Humans are attracted to nature for a reason; It is hardwired in our brain. To the degree that we can stimulate this human connection (termed biophilia*) with our experience, e.g., ADU design(s), the greater our success in creating desirability to guests and others. This is my primary design goal.
Nature in the Space addresses the direct, physical and ephemeral presence of nature in a space or place. This includes plant life, water, and animals, as well as breezes, sounds, scents, and other natural elements. Common examples include potted plants, flowerbeds, bird feeders, butterfly gardens, water features, fountains, aquariums, courtyard gardens, and green walls, or vegetated roofs. The strongest Nature in the Space experiences is achieved through the creation of meaningful, direct connections with these natural elements, particularly through diversity, movement, and multi-sensory interactions.
Nature in the Space encompasses several biophilic* design patterns:
- Visual Connection with Nature. A view to elements of nature, living systems and natural processes.
- Non-Visual Connection with Nature. Auditory, haptic, olfactory, or taste stimuli that engender a deliberate and positive reference to nature, living systems, or natural processes.
- Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli. Random and ephemeral connections with nature that may be analyzed statistically but may not be predicted precisely.
- Thermal & Airflow Variability. Subtle changes in air temperature, relative humidity, airflow across the skin, and surface temperatures that mimic natural environments.
- Presence of Water. A condition that enhances the experience of a place through seeing, hearing, or touching the water.
- Dynamic & Diffuse Light. Leverages varying intensities of light and shadow that change over time to create conditions that occur in nature.
- Connection with Natural Systems. Awareness of natural processes, especially seasonal and temporal changes characteristic of a healthy ecosystem.
- Biomorphic Forms & Patterns. Symbolic references to contoured, patterned, textured, or numerical arrangements that persist in nature.
- Material Connection with Nature. Materials and elements from nature that, through minimal processing, reflect the local ecology or geology and create a distinct sense of place.
- Complexity & Order. Rich sensory information that adheres to a spatial hierarchy similar to those encountered in nature.
- Prospect. An unimpeded view over a distance, for surveillance and planning.
- Refuge. A place for withdrawal from environmental conditions or the main flow of activity, in which the individual is protected from behind and overhead.
- Mystery. The promise of more information, achieved through partially obscured views or other sensory devices that entice the individual to travel deeper into the environment.
- Risk/Peril. An identifiable threat coupled with a reliable safeguard.
*Biophilia is the humankind’s innate biological connection with nature. It helps explain why crackling fires and crashing waves captivate us; why a garden view can enhance our creativity; why shadows and heights instill fascination and fear; and why animal companionship and strolling through a park have restorative, healing effects.
Biophilia is the process of bringing the outdoors into the home through (circadian) lighting, air purification, virtual skylights and windows, motorized shades, aromatherapy, sounds, and sights of forests and streams, climate controls and more.
Recent scientific research shows significant health benefits from human-centric technologies. According to our own research, many integrators are familiar with circadian lighting, but the other aspects of biophilia are largely a mystery.
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Replies
Great post John! I am sure Chris will really appreciate it as well!