Embracing Biophilic Design: Enhancing the relationship between homeowners and nature
Nature’s beauty has long been a calming force in my life, and one that greatly impacts my overall attitude and general mood. I’ve always known innately that the state of our well-being is directly influenced by our surroundings. This has been vitally important in allowing me to put my best foot forward both personally and professionally, and is likely one of the driving forces that led me to study landscape architecture. Little did I know at the time of my studies that my personal experience with nature’s influence was not unique to me, but a part of the human condition that is within all of us. In fact, Biophilia, or the human desire to interact with nature, is the subject of countless scientific studies which have proven that time spent outdoors is a source of improved health both physically and mentally.
Regular access to green spaces has often been known to lessen depression and raise the level of attention and concentration. From lowered heart rates and blood pressure to reduced cortisol levels – i.e. less stress – studies have shown that spending time in nature improves our mood and overall health. Pretty good, right? But, I believe that even more than just spending time outdoors, viewing an aesthetically pleasing environment really lifts our spirits, calms us, and enables us to face the world with hopefulness and possibility.
There is new scientific evidence that viewing aesthetically pleasing things - like art or flowers - changes our brain chemistry in positive ways. New studies in neuroaesthetics are providing insight into how we can put these theories into practice, and this will be an essential component of my work going forward.
Green views from every window
At the onset of every project, we review the plans to ensure that windows and doors capture bucolic views, strengthening the indoor-outdoor connection. When collaborating with architects, builders, and interior designers, we advocate placing doors that lead directly to outside spaces. Why do hotels and resorts charge a premium for better views - overlooking the ocean or pool, or facing the beautifully manicured landscape? Because without realizing it, subconsciously those rooms make their guests feel better exposed to the beauty of nature. Similarly, by purposefully designing green spaces outside of our clients’ windows and doors, we’re elevating the landscape while nurturing their well-being. That is an essential tenet of Biophilic design. Two other important elements of Biophilic design are bringing natural light and fresh air inside homes and buildings.
We’ve often encouraged clients to emphasize the indoor-outdoor connection by enlarging the size of their exterior doors with sliders, French doors, or oversized openings.
Planting plans are also vital. We recommend the best materials for the terrain, climate, and architectural style to provide visual appeal and create as light of a footprint on the earth as possible, mindful of precious resources like water. To fulfill the mission of Biophilic design, we want to make sure that the landscape encourages not only plant life, but thriving ecosystems.
Creating dedicated spaces to enjoy outside
We love designing outdoor “rooms” that encourage spending time in nature for relaxing, entertaining/dining/cooking, exercising, and playing. These spaces are well-defined and properly planned, bringing our clients together to make wonderful memories as well improve their mental and physical health.
Hardscape and plantings in the appropriate materials and scale can enhance a home’s ambiance. These are some of the areas that we’ve designed for clients that have provided engagement outdoors:
Pools and spas
Sport courts
Terraces, decks, and other spaces for gathering and entertaining
Outdoor kitchens and dining areas
Places for solitude
Viewing gardens
Working gardens (i.e, vegetable gardens, cutting gardens)
Studies have shown spending at least 15 minutes outside everyday is required to derive the well-being benefits. How relaxing is it to sit by a beautifully landscaped koi pond on your property? Or to dine on a patio beneath massive live oak trees? Our goal for every outdoor space is to engage all of the senses - sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste - and make spending time in nature an enjoyable, healthy habit.
