What does the future of architecture and design look like? Here’s a big clue, it is all about the well being of the people who occupy the spaces, and it’s been proven to make them happier. Creating spaces that incorporate biophilic design by bringing the outside inside is an art form, and is becoming more popular and widely accepted by designers, builders and architects.
Biophilic design in its simplest form within the design industry is a conscious and thoughtful attempt to increase user connectivity with the natural environment. Biophilic design connects our inherent desire to affiliate with nature in the modern world. An extension of the theory of biophilia, biophilic design recognizes that our species has evolved for more than 99% of history in adaptive response to the natural world and not with man made or artificial materials.
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While office buildings, restaurants, homes and places we spend time on a daily basis include biophilic design elements are becoming popular today, they are also on their way to becoming a design trend. There are many fresh ideas at the cutting edge of the movement that will more than likely influence the mainstream in years to come.
Live Moss is a popular way to incorporate Biophilia
There are many elements that go into the construction of new as well as remodeled buildings. Using natural materials that enhance the aesthetics of the space is important for creating a space that will both stand out and blend well with the environment. Living walls create a sense of bringing nature into the space while keeping things organized and clean. The cascading look of a living wall can add a lot of green living material while requiring a relatively small footprint in the space.
Living Walls Bring Nature To The Forefront
It can be difficult to find materials that are warm and also attractive. Reclaimed wood products add a splash of color and feel very natural and inviting. Elements like paneling or table tops are great choices not only because they stand out and create a visual statement, but also for their ability to be moved around making them more flexible over the life of the building.
Open Spaces With Natural Elements Are Welcoming
Natural Woods enhance Biophilic Design in any Space
Common space is an important part of many peoples’ day. Having a place to work or relax that promotes feeling good is not only enjoyable but also promotes creativity and becomes more productive for an individual or group of co-workers. Large windows are also a great way to bring in more light and make the space feel larger and more open.
Using Sustainable Wood Accents Feels Natural
Workspace design has a tendency to be more useful than beautiful. Incorporating softer more natural elements is one way to break up the space and make it more inviting for everyone. One great idea is adding a feature wall made from natural woods. Incorporating wood with texture and depth will enhance the space and does not need to be overwhelming to create great design.
Floor To Ceiling Windows provide Natural Light
Plants are a Great Way to Bring the Outdoors Inside
Wood and plants are great together, combining color, texture and the sense of a healthy living space. Adding an abundance of living materials not only looks great it can improve air quality and noise pollution throughout the building. A very cost effective way to add greenery is through the use of potted plants, which can be placed throughout common areas and also incorporated into smaller spaces and individual offices.
Reclaimed Wood in a Patio Design offers a Warm Invitation
Everyone needs a place to relax and enjoy lunch or a snack during the day. A great break are is not only a place for employees to gather, it can also act as a place to take clients and guests when touring or visiting the office. Incorporating elements that continue the design of the main space into the break room has become the norm and looks great.
Authentic Wood in Retail offers an Organic Shopping Experience
Unfinished woods often feel more natural and can entice shoppers to stay longer because they are inspired by the space and want to stay longer and end up finding more products that suit their needs.
Reclaimed Wood, Historic Spaces and Live Plants
Every detail counts, big and small when incorporating the principals of biophilia into your space. Authentic wood is visually appealing and naturally functional. For builders trying to achieve LEED certification, including biophilic elements can be a cost-effective choice in obtaining the points needed to become certified.
LEED Credits available when utilizing Reclaimed Wood
A Living Green Roof Adds A Natural Feel To The Barnwood
From the interior to the exterior, incorporating living elements lets the world know that first impressions and details matter. Green living roofs have many benefits from being more energy efficient when heating or cooling a building to providing a place to incorporate healthy plants in the structure and some also add pollen rich vegetation and bees to the mix, which we all know is essential to our food source as well as the overall health of our planet.
Sustainable White Oak Is Light And Inviting
Colorful Touches create a Whimsical, Uplifting Space
Light colored woods keep it bright and fun. Sustainably harvested white oak adds color and texture while being more uniform in appearance and creating modern looks that are very natural and will last.
Recent studies have shown that adding biophilic elements to work space increases daily productivity while reducing time missed from work, these are factors that impact a companies bottom line directly through operating costs.
Bring the Outdoors into your Work Space Design
From conference rooms, workspaces and lobby areas, today’s modern and renovated buildings are becoming more people friendly and biophilic design is a big part of all of it. With a large portion of our time being spent in offices and communal areas, it is increasingly more important than ever to design spaces that encourage wellness, creativity and productivity. Adding elements that feel more natural and enhance the sense of nature as well as feeling good is a top priority of leading companies large and small.
If you’ve been considering whether biophilic design is the right design option, take a look at what Elmwood Reclaimed Timber has to offer to your design project. As an eco-friendly company, we have the highest-quality reclaimed and sustainable wood products in a wide range of colors and finishes to help you achieve the perfect design.
You can order free wood samples and also receive a free catalog with more details about Elmwood’s collection of wood options.
