An architecture researcher explains biophilic design and how plants, daylight, water and natural materials in offices change how people feel and work.
About this episode
00:00
Hello everyone, my name is Dunja and you're watching the fifth episode of the Green New Perspective Launchpad webcast series dedicated to sustainability.
In the previous four episodes, we talked about wind power, solar power, sustainable fashion, and environmental communication. So if you haven't watched those yet, please check them out on our channel.
Today, we're going to talk about biophilic design. I'm going to answer the question: Is it good for our health? And how can we use this kind of design at home or in our workplaces?
In short, biophilic design is a human-centric approach to interior and building design that focuses on our connection to the natural world. We'll explore how to incorporate biophilic principles into our homes, workplaces, or maybe both, since a lot of us are working from home.
My guest is Dr. Ivana Brajkovic, a research associate at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade. She's an expert in this field, so stay with us to hear what she has to say.
01:13
Q: Can you tell me how you got into the field of biophilia?
A: Thank you, Dunja, for inviting me to the podcast. I'm glad to share some insights on biophilia, as it's becoming more popular every year.
I'm a research associate at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade. I hold a PhD in New Media in Architecture, and part of my research focused on the boundary between the artificial and the natural. I looked at how we connect with nature, how we treat it, and how technologies and media might help us reconnect with the natural world.
It may sound paradoxical, as technology is often viewed as unnatural. But some emerging ideas, like “neonature,” a concept from Roy Ascott, suggest that even artificial elements can become a new kind of nature.
But let’s keep it grounded. The core idea is that we can be more connected to nature, especially with new opportunities like remote work. This trend is reflected in various European and global sustainability projects that I'm involved in.
02:50
Q: So what is biophilia, and how is it connected to sustainability?
A: Great question. Biophilia is not just about sustainability, it’s about how we perceive and interact with our environments. It focuses on the human need for contact with nature and respects both human and environmental well-being.
Before defining biophilia, I’d like to remind everyone what health actually means. According to the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease.
Well-being means thriving, not just surviving, and it’s supported by daily habits like social connectedness, exercise, nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness.
Biophilic design supports all these dimensions by shaping the built environment in ways that reconnect us to nature.
07:03
Q: Can you tell us more about the actual connection to nature in biophilic design?
A: Yes. Biophilia was first defined by Erich Fromm as an “ecological orientation” and attraction to life and vitality. Later, E.O. Wilson introduced the biophilia hypothesis, suggesting we have an innate affinity with nature and living systems.
This was later operationalized into biophilic design by Stephen R. Kellert and others. The goal is to intentionally design built environments that nurture this connection.
Biophilic design goes beyond just being green or sustainable. It nurtures meaningful human-nature relationships.
09:57
Q: How do we practice biophilic design? What does it look like in practice?
A: Great question. There are key elements and attributes of biophilic design that we can integrate:
Environmental Features: Incorporating greenery, air, water, natural materials, and daylight.
Natural Shapes & Forms: Using forms that mimic natural structures, even simulated or abstract ones.
Natural Patterns & Processes: Creating spaces that evolve or change over time, offering richness and variety.
Light & Space: Leveraging daylight, light color, and spatial arrangements for better perception and health.
Place-Based Relationships: Designing spaces that connect with the local history, geography, and culture.
Evolved Human-Nature Relationships: Creating environments that promote exploration, curiosity, calmness, or social interaction based on context.
Even simulating nature in spaces that lack actual green elements can have psychological and physiological benefits.
15:09
Q: Can you give us some real-world examples of biophilic architecture?
A: Sure. There are many examples at various scales, from pocket parks in urban areas to large-scale sustainable office buildings.
One great example is Terrapin Bright Green, a consultancy in New York. Their interdisciplinary team studies biophilic design and applies it in projects that focus on health, biodiversity, and even profitability.
They’ve also identified 14 patterns of biophilic design, grouped into three main categories:
Nature in the Space
Nature of the Space
Natural Analogues
These principles are applicable to schools, hospitals, offices, even spas and wellness centers. Studies show biophilic design reduces absenteeism, improves mood and motivation, and increases productivity.
20:03
Q: What are some challenges or misconceptions, like open office spaces and productivity?
A: Yes, open-plan offices are often seen as collaborative by default, but research and user experience suggest the opposite. Many people feel a lack of privacy and reduced productivity in such setups.
Modern biophilic design trends aim to balance open and private spaces. Kitchens or lounges that encourage informal interactions are good examples. But individual needs vary, and spatial arrangements must reflect that.
Design must consider light, acoustics, microclimates (like personal desk temperature), and overall comfort to support health and well-being.
28:32
Q: What can we do to apply biophilic design at home or in everyday life?
A: Biophilic design isn’t just for professionals. Anyone can adopt it in their personal space:
Natural Materials: Use wood, cotton, or stone wherever possible.
Light: Pay attention to your windows, sun exposure, and views.
Colors: Use calming, nature-inspired tones; avoid overdoing it.
Plants: Add greenery indoors. Even pictures of nature can help.
Personal Habits: Spend time in nature regularly; unplug, relax, and breathe.
Even if you can’t redesign your office, you can bring biophilic principles into your home life.
The core idea is preventive. This is a salutogenic approach, meaning it supports health and well-being before problems occur.
33:04
Q: Any final thoughts on how biophilic design ties into sustainability and future cities?
A: Absolutely. Biophilic design encourages a holistic approach to urban planning. It’s not just about one aspect, light, color, or plants, but about the integration of systems: health, sustainability, community, and design.
New developments sometimes lose the human scale or sense of place. We must include diverse expertise and collaborate to create sustainable, resilient cities that people actually want to live in.
34:01
Thank you, Ivana. This was a truly insightful conversation.
To our audience: please leave us your feedback, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Did you know about biophilic design before this episode? Have you tried incorporating it into your life? Let us know in the comments.
Thanks again for watching, and we’ll see you in two weeks! Bye!
