Who doesn't feel a natural attraction to natural elements? Biophilic design starts from the assumption that we, human beings, seek to be in touch with the natural at all times. The goal is simple: to have better health and well-being.

Therefore, we have gathered here some key information about biophilic design and how it applies to cabinetmaking. Learn more about it below!

What is biophilic design?

Biophilic design is a way of creating natural environments that enhance our health and well-being, whether for living, working or learning. By incorporating the characteristics of nature into built spaces, even if represented in colors, materials, and other elements, a great positive effect can be achieved. 

Importance

Luize Andreazza Bussi, an architect specialized in biophilic design, during her lecture at ForMóbile Xperience, made considerations about the importance of this type of design today. In her vision, its characteristics already bring its relevance:

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  Design incorporates practices that place plants in the environment, so that they do air purification and improve its quality, and other natural practices, such as increasing the natural light that flows through the building;
• Architecture and design are more subtle with biomimicry (imitation of nature), but the materials themselves are often designed to enhance or improve biophilic elements;
• It is focused on the health and well-being of the users.

 

Citing the research "The global impact of biophilic design in the workplace", Luize presented very interesting data. The most desired elements in offices are natural light, plants, silence and tranquility, sea/lake views, and vibrant colors. 

Another information that proves the importance of biophilic design is related to the increase of creativity and the feeling of well-being. The research showed a 15% increase in offices with natural elements.

In short, the presence of these elements improves the experience a person has in the space.

Basics of biophilic design

To understand biophilic design, it is fundamental to understand the 3 bases. The expert discusses all of them:

• Analogies to natural elements: materials and patterns that evoke nature (shapes and colors) and are characterized by 4 types, which are representational fine art, ornamentation, biomorphic forms and use of natural materials. Pictures of trees and furniture with organic rather than geometric shapes are good examples.
• Nature in space: aims to incorporate natural elements into the built environment, such as potted plants, water features, animals. Aquariums, gardens, windows facing nature are examples.
• Nature of space: how people react physiologically and psychologically to different spatial configurations. These are the sensations that environments cause us.

 

Biophilic design in carpentry

Some characteristics of biophilic design already give us numerous ideas about its application in cabinetmaking. The use of colors that refer to natural environments is something that is widely used. Green, blue, brown and beige are always present in these projects. Even several colors already carry the name of natural elements, such as sand.

Besides colors, we see a great use of elements and textures made with materials found in nature or that allude to it. The cabinetmaking industry has been using a lot of untreated wood in its projects, and they are only one of the options. In general, patterns that reference these materials are very popular these days.

Another interesting application, which is generated with the partnership between carpenters and architects, are the variations in furniture that address more organic forms. The goal is to make the environment more natural, as advocated by biophilic design.

The adoption of biophilic design is a major trend in the furniture industry because of the benefits it brings. The feeling of well-being and quality of life is greater, and the possibilities are countless. In our view, cabinetry is already ahead, because it works a lot with wood, one of the most sought after elements in this type of design.

Check out this post about outdoor furniture to see how this trend is very present. 

You can follow our conversation with Luize Andreazza Bussi at ForMóbile Xperience. Register for free and watch it here!