Author of «14 patterns of biophilic design / improving health & well-being in the built environment» – Terrapin Bright Green, LLC.

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Biophilic design can reduce stress, enhance creativity and clarity of thought, improve our well-being and expedite healing; as the world population continues to urbanize these qualities are ever more important. Theorists, research scientists, and design practitioners have been working for decades to define aspects of nature that most impact our satisfaction with the built environment. “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design” articulates the relationships between nature, human biology and the design of the built environment so that we may experience the human benefits of biophilia in our design applications.

Biophilia in Context looks as the evolution of biophilic design in architecture and planning and presents a framework for relating the human biological science and nature.
Biophilia is humankind’s innate biological connection with nature. It helps explain why crackling fires and crashing waves captivate us; why a garden view can enhance our creativity; why shadows and heights instill fascination and fear; and why animal companionship and strolling through a park have restorative, healing effects. Biophilia may also help explain why some urban parks and buildings are preferred over others.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN. 14 PATTERNS

NATURE IN THE SPACE
1. Visual Connection with Nature
A view to elements of nature, living systems and natural processes.

2. Non-Visual Connection with Nature
Auditory, haptic, olfactory, or gustatory stimuli that engender a deliberate and positive reference to nature, living systems or natural processes.

3. Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
Stochastic and ephemeral connections with nature that may be analyzed statistically but may not be predicted precisely.

4. Thermal & Airflow Variability
Subtle changes in air temperature, relative humidity, airflow across the skin, and surface temperatures that mimic natural environments.

5. Presence of Water
A condition that enhances the experience of a place through the seeing, hearing or touching of water.

6. Dynamic & Diffuse Light
Leveraging varying intensities of light and shadow that change over time to create conditions that occur in nature.

7. Connection with Natural Systems
Awareness of natural processes, especially seasonal and temporal changes characteristic of a healthy ecosystem.

NATURAL ANALOGUES
8. Biomorphic Forms & Patterns
Symbolic references to contoured, patterned, textured or numerical arrangements that persist in nature.

9. Material Connection with Nature
Material and elements from nature that, through minimal processing, reflect the local ecology or geology to create a distinct sense of place.

10. Complexity & Order
Rich sensory information that adheres to a spatial hierarchy similar to those encountered in nature.

NATURE OF THE SPACE
11. Prospect
An unimpeded view over a distance for surveillance and planning.

12. Refuge
A place for withdrawal, from environmental conditions or the main flow of activity, in which the individual is protected from behind and overhead.

13. Mystery
The promise of more information achieved through partially obscured views or other sensory devices that entice the individual to travel deeper into the environment.

14. Risk/Peril
An identifiable threat coupled with a reliable safeguard.

Download a table «PARAMETERS OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN AND BIOLOGICAL REACTIONS», illustrating each of the parameters and its impact in the sections “stress reduction”, “cognition”, “emotions, mood and preferences”.

About author:
Terrapin Bright Green is an environmental consulting and strategic planning firm committed to improving the human environment through high performance development, policy, and related research, in order to elevate conversations and help clients break new ground in thinking creatively about environmental opportunities.