Biophilic design has become a topic of interest for many architects and interior designers. People spend an average of 90% (and more recently over 95%) of their day indoors and there is accumulating evidence that bringing elements of nature into our indoor spaces can have enormous benefits, both psychologically, physiologically, and for cognitive function.

Biophilia is humankind’s innate biological connection with nature. The basic hypothesis of biophilic design is that the performance and wellbeing of people occupying indoor spaces is greatly improved when they are surrounded by objects and materials that remind them of the outside. 

Research has shown that a strong and routine connection with nature has a restorative effect on mental fatigue. Professors of psychology at the University of Michigan, who specialized in environmental psychology, noticed that psychological distress was often related to mental fatigue and had a direct relationship to our surrounding environment. Connection with nature has been found to reduce tension, anxiety, anger, fatigue and confusion, unlike urban environments devoid of characteristics of nature. Studies have also shown that when humans experience the natural environment, they report responses such as the relaxation of muscles, lowering of blood pressure and stress hormone levels.

Biomorph is a decorative form or object based-on or resembling a living organism. It is a symbolic reference to patterned, textured, contoured or numerical arrangements that exist in nature. Examples of this are fluid forms of an architectural facade or curved interior walls.

Natural materials, like timber, can be categorised as an indirect experience with nature. A distinct sense of place can be achieved by using materials and elements from nature that reflect the local ecology or geology. Timber is a great example with its warm and rich grain texture, which is inconsistent visually, that helps strengthen the connection between indoors and outdoors.

According to Planet Ark, wood plays a vital role in supporting the principles behind biophilia, as well as having added environmental benefits (50% of its dry weight is carbon). Planet Ark’s report Nature Inspired Design notes that surveyed Australian’s appear to be innately drawn to wood. Results indicated that wood elicits feelings of warmth, comfort and relaxation and creates a link to nature. According to Planet Ark, multiple physiological, psychological and environmental benefits have been identified for wooden interiors, including: 

• Improvements to a person’s emotional state and level of self-expression. 
• Reduced blood pressure, heart rate and stress levels. 
• Improved air quality through humidity moderation.
• Its use as a long-term store of carbon, helping to fight climate change.