Biophilia

The art of inviting nature into our spaces…

If we look at the Greek roots of the word: “bio” = life and “philia” = love, we could define biophilia as the fundamental human love for nature—such a strong love that it becomes a necessity.

The concept of biophilia was first introduced in the 1960s by Erich Fromm and later more widely developed by the American biologist Edward O. Wilson in the 1980s.

It is also to this scientist that we owe the introduction of the term biodiversity.

Numerous studies demonstrate the essential need for our body and mind to be in contact with nature—and increasingly so. Every day, we are overwhelmed by technology, and our relationship with nature weakens. Rural areas are emptying as cities grow (although since COVID and the rise of remote work, we have observed certain counter-trends—hopefully they last!). Yet this connection is essential to our mental health. In the face of constant stress, crises, and depression, our being needs disconnection and grounding.

“Biophilic design” is therefore more relevant than ever. By bringing nature back to the center of a project’s design, we observe improved well-being, increased productivity and performance, a greater tendency toward positive emotions and attitudes, enhanced creativity, reduced stress—not to mention the actual improvement of air quality and other benefits linked to introducing plants into spaces.

It is not surprising when we consider that nature has allowed us to survive and evolve since the dawn of time. We are beings of nature, born in landscapes bathed in light, near water, reassuring and life-supporting environments—our brain has retained all of this in its memory.

Visual contact with nature alone is enough to produce positive effects. But not only that: a walk in the forest or a park, visiting gardens, or growing plants on your balcony are all ways to reconnect with the living world. However, in the office or at home, this is not always easy…

As a designer, creating a space inspired by biophilia means reintroducing nature and life into our interiors: incorporating as much greenery as possible, ensuring abundant natural light, using colors with positive influences that mimic nature, favoring open views, including water elements, creating airy spaces, and prioritizing natural materials.

Some may say there is nothing new or revolutionary about this. Yet many designers still conceive spaces from a purely aesthetic perspective, without considering fundamental human needs: light, air, minerals.

Take the example of a plant deprived of light, water, and space to grow—we wouldn’t expect it to thrive for long…

Look around you: do you find natural elements in your environment?

It may be time to take stock—and perhaps make one or two changes at home or at the office.