Table 1 Six main biophilic design elements and their attributes
From: Activating biophilic design patterns as a sustainable landscape approach
Environmental features | Natural shapes and forms | Natural patterns and processes |
|---|---|---|
• Colour • Water • Air • Sunlight • Plants • Animals • Natural materials • Views and vistas • Façade greening • Geology and landscape • Habitats and ecosystems | • Botanical motifs • Tree and columnar supports • Animal (mainly vertebrate) motifs • Shells and spirals • Egg, oval, and tubular forms • Arches, vaults, domes • Shapes resisting. Straight lines and right angles • Simulation of natural features • Biomorphy • Geomorphology • Biomimicry | • Sensory variability • Information richness • Age, change, and the patina of time • Growth and efflorescence • Central focal point • Patterned wholes • Bounded spaces • Transitional spaces • Linked series and chains • Integration of parts to wholes • Complementary contrasts • Dynamic balance and tension • Fractals • Hierarchically organized |
Light and space | Place-based relationships | Evolved human-nature relationships |
• Natural light • Filtered and diffused light • Light and shadow • Reflected light • Light pools • Warm light • Light as shape and form • Spaciousness • Spatial variability • Space as shape and form • Spatial harmony • Inside-outside spaces | • Geographic connection to place • Historic connection to place • Ecological connection to place • Cultural connection to place • Indigenous materials • Landscape orientation • Landscape features that define building form • Landscape ecology • Integration of culture and ecology • Spirit of place • Avoiding placelessness | • Prospect and refuge • Order and complexity • Curiosity and enticement • Change and metamorphosis • Security and protection • Mastery and control • Affection and attachment • Attraction and beauty • Exploration and discovery • Information and cognition • Fear and awe • Reverence and spirituality |