mirror natural environments. (Terrapin Bright Green, LLC)
These involve real, tangible interactions with natural systems, such as:
These elements provide the strongest sensory connection to nature and often have the most immediate impact on occupants.
Indirect experiences reference nature without requiring living systems. These include:
Indirect strategies are especially valuable in environments where live systems may be impractical but biophilic benefits are still desired.
Beyond materials and elements, biophilic design also considers how spaces are shaped and experienced. Examples include:
These principles help spaces feel more intuitive, comfortable, and engaging.
Plants are one of the most recognizable components of biophilic design, but they are most effective when used intentionally, not decoratively.
Living plant walls, preserved moss systems, and other greenery solutions offer:
However, greenery should always be selected based on:
When greenery is treated as part of a broader biophilic strategy, rather than an afterthought, it becomes a powerful design tool rather than a visual add-on.
One of the most common misconceptions about biophilic design is that it happens at the end of a project. In reality, the most successful biophilic environments are those where natural principles are considered early in the design process.
Early integration allows designers to:
Biophilia works best when it informs decisions about layout, materials, systems, and experience, not just surface-level features. Designing in this way supports human-centered design, using the needs, experiences and behaviors of the occupants to guide design decisions.
As the industry continues to evolve, biophilic design is increasingly seen not as a trend, but as a fundamental approach to creating healthier, more responsive environments.
By understanding the principles behind biophilic design and applying them with intention, architects and designers can create spaces that do more than function or impress. They can create spaces that genuinely support the people who use them.
This foundational understanding sets the stage for deeper conversations about integration, performance, and long-term value, which we’ll continue to explore throughout the year.