Visual connection with nature within our interiors — biofilico wellness interiors
Interior design is a unique mix of creative and precise processes that work in conjunction to enhance the interior of a certain space, be it a building, an office or a home.
Modern-day humans tend to spend more time in the office than ever, that being said, they spend less time outdoors, thus the connection between the people and nature has reached an all time low.
The importance of visual connection with nature is often being taken for granted and is, more often than not, treated as a commodity rather than a necessity which provides significant psycho-somatic benefits to humans.
As luck would have it, architects and designers around the world have found a way to bridge the gap between the ever-growing amount of time humans tend to spend indoors and the importance of having a visual connection with nature in the built environment.
Thus the ground-works for biophilic design have been laid and the trend became an overnight success due to its many benefits.
The importance of connection with nature, it's elements and processes
We believe that the spaces where people spend the majority of their time should not only be functional and well decorated, but also have a positive impact on our well-being. It has been proven by various studies worldwide that the visuals of greenery and animals lowers the stress levels, our blood pressure and awakens the feeling of serenity. The psychological and physiological importance of viewing nature cannot be overstated.
It is true that everyone has a different opinion on what the beauty of nature really is, for some it may be a luscious waterfall, while to others a beautiful sight of nature may reflect the vast and golden savanna. Whatever the case may be, it is of utmost importance for humans to feel connected to nature on a daily basis. This connection often involves engaging with natural systems and understanding natural life cycles, which can heighten our awareness of seasonality and the cycles of life.
There are several ways humans perceive the feeling of being connected with nature such as:
Non-visual connection with Nature
The Presence of Water
Dynamic and Dispersed Lighting
Proximity to Natural processes
The exposure to Thermal and Airflow changes
Visual connection with natural elements
Visual connection with nature has an enormous impact on humans. Creating a visual experience inspired by nature can be both stimulating and calming. For these reasons more people today are incorporating nature inspired designs in both their work spaces and homes as well. Green walls are a common example of bringing the presence of nature into a space.
These connections can be established by a variety of different elements. By using biophilic interior design, the designers are able to successfully narrow the gap between the modern-day humans and nature.
That being said, stimulating views of natural elements, living systems, and plants have an enormous effect on both our mind and our body. The material connection with nature, through the use of natural materials, grains, and textures, also plays a significant role in reflecting the natural environment and enhancing cognitive performance.
Non visual connection with nature and it's elements
Apart from the visual stimulus, the non visual connection with natural elements is highly important to us as well. By simply hearing and/or feeling certain familiar incitements from nature, our mind can be stimulated to relieve stress and work more efficiently. Non rhythmic sensory stimuli, such as the gentle sway of grasses in a breeze, can provide mental breaks and enhance our well-being.
One of the easiest ways to incorporate different elements that simulate the feeling of being out in the wilderness is a mechanically powered water flow with varying water pressure which is one of the most efficient practices when it comes to biophilic design.
Other ways that promote the feeling of non visual connection with nature include the stimulus of other senses through touch and smell. With the main goal of increasing mental health and focus, the sound of water, a crackling fireplace, and the smell of pines are one of many tools that are being used when trying to bring nature closer to us. Incorporating natural analogues, such as organic shapes, materials, and patterns found in nature, into artwork, furniture, and décor can also trigger a biophilic human link to nature and inspire a sense of well-being.
Dynamic and Dispersed Lighting
Various studies have confirmed that people find it soothing when the indoor light is being used to mimic the circadian processes in nature since unpredicted lighting patterns are a natural occurrence that people are exposed to on a daily basis.
However, the effect of dynamic and dispersed lighting can only be pleasant if it's carefully designed and placed in a way that doesn't directly affect anyone. This type of lighting should only be used to enhance the atmosphere, and is in no means meant to illuminate the entire room.
This being said, it is extremely important that the space we're spending the majority of our time in is well exposed to natural light.
Proximity to Natural processes
Proximity to natural processes, such as changing of the seasons and even the weather, is highly important since it affects our visual connection with nature itself and gives humans the feeling of being connected to the events taking place outside. Incorporating natural materials like wood, granite, and leather into design can further enhance this connection and elicit positive cognitive or physiological responses.
Whether the interior design of your work or home space is leaning more to the visual or the non-visual aspect of biophilic design, the certain thing is that it does wonders for our personal sense of peace and our motivation. Implementing space patterns, such as non-rhythmic sensory stimuli and visual and non-visual connections with nature, can optimize the physical environment and strengthen our connection with natural systems.
The summary
One of the biggest goals when it comes to biophilic design is helping to create a space that promotes a multi-sensory experience that provides its inhabitants the feelings of calming and stress-relieving sensations. Mimic natural environments by incorporating subtle changes in air and surface temperature, humidity, and airflow across the skin to enhance thermal and airflow variability.
By providing the visual elements such as views of stunning landscapes, beautiful plants and animals in the wild, or stimulating other senses through fragrances and sounds, biophilic design is helping people increase their productivity, self-confidence and general well-being.
Biophilic design is a complex process and in order to truly experience its real advantages, the entire operation should be handled by an experienced professional.
We hope that you now have a clearer picture when it comes to benefits of being connected to nature. LEED certifiedBiofilico designers offer high quality service when it comes to interior decoration and design, so feel free to contact us for any additional services when it comes to biophilic design.