The love OF LIFE

Trisha Harinath explores the biophilic trend

- Trisha Harinath

More than a catchphrase or a passing trend, biophilic design is about our deep need to connect with nature. “The word ‘biophilia’ comes from the Greek word ‘philia’ meaning ‘love of’ and ‘bio’ meaning ‘life’,” explains Nicole Russell, Italtile’s marketing manager. In essence, biophilia is the love of life and living things. There are many reasons why this design concept has been accepted and embraced the world over, and it is important to note that it is not just limited to the interior spaces. Antoinette Horngren, a junior partner at JK Design Architects, explains that biophilic design is a concept used within the architecture industry to increase the user’s connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature and space and place conditions. “Biophilic design seeks to connect our inherent need to affiliate with nature.”

BENEFITS OF BIOPHILIA

Russell says that the focus of biophilic design is on creating a calming space, with both a seen and unseen connection with nature, which improves well-being, health and productivity. “It is a conversation between outdoors and indoors, and it creates a harmonising balance between the natural world and the built environment.”