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Biophilia and how to incorporate it to improve health and wellbeing

Billy Hoo Studio
5 years ago

Billy Hoo Studio - How to incorporate biophilia into your home or office to improve health and well-being.


Biophilia is a fancy term used to describe the innate connection we, as humans, have with nature and our need for regular interactions with natural environments in order to maintain our health and well-being.



A regular connection to nature has been proven to assist with psychological restoration, improve mental alertness, have a positive effect on our mood and increase our levels of happiness. Unfortunately, in today's bustling, hi-tech world we are becoming more and more estranged from nature and this is adding to our levels of stress.



It is commonly known that one of the key factors to maintaining a positive well being is to reduce stress levels. The World Health Organisation has forecast that stress related illnesses like mental health disorders and cardiovascular disease will be the biggest contributors to disease by 2020. Numerous studies have identified that visible connections to nature reduce stress levels while views of buildings and roads increase levels of reported stress. It has further been indicated that people living in urban areas with little natural environmental experiences have a higher susceptibility to mental illness.


Biophilic experiences have also been shown to produce a faster rate of recovery from of physical illness and disease as well as boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure. In fact, there is a practice in Japan called 'Shinrin Yoku' or "forest bathing" which was part of the nations public health program and has since been linked tocancer prevention.



Interior design using biophilic elements like natural materials, colours and forms, natural lighting, indoor plants and views of gardens and/or natural landscapes helps us repair and maintain our psychological wellbeing, reduce stress and provide respite.

If you have think your home or office space could benefit from a boost in biophilia, the following steps may help:

  • Allow natural light and air flow - this means opening your curtains/blinds and windows as often as possible.
  • Decorate with natural materials and in natural colour tones. Tones of green that are found in healthy vegetation can be particularly beneficial.
  • Add natural greenery with indoor plants (1 plant per 9sqm is recommended).
  • If you do not have window views of outdoor environments consider hanging photography or paintings of natural views.
  • If you have a garden, spend time in it, grow trees and plants that enhance your view from indoors.
  • Reduce screen time and spend time outdoors as often as possible.

If you feel you could benefit from a design consultation then please contact us. Billy Hoo Studio

Comments (5)

  • PRO
    Anatoly Patrick Architecture
    5 years ago

    Great article and it's important that architects keep raising awareness of this issue.

    Human beings are wired for green spaces; thoughtful design that connects people with nature can boost health and happiness . And like you say simple measures can do the trick - a well framed view, a small leafy courtyard where you drink your morning coffee, or simple air flow across a room.

    Billy Hoo Studio thanked Anatoly Patrick Architecture
  • PRO
    Billy Hoo Studio
    Original Author
    5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Thanks Anatoly Patrick Architecture! Totally agree! it's such an important consideration in design, not only for us but for our environment as well :)

  • PRO
    Anatoly Patrick Architecture
    5 years ago

    Yes good point, we need to be more than consumers of green space. We can create and protect and sustain nature... there's lots of discussion lately about the difference a small garden can make as a habitat and also source of food, as well as being a pleasing space...

  • Gregory Butcher
    last month
    last modified: last month

    Thanks for bringing up the fascinating concept of biophilia! It's incredible how our innate connection with nature can profoundly impact our health and well-being. Incorporating elements of nature into our homes or offices can create a more harmonious and nurturing environment.

    Speaking of promoting well-being, have you ever explored the benefits of HHC gummies from trythecbd.com? They're infused with natural ingredients that can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, further enhancing our connection with nature from the inside out. It's a fantastic way to complement the biophilic design principles you've highlighted.

  • PRO
    Kitchen and Home Sketch Designs
    last month

    Thank you for this article: very interesting and just substantiating what I have always been aware of. How important the garden is to any living space. I see a problem with our green fields being carved into such time sites and the houses being built so unnecessarily large that it leaves no more space than for a pot plant. I think we need to look at getting the balance of site to house size right, leaving enough MIND space on the site. Also maybe an added sliding scale of costing to homes as they are planned larger. How needs 30 sq? Same applies to infill sites: taking all the site for the 'unit' is just silly: defeating the purpose of infills. House plants are good, and a park across the road is ok but having grass between the toes in your own private space is so much better especially for children. The quarter acre block was settled on as the ideal size for a family to produce their own vegetables but we have messed that up big time! Time to rethink our sizes and proportions... Cheers Margot