Blending Architecture with Nature: Biophilic Design

Sighting the colorful tones of nature, walking under the shades of trees extending along a vast forest, and gazing at the endless and de-stressing blue are some of the fundamental activities that give us peace, aren't they?

Since the existence of humanity, we’ve been in an instinctive connection with nature. Although the changes brought about by each passing age, urbanization and technology sometimes make us forget our gratefulness to nature, none of us can help ourselves from turning to nature and to places that make us get in touch with the spirit of nature at first chance. Then what is the biophilic design that renders this possible? What place does it take in the SPA culture?

Holistic Melody of Architecture and Nature: Biophilic Design

The biological affinity we feel towards nature gives rise to the concept of biophilia, which derives from the combination of the words “bio” (life) and “philia” (love). Inspired by nature and observed in living spaces and prominent locations of the city, biophilic design brings with it impressive innovations in terms of architecture and decoration all over the world. There are workplaces, wellness centers, housing projects, kindergartens and restaurants built in accordance with biophilic design in different geographies. Hospitals are also inspired by the healing power of nature; just like Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore…

For many years, scientists have been working on different researches to prove the miracles of nature. An article published in TIME presents the viewpoint of Sarah Bell, a research associate at the European Center for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter in England. Here, Bell states that studies have deduced that humans have an evolutionary connection with nature and that green spaces give them pleasure because they remind them of their childhood experiences. We too are sure that the picnic memories of your childhood with joyful games and delicious tastes still preserve their freshness in your mind.

Environmental awareness has increased especially over the recent years, and it is growing stronger the more it is combined with the need of stress relief in our search for “livable” lives. Our familiar bond with nature, the sense of silence and the feel of a mother’s hug created by nature, helps us hold a mirror to ourselves. Hence the dominant influence of biophilic designs in our quest of holistic peace. Biophilic design is in perfect harmony with the philosophy of Wellbeing culture supporting the idea that well-being can be achieved by ensuring the unity of soul, body and mind. This harmony also inspires those who wish to enjoy an unparalleled experience in SPA centers.

Details Complementing the Biophilic Design

Biophilic design requires environmental agents that can meet our need to connect with the nature at modern buildings. Well, then what words come to your mind first when you think of nature? Surely the words tree, plant, green, breath, tranquility, shadow and light are some of those reminders intertwined with the nature. That is exactly where the biophilic design harbors its impact.

In biophilic designs, one of the most essential factors is to ensure a clean air flow in the spaces in a way that will establish trust for the people occupying such spaces. Thus, large and easy-to-use windows, skylights are among the most frequently referenced supporters to this end. The possibility of a clean breath as if in nature is emphasized in this way.

Another detail at least as substantial as airflow is light and shadow. The light and shade the sun casts at every angle throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset, is an aspect that must be observed in biophilic design. That is why the façade positioning in such a manner that embrace the sky is of great importance in this type of design. The sunlight reflected from the windows as if blessing the interior and the happiness brought by natural light are among those elements that endow impressiveness to biophilic design.

Nature gives confidence and comfort. Therefore, forms reflecting the nature play an effective role in biophilic design details. Curves, rounded forms, sometimes asymmetrical layouts, plants, water pools or water fountains project the order within the complexity that comes from the heart of nature. And so, all these sidekicks for biophilic design gather around and together, transform into peaceful spaces.

A Touch of Biophilic Design on SPA Culture

When it comes to things good for the soul, biophilic designs deserve a place also in the SPA culture. SPA centers provide guests with the opportunity to turn to their own nature in a natural environment, harnessing the philosophies such as Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra, as well as the healing power of biophilic design. For the biophilic-designed-SPA spaces where you will feel safe and peaceful cuddled by their impressive atmosphere, utilized are the plants, natural materials that support mental and spiritual harmony, forms, lights, sounds and their strategic placement.

Biophilic design stands out even more at settlements made according to golden ratio, the symbol of harmony and perfection in nature. Components appealing to the five senses, such as repetitive patterns and geometric forms offering a calming effect to the mind, colors and textures reflecting the nature, natural lighting and ventilation systems, real plant and flower arrangements, aromatic scents are frequently used in biophilic design. That way, the impression created by the calming and tranquil atmosphere of SPA centers intensifies, enabling guests to experience much more than a holistic SPA and Wellbeing experience.

The biophilic design trend is growing in popularity and its contribution to holistic healing is being heard by a larger audience day by day, whereby it meets guests at leading SPA centers in many different locations. Joali Being, opened in Maldives in late 2021, is one of the most assertive examples of this. Established by adopting biophilic design principles in the heavenly Maldives, Joali Being welcomes all guests who wish to feel the company of nature on their inner journey.

In this article, we shared the details of the biophilic design where architecture meets the nature. While examining the details that make up the biophilic design, we also touched on the echoes of this cult in the Wellness world. For further information and recommendations about SPA culture and SPA services, stay tuned to Spatopia!