One of the most common ways to indirectly bring the outside in is through artwork. Adding images of nature can serve as almost a false window into the outside world. It also provides a creative aspect to a space, which helps to make a space feel more bright and cheery, and, in some documented cases in hospitals, even more beneficial for healing.
Using natural materials in your space is another sure fire way to make a space feel closer to nature. Natural colored wooden furniture may contribute more of a natural feel than metal furniture. Along the same line, using natural colors can have the same effect. Having touches of forest green in a space does much more to make the space feel natural than using neon green.
In my opinion one of the most interesting ways to harness this attribute of biophilic design is by showing the age and passage of time in a space. Humans tend to feel more comfortable in buildings that are older. What seems better to you, a historical downtown or a downtown full of new development and highrises? While modern architecture can be very visually enjoyable when done well, it is also important to rehabilitate and maintain aspects of older architecture so as to continue to provide the feeling of history in a space.
Simulating natural lighting is also a great way to create the feeling of nature in an indoor setting. While natural lighting is preferred, sometimes it is not an option, especially in bigger spaces. Because of this, sometimes simulating natural lighting isn’t always an option. Using light bulbs that replicate natural lighting is one easy option, and you can also place your lights strategically so as to mimic the appearance of natural light coming into a room.
Another way to indirectly bring the experience of nature into a space is by using natural shapes and forms. Rather than having everything in your space follow perfect geometric lines, spaces can be designed and arranged to follow a more natural flow. Having curvature in your wall can achieve this, as well as adding furniture that has organic and unique shapes.
Creating a direct connection with nature is not the only way to bring aspects of the natural world into a space. Sometimes creating an indirect connection is not only the easier option, but the better option too, although ideally you have the opportunity to take both approaches. When creating a space it is important to remember that you don’t necessarily need a direct contact with nature to follow biophilic design principles. This will become even more apparent in my next post where I will delve into the last attribute of biophilic design: experience of space and place.
