We spend around 90% of our lives indoors, yet our minds and bodies evolved outdoors. That’s why reconnecting with nature through thoughtful design can have such a profound impact on wellbeing. At XUL, we see nature not as an aesthetic addition, but as a foundation for healthier, more balanced living.
In a nutshell:
What Is biophilia?
The term biophilia describes our instinctive desire to feel connected to nature and other living systems. For the majority of human history, humans have lived closely with nature, and our brains are still wired to respond positively to it.
Biophilic design isn’t just a trend; it supports health and happiness. Countless studies show that environments rich in natural features can enhance both physical and psychological wellbeing (Zhong et al., 2022). Being in nature activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax by lowering heart rate and muscle tension (Wen et al., 2023).
Can nature actually improve our health?
The benefits of nature go beyond feeling calm. Research on shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bathing’, shows that spending time among trees boosts the activity of immune cells that help the body fight off illness. This effect is partly due to phytoncides, which are special compounds with restorative properties that are released by trees (Chae et al., 2021).
Even brief exposure to natural environments can improve mood and self-esteem, helping to build emotional resilience and protect against depression and anxiety (Li et al., 2021). In essence, connecting with nature allows the body and mind to recharge.
How can we bring nature indoors?
Incorporating natural elements into the home enhances both wellbeing and function. Live plants help to purify the air whilst boosting concentration and creativity (El-Tanbouly et al., 2021; Han et al., 2022), and thoughtfully designed views of the outdoors can reduce stress and create a sense of spaciousness. As well as this, strategic window placement can help to maximise daylight, emphasise the calming scenery, and even encourage social interaction. This has been demonstrated by studies showing that neighbourhoods with green, tree-filled areas foster greater community engagement (Kemperman & Timmermans, 2014).
Does outdoor design matter too?
Absolutely. The principles of biophilia extend beyond walls and windows. Trees and plants outdoors cool their surroundings, absorb pollutants, and reduce noise, which in turn helps to create a more peaceful environment (Rahman et al., 2020).
Designing outdoor spaces that encourage and enable activities, for example yoga, gardening, or meditation, can further enhance these effects. Studies show that exercise and mindfulness practices performed in natural settings lead to greater stress reduction and immune support than when they are done indoors (Wen et al., 2023).
What about shapes and patterns in nature?
Nature’s influence isn’t limited to greenery itself. We also respond instinctively to shapes and forms that echo the natural world. Curved, flowing shapes are often perceived as safer and more inviting than rigid, angular ones (Vartanian et al., 2019).
Similarly, fractal patterns, those self-repeating, organic forms seen in leaves, trees, and waves, have measurable stress-reducing effects (Robles et al., 2021). Incorporating fractal geometry into architecture or materials not only serves to calms us, but also provides practical benefits through hiding everyday wear and tear or imperfections.
Final Thoughts
Biophilic design reminds us that we are part of nature, not separate from it. Whether through plants, patterns, or light, the goal is to restore a sense of connection that modern life often erodes. By embracing natural elements both inside and out, we can create spaces that calm the nervous system, inspire creativity, and nurture wellbeing.
References
Chae, Y., Lee, S., Jo, Y., Kang, S., Park, S., & Kang, H. (2021). The effects of forest therapy on immune function. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(16), 8440. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168440
El-Tanbouly, R., Hassan, Z., & El-Messeiry, S. (2021). The role of indoor plants in air purification and human health in the context of COVID-19 pandemic: A proposal for a novel line of inquiry. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 8, 709395. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2021.709395
Han, K.-T., Ruan, L.-W., & Liao, L.-S. (2022). Effects of indoor plants on human functions: A systematic review with meta-analyses. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(12), 7454. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127454
Kemperman, A. D. A. M., & Timmermans, H. J. P. (2014). Green spaces in the direct living environment and social contacts of the aging population. Landscape and Urban Planning, 129, 44–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2014.05.003
Li, D., Menotti, T., Ding, Y., & Wells, N. M. (2021). Life course nature exposure and mental health outcomes: A systematic review and future directions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(10), 5146. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105146
Rahman, M. M., Fath, K. R., Rahman, A., & Sarker, R. (2020). Traits of trees for cooling urban heat islands: A meta-analysis. Building and Environment, 170, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2019.106606
Robles, K. E., Roberts, M., Viengkham, C., Smith, J. H., Rowland, C., Moslehi, S., Stadlober, S., Lesjak, A., Lesjak, M., Taylor, R. P., Spehar, B., & Sereno, M. E. (2021). Aesthetics and psychological effects of fractal-based design. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 699962. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.699962
Wen, Y., Gu, X., Deng, W., Zou, Q., Hu, Y., Yan, Q., Pan, Y., Wen, Z., Wan, R., Sheng, G., Liu, Y., & He, M. (2023). The effects of dynamic and static forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) on physiological and psychological health in males and females. Forests, 14(8), 1592. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081592
Vartanian, O., Navarrete, G., Chatterjee, A., Fich, L. B., Leder, H., Modroño, C., Rostrup, N., Skov, M., Corradi, G., & Nadal, M. (2019). Preference for curvilinear contour in interior architectural spaces: Evidence from experts and nonexperts. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 13(1), 110–116. https://doi.org/10.1037/aca0000150
Zhong, W., Schröder, T. W. A., & Bekkering, J. (2022). Biophilic design in architecture and its contributions to health, well-being, and sustainability: A critical review. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 11(1), 114–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2021.07.006