Humans are now officially indoor creatures in the 21st century. As technology advances and leisure is concentrated into the tiny screen of a cell phone; people have stopped appreciating the beauty nature has to offer.
It’s in response to the lack of interest people have in maintaining the presence of natural elements in our lives that Biophilic design has emerged. This cultural movement is hugely significant in light of global warming as it signifies an effort to combine the man-made with the natural.
Defining Biophilic Design
Biophilia is the love or affinity to everything alive. From humans, to plants, to natural elements like air and fire; biophilia means to love all of them. How does this enter the world of design?
The 90s and early 2000s were all about sleek machine-like designs that boasted efficiency and professionalism. However, the 2010’s have brought back awareness about nature. Designers have responded to this cultural zeitgeist by bringing Biophilic design to the fold.
Stephen Kellert was the pioneer of Biophilic design who advocated for it under the academic field of social ecology. This brilliant academic wrote the ultimate guidebook on what Biophilic design entails.
What Biophilic Design Looks Like
Biophilic design isn’t about adding greenery to your home. Sure, indoor plants can be an excellent and ecologically sound decision; but that’s not how design works. Biophilic design emphasizes subtle, overarching appreciation for natural things rather than blunt additions to indoor spaces.
You also don’t have to make biophilia the main feature of the house. Instead, think about the multiple elements of nature and human experience and try to adapt them to your home as it exists currently.
Biophilic design should be organic and is meant to foster a better experience of human life. To truly be thorough about adding Biophilic elements to your home, you should make it a gradual process.
Adding Biophilic Design Elements
Pursuing Biophilic design can mean two things: direct exposure to Biophilic elements or indirect exposure to them. One way to add direct exposure is to take advantage of native plants that grow in your area and add them to your living space.
Installing black steel doors and wrought iron doors with Biophilic scrollwork is also a great option for people that want a long-term solution. Iron patio doors and iron front doors are examples of placements where Biophilic additions can be made.
Our Dream and June designs in contemporary iron doors contain Biophilic leaf and vine designs that evoke European sensibilities. Contact us at 844-843-6677 to explore your custom iron door options with Biophilic craftsmanship for a home transformation!