Biophilic & Sustainable Design
Nearly 90
percent of our lives are lived inside built environments. Up to one third of
that time can be spent inside our workplaces. An environment devoid of nature
can have a negative effect on health, productivity, and well-being. Even simple
changes to incorporate nature into our spaces can have a huge impact on how we
feel where we work, live, and learn. “Biophilic design involves the integration
of nature and natural processes into building design.” Tucker pg.13. The goal is to restore the natural bond
between human beings and nature and blur the lines between the outside and the
inside. Biophilic
interior design is all about embracing the rules of biophilic architecture,
with rooms benefitting from good natural daylight, natural color schemes and house
plants. Studies have
shown that adding biophilic elements to interiors can reduce stress, blood
pressure and heart rates- while increasing productivity, creativity, and overall
well-being. It really focuses on creating
a calming space with a visual connection with nature. The main principles
include natural shapes and forms, light and space, natural processes and
patterns, and environmental features.
Ecological interior design focuses on the quality of life of the inhabitants and the effects of on our greater planet. “Ecological design seeks to minimize impact to the environments. By working with natural systems- water, habitat preservation and local resources- ecological designers try to integrate the built world with the natural one.” Tucker pg. 9. It considers the life cycle of the products used, where they were sourced, what they were made of and the supply chain as well as the lifecycle analysis. One of the major aspects of ecological interior design is optimal indoor air quality (IAQ). According to the EPA, indoor air quality is a greater health hazard than outdoor air pollution, with pollutants being up to 100 times higher indoors. Materials are a huge factor when developing sustainable design. We need to evaluate the long-term impact and effects of construction materials used for design projects. Using sustainable materials will lower the environmental impact cause by various materials and substances. In our homes, everything from soft furnishings (mattresses, pillows, sofas, and drapery) to flooring, building materials, paint, electronics, and furniture are toxic and affecting our health and the planet’s.
Erica,
ReplyDeleteI think this was a great first post about sustainability and design. I loved that you talked about HAWAC and some of the logistics behind what makes it sustainable and LEED Gold Certified. I think sustainability and LEED need to be taken seriously as designers and hopefully we can implement those into our projects! Overall, great job.
I think you did a great job explaining LEED certification and ecological design. I thought it was beneficial that you talked not only about green design and incorporating forms of biophilia into a space but you also discussed the importance of the materials used. I think we can get lost in our designs, focusing on either one aspect or another of sustainable design when we need to remember the whole of it. Biophilic design is important but it looses its intent if we don't also look to sustainable materials for the entire building process.
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