It is no news that concrete jungles are taking over planet Earth. The consequent disconnect from nature has left people feeling clueless about the oncoming effects of climate change. Not just that, there is a decline in creativity and motivation in most people. Researchers believe that this, along with several mental and physical health disorders such as Autism, ADHD, Obesity, Cancer could be a direct consequence of the human separation from the wild. People are meant to be among nature, soaking in its positive energy, giving back some and growing together. Architects are the trailblazers in ensuring humans stay connected to their wild side through their living and working spaces. That’s why it’s crucial to inculcate a biophilic design in architecture, to ensure that the homeowners’ connection with nature doesn’t fade.

What’s a biophilic design?

Biophilic designs inculcate the human need to stay connected with nature in architecture. This means introducing ventilation, plenty of open spaces that let in the light and using natural materials like wood and bricks in construction. Architects are opening up the indoor spaces to the outdoors so as to blur the lines that separate them. You’ll have not only gardens and backyards but also indoor spaces with scattered vegetation and panoramic views of the outside. For those who can’t go to nature, biophilic designs are bringing nature to them. View some of Kasu’s recent projects to understand this better. 

Some advantages of living in spaces that embrace natural materials are:

- Increased productivity and motivation

- An increased sense of self-worth

- A decrease in employee absenteeism

- Better mood and work satisfaction

- A reduction in stress levels

- Improvement in physical health

- More employee engagement

- Clarity of thought

- Increase in connection with cohabitants/ coworkers

- Mental healing

Features of biophilic designs

Biophilic designs are planned while keeping in mind the location, the socio-cultural norms, the terrain and the overall human experience. It is important to know what can work and what cannot. For example, our homes are all designed around Goa’s unique topography, exuding harmony with the landscape that surrounds them. 

Sunlight and air

Biophilic designs play with elements that make space for plenty of sunlight and fresh air. Apart from that, it is crucial to ensure there is plenty of space in a residential property to allow a free movement of these elements. This can be achieved through large rooms, double-height living rooms with glass facades that offer a view of the forest outside and let the light in, and gardens to create a truly immersive relaxation space.

Natural materials

Using natural materials ensures that your property is eco-friendly. Bricks, laterite, wood, Kota, natural stones, clay tile roofs, basalt have been a part of traditional Indian architecture for centuries. To inculcate this knowledge of embracing nature into the very bones of your construction comes with so many strong points. 

- Clay tile roofs are durable, require minimal maintenance, offer insulation, weather resistance and aesthetics.

- Wood, apart from giving your home an elegant look, has also been proven to benefit your psychological and physiological health.

- Kota is durable, weather-resistant, eco-friendly and super strong.

- Basalt. Laterite and bricks have similar benefits and prove to have noticeable effects on human health.

Minimalistic designs

Your home is the space that you retreat into at the end of the day. A minimalistic design and introduction of earthy palettes into the home’s decor ensures that it feels cosy. Not just that, they create an environment that doesn’t feel dissociated from nature. These aspects of biophilic design also help in alleviating stress and facilitating relaxation while also maintaining a sophisticated and chic look.