Landscape Architecture Approach Improves Health and Well-Being.

We all need nature. Our connection to nature is so important that even our bodies respond to it.

There’s an approach to landscape architecture that focuses on this fundamental connection between people and nature: Biophilic design.

It’s an approach that has grown so much in popularity that it has become a movement – all because of the host of benefits it brings. 

By the end of this post, you'll know exactly what it is, how it impacts our health and well-being, and why you should use it in your next development. 

What is biophilic design?

The word biophilia might look Greek to you. And that’s because it is.

Translated from Greek, it means love of living things. Harvard naturalist Edward O. Wilson came up with the term to refer to the innate human desire to connect with nature and other forms of life.

And so, biophilic design is an approach that taps into that desire and connection; it’s all about incorporating nature into our working and living environments. 

The goal of this approach is to improve the health and well-being of people and the planet by reconnecting us with nature.

Landscape architects (like us) use biophilic design principles in all that they do. They have in-depth knowledge about the needs of plants and animals, and they use that knowledge to create spaces that aren’t just beautiful, but practical too.

Benefits of biophilia

Studies have shown that people who work in buildings with natural elements have: 

• Reduced stress levels

• Increased productivity

• Improved creativity

• Increased feelings of well-being

• Improved air quality

Biophilic design also reduces noise pollution, increases biodiversity and even boosts property value. 

Biophilic design examples

But what does biophilic design look like exactly?

At OOBE we specialise in this approach – we’ve been doing it for a long time, after all.

Here are some of our projects where you can see it in practice:

The Biosphere

A public park that features a variety of plants and trees, as well as a water feature. The park is designed to provide a space for people to relax and connect with nature.

The Lumen

A mixed-use development that features a green roof and a courtyard with plants and trees. The green roof improves air quality and reduces stormwater runoff.

The Spark

A school that features a rooftop garden and a courtyard with plants and trees. This gives students the space to learn about plants and nature.

Biophilic design principles

Landscape architects use a variety of biophilic design principles for each project, some of which include:

• Bringing the outdoors in – This can be done by incorporating natural materials, such as wood and stone, into the design as well as plants and water features.

• Creating views of nature – Just looking at nature can be enough to make you feel relaxed. Strategically placing windows and doors, or creating outdoor spaces that highlight the surrounding landscape, are enough to create the kind of panoramas that bring people a sigh of relief. 

• Using natural light – Natural light comes with many benefits including better sleep, increased focus and greater happiness. Good landscape architects recognise the importance of natural light and  will maximise its presence in different spaces.

• Incorporate soundscapes – Biophilic design is about engaging all the senses, and hearing is no exception. The sound of water, birdsong, or wind can all help to create a sense of calm and a  connection to nature.

A powerful approach for your next project

With its host of benefits, biophilic design is an approach worth considering for your next project.  

Simple biophilic design principles can make a powerful impact on the people who live and work in a built environment, as well as on the value of the site itself.

If you’re looking for a landscape architect to help you create a biophilic space, ask about their experience with this design approach. 

Because even though some of these principles are simple, it takes in-depth experience to know how to use them effectively for a particular space.

Want to learn more about biophilic design and how to incorporate it into your next project? 

Feel free to get in touch.