BLOG: Biophilic Design and Biomimicry: Natural Solutions for Healthier Interiors

The Power of Understanding Biophilia and Biomimicry

Biophilic design and biomimicry are two interrelated concepts that are revolutionizing the way we approach interior design and architecture. Biophilia refers to our innate affinity for nature, while biomimicry involves emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies to solve human challenges. Together, these approaches offer powerful tools for creating healthier, more sustainable, and more efficient interior spaces.

At the core of both biophilic design and biomimicry is the recognition that nature has spent billions of years perfecting solutions to many of the challenges we face in our built environments. From air purification and temperature regulation to efficient use of space and resources, natural systems provide a wealth of inspiration for creating interiors that not only look good but actively contribute to human health and well-being.

Nature’s Strategies for Indoor Air Quality

One of the most pressing concerns in indoor environments is air quality. Poor indoor air can lead to a range of health issues, from minor irritations to serious respiratory problems. Nature has developed numerous strategies for maintaining clean air, and these can be adapted for use in our interior spaces. Plants, for instance, are natural air purifiers, removing toxins and releasing oxygen.

However, maintaining living plants in interior spaces can be challenging, particularly in commercial or high-traffic areas. This is where biomimicry comes into play. Designers are now developing materials and systems that mimic the air-purifying properties of plants without the maintenance requirements. For example, textiles inspired by the structure of butterfly wings can trap and break down airborne pollutants, offering a passive yet effective air purification solution. The chemical industry also trying to find new ways with Titanium Dioxide based solutions to be sprayed over surfaces to break down the VOCs to release Oxygen to the environment. As technology develops, quantum computers put to use to solve these complex problems, and AI is utilized to offer solutions these issues, there will be more options available at the designer’s toolkit to offer better air quality, thus better indoor environmental quality (IEQ).

Biomorphic Forms and Patterns

Nature is full of forms and patterns that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional. Incorporating these biomorphic elements into interior design can create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and psychologically supportive. Fractal patterns, for instance, which are prevalent in nature, have been shown to reduce stress and improve cognitive performance when incorporated into design.

Preserved moss walls and gardens offer an excellent way to introduce these natural patterns and forms into interior spaces. Unlike living plants, which can be unpredictable in their growth and appearance, preserved nature elements maintain their form and texture over time. This allows designers to create intentional, lasting biomorphic patterns that can enhance the visual appeal and psychological benefits of a space.

Natural Light and Circadian Rhythms

Light plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythms, which in turn affects our mood, productivity, and overall health. Natural environments provide dynamic lighting that changes throughout the day, a feature that is often lacking in artificial indoor lighting. Biomimetic lighting solutions aim to replicate the qualities of natural light, adjusting color temperature and intensity to match the natural progression of daylight.

While large windows and skylights are ideal for bringing in natural light, they’re not always feasible. Here, preserved nature elements can play a supporting role. Strategically placed preserved gardens or moss walls can help to reflect and diffuse light, creating a more natural-feeling illumination. Combined with biomimetic lighting systems, these elements can contribute to a more harmonious and health-supporting light environment.

Thermal Comfort and Natural Ventilation

Nature has developed countless strategies for maintaining comfortable temperatures and efficient air circulation. Termite mounds, for example, maintain a constant internal temperature despite extreme external fluctuations. Designers are now applying these principles to create more energy-efficient and comfortable interior environments.

While living green walls can contribute to temperature regulation and insulation to a certain extent, they require significant maintenance, increase the humidity in the built environment, attract insects and may not be suitable for all spaces, especially commercial interiors. Preserved nature installations, while not actively contributing to air circulation, can be integrated with biomimetic ventilation systems. For instance, a preserved moss wall could conceal and aesthetically enhance air circulation vents designed to mimic natural air flow patterns, combining the visual benefits of nature with functional, biomimetic technology.

Acoustic Comfort Through Nature-Inspired Design

In many interior spaces, particularly open-plan offices, managing acoustics is a significant challenge. Nature provides numerous examples of effective sound management, from the sound-absorbing properties of forest floors to the noise-diffusing structures of bird feathers. Biomimetic materials inspired by these natural sound-absorbing mechanisms are now being developed for use in interior design.

Preserved moss walls and gardens can play a dual role in acoustic design. Not only do they provide visual connection to nature, but their varied textures also offer natural sound absorption properties. When combined with biomimetic acoustic materials, these preserved nature elements can contribute to creating more comfortable and productive acoustic environments, especially in busy commercial or public spaces.

Sustainable Materials and Circular Design

Sustainability is a key concern in modern interior design, and both biophilic design and biomimicry offer valuable insights in this area. Nature operates on closed-loop systems where waste from one process becomes food for another. This principle of circular design is increasingly being applied to the selection and use of materials in interior spaces.

Preserved nature elements align well with these sustainability goals. Unlike artificial plants which often end up in landfills, high-quality preserved moss and foliage can last for years with minimal environmental impact. When their useful life is over, these natural materials can biodegrade, returning nutrients to the ecosystem. This approach exemplifies the kind of circular thinking inspired by natural systems, creating interiors that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

Conclusion: Harmonizing Health and Design

The integration of biophilic design and biomimicry principles offers a pathway to creating interior spaces that are not just visually appealing, but actively contribute to human health and well-being. By looking to nature for inspiration, we can develop solutions that address many of the challenges faced in modern interior environments, from air quality and lighting to acoustics and sustainability.

Preserved nature elements, such as moss walls and preserved gardens, play a unique role in this design approach. They offer a practical way to bring the visual and psychological benefits of nature into interior spaces, while overcoming many of the maintenance challenges associated with living plants. As we continue to explore and implement these nature-inspired design strategies, we move closer to creating built environments that truly support and enhance human health, productivity, and connection to the natural world.