✨ Biophilic Design: How We Integrate Nature into Spaces to Promote Well-Being 🌿

Biophilic Design is more than an aesthetic choice; it is an approach that fosters well-being, productivity, and a deeper connection with nature in the built environment. In 2021, at Comunidade Biofílica, we had the incredible opportunity to implement this philosophy in a special project for the Instituto do Câncer Infantil in Porto Alegre. This initiative embodies our commitment to creating spaces that nurture and inspire, seamlessly integrating nature into everyday experiences.

The Space & Natural Influence

The project began with a thorough spatial analysis. Understanding how light and sun exposure interact with the environment was essential in defining areas of relaxation, inspiration, and functional activities. By harnessing natural light and strategically placing elements that maximize its benefits, we enhanced the connection between the indoors and the rhythms of the natural world.

Image: Common Area: volunteers and staff.

Zoning with Purpose

Each area was thoughtfully planned to serve a specific purpose:

Image: Relaxation, Meals, Inspiration Wall & Preparation Area.

• Relaxation Zone: A peaceful retreat featuring comfortable seating and natural materials.

Image: warm light, small stone fountain and natural fabrics.

• Inspiration Wall: A dynamic space where textures, images, and interactive elements encourage creativity and emotional well-being.

• Dining & Preparation Areas: Designed to incorporate fresh herbs and fruit-bearing plants, creating an environment that stimulates the senses through scent, taste, and touch.

• Rest & Recovery Spaces: Offering refuge and a moment of disconnection from digital distractions, reinforcing the importance of mindfulness and presence. Yoga cushions and mats area also available in the space.

Materiality & Sensory Connection

The selection of materials played a crucial role in the project. We emphasized the use of regional and natural elements, such as wood, stone, and organic fabrics, to create a space that resonates with authenticity and comfort. The color palette drew from earthy tones, reinforcing a sense of grounding and harmony.

We have also added planters that function as a small urban garden, where users themselves are responsible for maintenance and can use the herbs for cooking. The contact with soil and the aromas of the herbs provide a rich sensory experience, stimulating key areas of the brain associated with memory, emotion, and well-being.

Scientific studies suggest that engaging in gardening activities can activate the hippocampus, a region of the brain essential for learning and memory. Additionally, exposure to natural scents, such as those from herbs, has been linked to the activation of the limbic system, which plays a crucial role in regulating emotions and reducing stress. This multisensory interaction promotes cognitive function, enhances mood, and contributes to overall mental health.

Ecological Fireplace & Sustainable Comfort

An ecological fireplace was introduced as an alternative heating solution, reducing reliance on artificial heating systems. This feature not only adds warmth but also fosters a communal atmosphere, reinforcing our innate connection to fire as a natural element of gathering and reflection.

Principles of Biophilic Design

Our approach was guided by key Biophilic Design principles, ensuring a space that fosters health and belonging:

• Native Plants: Encouraging a connection to the local ecosystem.
• Community & Tradition: A shared photo wall and communal areas celebrating personal and collective stories.
• Direct Strategies: Incorporating clean air, natural light, water features, and greenery.
• Indirect Strategies: Using nature-inspired textures, organic shapes, and patterns that evoke the complexity and beauty of the natural world.
• Perspective & Refuge: Designing cozy nooks that provide privacy and relaxation.

Image: The plants were chosen based on a study of the space’s solar orientation, in addition to enhancing the visual appeal of areas that need it most. In this case, they also improve the external view, acting almost as a transitional area between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

A Lasting Impact

Rather than showing every detail of our process, we hope to inspire others to think deeply about how nature can transform corporate and institutional spaces. By integrating Biophilic Design, we create environments that promote well-being, resilience, and a profound sense of place.This project is a testament to the power of design in shaping meaningful experiences. Through thoughtful planning and a deep respect for nature, we crafted a space that not only serves its function but also nurtures the people who inhabit it.

Stay connected for more insights on how Biophilic Design continues to shape our spaces and well-being.

#BiophilicDesign #ComunidadeBiofílica #InstitutoDoCâncerInfantil #NatureInDesign #SustainableSpaces