(Rodolfo Sotelo / CASACOR)

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Biophilic design is a different way of using our affinity with nature to create healthy environments. Going far beyond beauty, biophilia stimulates creativity, promotes motivation and reduces stress . Therefore, the choices made for an architectural project and landscaping need to be well thought out, after all they are fundamental for health.

The term biophilia means "love of life" . It was named by Erich Fromm, a psychologist and philosopher, in 1964, and popularized by biologist Edward O. Wilson. "Much more than a trend, it is a need to reconnect with nature", he emphasizes. João Manuel Feijó , agricultural engineer at Ecotelhado and specialist in biophilic systems.

Did you know that looking at a view of nature for 40 seconds restores your attention span and helps reduce symptoms of fatigue, for example?

"Attention restoration theory has shown that portions of the prefrontal cortex calm down while we experience nature. After this mental break, we have improved cognitive capacity. Our power of concentration and focus increases and, consequently, our performance is better." , adds architect Bia Rafaelli Casaccia , a pioneer in biophilic design in Brazil.

She explains that biophilic design can be applied on different scales , in an already built residence, a building to be built, an urban environment. What changes is how the strategies will be applied. "It's about seeking a complete experience with a focus on health and in well-being, valuing natural light , air, water, plants, animals and making good choices of the materials that will be used".

Below, experts list 6 steps to apply biophilic design in a practical and accessible way. Check it out!

1. Promote people’s involvement with nature

According to João Manuel Feijó, one idea is to propose care for plants and engage people in the planting and watering process.

Vegetable gardens and vertical gardens take up little space and encourage cultivation and connection with nature.

2. Use solutions that promote health and well-being

3. Encourage a sense of belonging

This means creating an emotional connection between people and the environment, thinking about "who it is for" and "where" the space is. The suggestion is to choose elements from the local culture , from the user's emotional memory, local natural materials, native plants, among others. options.

4. Provide connection with other living beings

Thinking about biophilic design means understanding that all beings matter and are connected in some way. Therefore, architecture can stimulate a sense of unity. Living spaces, which promote social interaction, exemplify this.

The architect proposes including landscaping and other biophilic elements in decompression and meeting rooms in companies.

5. Apply integrated ecological solutions

The objective here is to use nature's solutions to integrate the built environment, preserving it: take advantage of the site's natural light , ventilation , rescue native plants , use the soil's permeability to capture rainwater.

6. Ensure stimulation of the five senses

The environment should also stimulate vision, hearing, smell, touch and taste in a natural way, preferably. A view of nature will stimulate vision and the garden will stimulate taste . The arrival of birds singing in the garden or in a green roof will sharpen your hearing.