‘Biophilia. Whenever I mention the word, I always get odd looks, people tilting their heads, and questions about what the word means.
So, what is BioPhillia?
‘Biophilia’ has roots in 1964, when social psychologist Erich Fromm explained the concept as two living things being positively integrated with each other.
Biophilia characteristically incorporates elements from nature to be both functional and beneficial to the inhabitants of the building.
But it isn’t just about decorating your space with plants and looking pretty.
Biophilia utilises nature’s natural powers, like sunlight to naturally light a room or natural wind flow to ventilate a place, instead of relying on fans to ventilate the area artificially.
Biophilia is easy to incorporate in Singapore since our country has a natural abundance of sunlight, wind, and greenery.
Biophilia’s Tree-mendous Benefits
(Credits: FreePik)
When was the last time you or your child was burnt out by your workload?
Do you guys often stare at the greenery outside?
When was the last time one of you was stressed?
Do the both of you lose focus easily?
If you said “yesterday” or anything recent, congratulations! You’ve just stumbled upon an article that can help with all of the above.
Architects and urban designers have been increasingly incorporating biophilia into modern-day buildings, and that is not just for design purposes.
The benefits of biophilia are straightforward. Being in nature improves one’s mental and physical health.
For example, physically, Being around nature lowers your blood pressure and could improve your immune system as well!
Mentally, being around plants has been scientifically proven to improve your mood while reducing stress and anxiety.
Additionally, the increase of oxygen in your surroundings triggers your body to release serotonin, the ‘Happy Hormone’ in your body. This improves your mood, mental health, and self-image.
What Other Reasons Are There To Incorporate Biophilia In Your Home?
(Credits: Khanh Nguyen on Pexel)
Holistic Purposes
Biophilic design also improves the existing environment by utilising natural elements.
For example, we know how important greenery is for the eyes.
Remember the mandatory breaks in school where we were instructed to take a break and look at something green? Similarly, a green plant in the study room could help with the health of your child’s eyes.
Another example would be your child having more energy and focus during their study session when the area is well-lit by natural sunlight. And it also delivers their daily dose of vitamin D!
Greater Productivity and Performance!
Along with vitamin D, your family will also get an increased flow of oxygen, which will provide them with more energy and increased focus during their study session, which consequentially increases their rates of productivity!
It is a two-pronged advantage, as increased oxygen also improves cognitive function.
A study on how biophilia affects cognitive functions from Harvard University shows that occupants of a biophilic building perform better than inhabitants who were in a non-biophilic building.
A Reduction in Utility Bills
Also, you wouldn’t have to switch on your air conditioners, fans, and lights so frequently if your home is well-ventilated and lit naturally, right?
This could reduce the cost of your utility bills. Score!
Teaching Your Children Environmentally-Friendly Values
Additionally, incorporating biophilia into your child’s surroundings lets them grow up around nature.
This fosters a sense of appreciation for nature and sustainability while ingraining a sense of responsibility when it comes to caring for plants.
When you involve your child in the process, it gives them a sense of empowerment and confidence, as they’ll feel accomplished and proud of their choices and actions.
It’s a 2-in-1!
Lastly, it spruces up your home and acts as a functional decoration!
Everybody benefits from the incorporation of biophilia!
Examples of Biophilia in Singapore
Here are some of the most popular examples of biophilia in Singapore, how they are incorporated, and the purpose that they serve.
The intentional location of some of these examples also shows how biophilia can go above and beyond to offer a moment of peace and solace to people in that area and some sense of inspiration for your upcoming biophilic project!
Jewel at Changi Airport
(Credits: Anthony Peruda on Pexels)
The most famous display of biophilia and biomimicry in Singapore is our beloved Jewel.
Jewel has a waterfall in the middle, like the biggest diamond on a crown. It’s filled with greenery and even has the Shiseido Forest.
It also utilises steps and height, as seen by how the trees are arranged to cover the inner perimeter of the building, upwards, due to a lack of space.
This evokes the feeling of really being in a forest and provides a getaway area of peace to tired and wary travellers after being stuck in airports and aeroplanes.
Furthermore, as the airport is the first “taste” that tourists and travellers on layovers get of Singapore, Jewel’s biophilia helps us to cement and display why we deserve our nickname of ‘Garden City’.
It is no wonder that people travel the world and arrange layovers in Singapore just to see it
The State Courts
(Credits: Construction Plus Asia)
By now, you’d know the stress-relieving benefits of biophilia. Conversely, I’m sure you could understand how stressful a courtroom is.
The garden and greenery in the state court building show men can interact with nature to soothe their senses and gather their thoughts before heading into a stressful situation.
When you’re stressed, your thoughts are muddled. So the increased amount of oxygen in the building’s air can help to clear that fog while releasing serotonin to calm you down.
Working Among Greenery: CapitaSky, CapitaSpring, and CapitaGreen
(Credits: CapitaLand) CapitaSpring Gardens
Why don’t more office buildings have gardens?
The amount of greenery and light can strike inspiration in the employees and help them when they’re stuck in a tough situation at work.
The workers also have a haven when they need a break to take a breather and rest their eyes from the harmful blue rays of their screens.
Funan
(Credits: CapitaLand)
It makes sense that an urban farm and garden would be on Funan.
The mall reflects tech and urbanisation in its retail offerings and building design.
Since it’s in one of Singapore’s most urbanised areas, it is the poster child for urbanised farming and Singapore’s urban gardening efforts.
An interesting use of biophilia in their garden is its function of separating spaces.
The seating area uses different plants of various heights that indicate to the patrons where one area ends and where they’re allowed to sit or walk.
How Can You Incorporate Biophilia in Your Child’s Surroundings?
(Credits: Duc Nguyen on Pexel)
“But we have limited space in Singapore and my home!” I hear you say.
Well, leaf your worries behind! There are still ways to incorporate biophilia into a small area, without spending a fortune.
The principles of biophilic design can be applied anywhere and go beyond just incorporating plants, wind, and lights.
It also involves the thoughtful and intentional use of materials, colour, textures, height, and the use of space to mimic the qualities of nature.
Remember. In Biophilia, intention is important. Ask yourself, Why do you want to incorporate biophilia, and how do you want it to benefit your daily life?
There are many ways to incorporate biophilia.
For the Green Thumbs
Grow potted plants at home, which might teach your children about responsibility and spark an interest in flora and fauna.
Let Light Into Your Living Space
(Credits: Valmark Group)
Open your windows as wide as possible to allow wind and light into your living space. This ventilates your home and benefits your plants as well.
If Space Constraint is The Issue
Utilise height by purchasing hanging racks for your potted plants or hang a plant curtain for your windows!
For Kitchen Aficionados
(Credits: FreePik)
Swap your bottled dried herbs for fresh ones. They serve an important function in your hobby and will provide a sensorial experience.
For Aquaphiles
Install a small water feature in your home. The sound of running water is always soothing and might spark inspiration.
Just Chill Man
(Credits: Thursd)
Taking inspiration from the State Court Rooms, you could also use greenery to separate space in your home, such as fake grass patches for play areas.
You could also create a dedicated area in your room for relaxation, by incorporating multiple elements that would sooth you, in a space.
If You Just Want To “Try It Out”
Lastly, if you’re still unsure of committing to a big area, small items reminiscent of nature could be sprinkled around your home.
Pebbles for paperweights, rocks as book ends, mason jars for storing food, or terracotta plant pots make great yet practical choices!
Conclusion
(Credits: ArchDaily)
Biophilia is a wonderful concept for improving one’s well-being, just by adding a few simple but thoughtful installations.
By incorporating biophilia into your living spaces, you can cultivate a deeper connection with nature and create a harmonious and upgraded living space that nurtures your mind, body and soul.
Maybe afterwards, your child will be able to focus better during their tuition sessions with tutors from Singapore’s #1 tuition agency, SmileTutor!
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