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Do you ever wonder why people go to the trouble of buying fresh cut flowers for their home? Have you noticed how cultivating potted plants has boomed in popularity since the start of the pandemic?
Interacting with nature makes us happier and healthier. But many of us spend the majority of our lives indoors, so it only makes sense that we would bring nature in along with us.
There’s a word for design dedicated to this practice. No, we’re not talking feng shui, we’re talking biophilic design.
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The concept of biophilic design was introduced by E.O. Wilson, a renowned biologist and professor at Harvard, in his 1984 book Biophilia.
Biophilia means “love of life.”
Living Future describes biophilic design as “the practice of connecting people and nature within our built environments and communities.”
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Constructing our homes and workspaces in a way that incorporates access to sunlight, plants, and views of the natural world isn’t just aesthetically pleasing. It’s better for our overall physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Studies show that interacting with nature is beneficial for human health, whether you’re taking a walk in the woods or feeding birds.
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According to Terrapin Bright Green, by bringing nature into your home or work space, biophilic design can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance mood and creativity.
Healthier employees are happier employees, and happier employees are productive employees.
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Biophilic design can also be incorporated at home.
One crucial element is sunlight. If you have windows in the home, open the blinds and pull back the curtains to let the sunshine in!
Remember to keep them clean and clear of obstructions.
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Next, add some greenery: potted plants, hanging plants, herb gardens, the more the better. Fresh cut flowers work as well, and come with the added bonus of a pleasant aroma.
You can also incorporate Earth tones and patterns into your interior design, or hanging pictures of natural landscapes on the wall if you don’t have access to natural views.
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You’d be surprised how the simple action of incorporating the elements of nature into your home or workplace can increase your quality of life.
Do you practice biophilic design? Let us know how in the comments!
