Biophilic Design
In the midst of the urban cacophony, where skyscrapers loom and the hum of city life never fades, our innate connection to nature often feels like a distant memory. Enter biophilic design—a revolutionary philosophy that seeks to rekindle this lost bond. But what exactly is biophilic design, and why is it becoming a beacon of hope in our concrete jungles?
Via British Vogue
Coined by biologist Edward O. Wilson, the term 'biophilic design' stems from the biophilia hypothesis, stating that humans have an inherent desire to affiliate with nature and other life forms. As one can imply, this connection reaches far beyond personal demands and extends beyond mere survival in the urban landscape. It creates a desperate and essential need to reconnect with nature and experience the desired natural surroundings. Biophilic design is the perfect solution that will not only serve its aesthetic purpose but also fulfill the need of modern citizens to once again feel the presence of nature.
The rise of biophilic design in our cities is more than just a trend; it’s a response to our collective need for reconnection and solitude amid nature. Moreover, many researchers have proven the positive impact of biophilic design on individuals surrounded by it. It can reduce stress levels, improve psychological well-being, and enhance productivity by building a connection with nature. Thus, it moves from the solely architectural construct into the essence of life, the need for self-nourishment.
The elements of classical biophilic design all lie within the forms and patterns around us. The philosophy of biophilic design can be spotted in mimicking light, ventilation, materials, landscape features, and other elements that can recreate the essence of natural surroundings. What is more, about biophilic design is its reference to the five senses such as sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. They create a fulfilling interplay of elements and detail to create a quintessence of experiences and nourish one's sensor on a multitude of scales. Sounds fascinating and highly urbanistic, doesn’t it?
Meeting our deep intrinsic needs, biophilic design emerges as a group of open-minded and talented architects ready to fight the presence of concrete jungles and transform modern cities into the postmodern Eden garden. Stefano Boeri is one of the first names to come into our mind while talking about biophilic design; working in the field of sustainable design, he created his masterpiece, the green gem of Milan - Vertical Forest. If you ever walk Milan streets and happen to spot two towers that mostly resemble giant trees composed of smaller ones, you can never fail to guess - it's the Vertical Forest created by Stefano Boeri, being the most distinctive skyscrapers of the city and highlighting the magnificent nature of biophilic design in its fresh and bold exposition. The building resembles post-apocalyptic scenery featuring the Eden Garden emerging through the glass and concrete blocks and rising upon the citizens with its grotesque and blooming nature.
Milan’s Vertical Forest/Sabino Parente
Imagine facing an enormous tower recreating the DNA shape, rotating, moving, and covered with thousands of trees. Well, the citizens of Taiwan don't even have to move a nerve; they have already seen this daring and intriguing construction. Vincent Callebaut, the exquisite master from Belgium, created the symposium of his architectural mind and fostered the image of biophilic design in Taiwan's history. Covered with 23,000 trees, the piece aims to become the pioneering eco-building in the city, but it not only sustains but also shocks and evokes. His skyscrapers, or as one dare to say, visionaries, are a definition of symbiosis between human and nature, bringing the architecture to new horizons of unforeseen forms and dynamics.
“Tao Zhu Yin Yuan” tower /Vincent Callebaut Architectures
“The Eden Project” sounds like a brand new X-files episode or an information leak one may want to hide; however, under such an eerie and ambiguous name, it hides one of the most significant biophilic projects of all time. Eden Project is an architectural marvel nestled in the heart of Cornwall, UK. Conceived by the visionary Tim Smit and designed by the innovative Grimshaw Architects, the Eden Project is a monumental ode to biophilic design and sustainability. The Eden Project doesn’t just sustain; it educates and inspires. It showcases how humans and nature coexist harmoniously, promoting environmental awareness and conservation. The brave visionary creates vivid biodiversity imagery, breaking the rules and reinventing the canons of design and architectural storytelling.
Biophilic design is more than just a movement; it’s a philosophy hidden within the essence of human nature. It evokes the basic need and nourishes our inner desire to reconnect with nature. Transforming the modern cities and showing an interplay of urbanistic landscape and post-futuristic apocalyptic scenery, filled with nature taking over humanity, refreshing and energizing, recreating the urban landscape under the best rules of nature.
