How can biophilic design transform urban commercial spaces while enhancing functionality and aesthetics?
Akbar Bashu is the Design Head for Bengaluru at IMK Architects, an architecture and urban design practice founded in 1957 with offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru. With over 16 years of experience in architecture, he believes that design, like our lifestyle and technology, must constantly evolve to impact inhabitants positively. Through his projects, he strives to create efficient and economical spaces.
As urban landscapes continue to expand, the challenge of balancing the built environment with the natural world has never been more critical. A growing disconnect from nature has been linked to increased stress, decreased productivity, and a general decline in well-being for those who spend much of their time in these environments. The principles of biophilia dictate that humans are inherently drawn to nature. Biophilic design focuses on the connection between man and nature by incorporating natural materials, plant life, natural light, and ventilation in built environments.
Biophilic design significantly impacts the psychological and emotional experiences of its users. In urban commercial settings, introducing natural elements can improve focus, creativity, and productivity while reducing stress levels. Exposure to greenery lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, and can even enhance cognitive function. Biophilic design encourages user engagement with nature in meaningful ways. For example, communal spaces incorporated with greenery can create a relaxing environment that fosters social interaction, collaboration, and idea sharing. By bringing people closer to nature, biophilic designs offer a refuge from the stresses of the urban landscape, creating an environment that supports the holistic needs of its users.
Implementing biophilic design principles can transform a space visually by making it more engaging and lively. Green walls, indoor gardens, water features, and courtyards add a visual layer to the design, enhancing the connection to nature. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo add a tactile depth to the space and make it visually appealing. They also add an element of emotional appeal and help transform sterile and impersonal commercial spaces into inviting spaces where people feel at home.
VEE Technologies, Salem, Tamil Nadu Photographer: Running Studios (Mr. Prashanth Mohan)
Lighting plays a critical role in biophilic design. Natural light has been shown to have significant health benefits and enhance the user's mood. Expansive windows, skylights, and courtyards can increase access to natural daylight. This can also help reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, which in turn helps lower energy consumption. Natural lighting also regulates one’s circadian rhythm and aids in better sleep.
One of the key benefits of biophilic design is its ability to improve air quality naturally. Indoor plants are a great way to filter toxins from the air. Certain indoor plants, such as spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies, are well-known for their air-purifying abilities. Vertical and indoor gardens and integrated planters in the furniture liven up sterile workspaces. Increasing greenery also helps regulate humidity levels, reducing the likelihood of issues such as dry skin or eye irritation common in air-conditioned spaces.
The Ford Foundation Building in New York, designed by Kevin Roche, is a pioneering example of biophilic design in commercial architecture. The innovative integration of nature into an urban office environment set a precedent for all future biophilic designs, demonstrating how green spaces can enhance well-being, productivity, and aesthetics while maintaining functionality in a commercial setting. The office area covers only a part of the site, and the rest is designed as an indoor garden with a greenhouse-like atrium. This acts as a focal point for all employees and connects the building to nature and the city.
VEE Technologies, Salem, Tamil Nadu Photographer: Running Studios (Mr. Prashanth Mohan)
Biophilic design is pivotal in improving energy efficiency in urban commercial spaces. By optimising natural ventilation through strategically placed windows, shading elements, and green rooftops, biophilic spaces reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems. These elements help reduce the building's energy demands, making it more sustainable and reducing its long-term operating costs. They also help mitigate the urban heat island effect, thus lowering the surrounding temperatures in densely populated urban areas.
Biophilic design is not a passing trend but a prerequisite for all commercial design. It is a fundamental shift toward creating spaces that reflect the innate human need for connection with nature, all while maintaining the functionality required in today's commercial landscapes.
