For millennia, humanity has looked to the natural world for inspiration, crafting architectural marvels that mirrored the grandeur of mountains, the soaring grace of trees, and the openness of the sky. From the light-drenched temples of ancient Greece to the sky-piercing Gothic cathedrals, our built environments have always reflected a profound connection with the natural world. Today, this dialogue takes a new form - biophilic design. This philosophy transcends mere aesthetics, aiming to create a profound shift in how we experience interior spaces. Biophilic design seeks to seamlessly weave elements of nature into our homes and workplaces, fostering a deep connection with the environment and nurturing our well-being. In this article, Ar. Sumit Dhawan, Founder and Principal Architect of Cityspace’ 82 Architects, talks about the key strategies to embracing nature in architectural design. Harnessing the Power of Natural Light Natural light is a significant aspect of biophilic design. Optimal daylight helps in regulating our circadian rhythms, impacting sleep patterns and energy levels. When designing a space, prioritise maximising natural light. Utilise large windows, skylights, or light tubes to draw in daylight. Strategically placed mirrors can further enhance the effect, bouncing light deeper into a room. Consider furniture placement to avoid blocking windows and opt for light-coloured walls and flooring to create a sense of openness. Weaving Nature's Materials into the Design Surrounding ourselves with natural materials fosters a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors. Wood, stone, bamboo, and even elements like woven rattan or cork bring a touch of the organic world indoors. Wood textures offer warmth and visual interest, while stone adds a touch of grounding stability. Consider incorporating these materials through furniture, flooring, wall accents, or even decorative objects. The raw beauty of natural materials fosters a sense of connection with the natural world, creating a more serene and inviting atmosphere. Bringing the Greenery Indoors Plants are not merely decorative elements in biophilic design; they are active contributors to a healthy and vibrant space. Houseplants not only purify the air but also reduce stress and boost mood. Strategically placed greenery adds pops of color and life to a room. Hanging plants, potted succulents on windowsills, or a strategically placed indoor tree can breathe new life into a space. For those with limited space or sunlight, there are a growing number of low-maintenance and shade-tolerant plants that can thrive indoors. Blurring the Lines Between Inside and Out Biophilic design aspires to create a seamless flow between the built environment and the outdoors. Large windows that showcase natural landscapes, operable doors that open onto patios or gardens, and the use of natural materials that echo the surrounding environment all contribute to this effect. Strategic use of water features, like fountains or reflecting pools, can add a touch of tranquillity and the soothing sounds of nature. When possible, incorporate outdoor living spaces like balconies, terraces, or courtyards, creating an extension of the interior living area and maximising opportunities to connect with the natural world. By embracing these strategies, we can transform our interior spaces into sanctuaries that celebrate nature's beauty and enhance our well-being. Biophilic design is not just a trend; it's a conscious movement towards creating a more harmonious and restorative relationship between humanity and the natural world, one thoughtfully designed space at a time.

モスクワにある高級な小さなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビング (ベージュの壁、磁器タイルの床、横長型暖炉、木材の暖炉まわり、壁掛け型テレビ、白い床) の写真

This classic contemporary Living room is brimming with simple elegant details, one of which being the use of modern open shelving. We've decorated these shelves with muted sculptural forms in order to juxtapose the sharp lines of the fireplace stone mantle. Incorporating open shelving into a design allows you to add visual interest with the use of decor items to personalize any space!

ロンドンにあるコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビングの写真

メルボルンにあるコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビングの写真

アデレードにある高級な中くらいなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなLDK (白い壁、無垢フローリング、横長型暖炉、レンガの暖炉まわり、壁掛け型テレビ、茶色い床) の写真

ロンドンにある広いコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビング (ミュージックルーム、標準型暖炉、石材の暖炉まわり、コーナー型テレビ、緑の壁、無垢フローリング、茶色い床) の写真

リヨンにあるコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビングの写真

マイアミにある巨大なコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなLDK (茶色い壁、コンクリートの床、埋込式メディアウォール、白い床) の写真

オースティンにある高級な中くらいなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれな独立型リビング (ライブラリー、青い壁、無垢フローリング、暖炉なし、テレビなし、茶色い床) の写真

Vibrant living room room with tufted velvet sectional, lacquer & marble cocktail table, colorful oriental rug, pink grasscloth wallcovering, black ceiling, and brass accents. Photo by Kyle Born.

Tony Hernandez Photography
フェニックスにあるラグジュアリーな巨大なコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなLDK (白い壁、磁器タイルの床、横長型暖炉、石材の暖炉まわり、壁掛け型テレビ、グレーの床) の写真

GILLIAN JACKSON, STAN SWITALSKI
トロントにあるコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビング (黒い壁、淡色無垢フローリング、標準型暖炉、テレビなし) の写真

Евгений Лучин
モスクワにあるコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビング (標準型暖炉、タイルの暖炉まわり) の写真

Сергей Красюк
モスクワにあるコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビングの写真

Truly unique, this captivating seven-bedroom family home is a visual feast of arresting colours, textures, finishes and striking architecture – fortified by a playful nod to bygone design quirks like the 60s-style sunken seating area. Entirely open-plan, the ground floor kitchen, living, and dining space stretches out into a verdant garden through a wall of striking Crittall doors.

Bernard Andre
サンフランシスコにある中くらいなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれな応接間 (白い壁、濃色無垢フローリング、暖炉なし、テレビなし、グレーの床) の写真

他の地域にある中くらいなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビング (淡色無垢フローリング、標準型暖炉、タイルの暖炉まわり、テレビなし、ベージュの床) の写真

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Photographer: Landmark Photography
ミネアポリスにある中くらいなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれなリビング (白い壁、無垢フローリング、標準型暖炉、石材の暖炉まわり、埋込式メディアウォール、グレーの床) の写真