An environmental finance group has put out a discussion paper to define a style of building with strong links to nature.

14 Patterns of Biophilic Design: Improving Health & Well-Being in the Built Environment brings together years of research and inventions to highlight the innate need that humans have to connect with their natural environment.

Some buildings look like natural structures, some work with their surrounds to benefit from nature, but consultants at Terrapin Bright Green say there is something else that underpins ‘biophilic’ architecture.

Co-author of 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design and company founder William browning has told reporters that he believes incorporating biophilic design interventions can yield anything from productivity gains in office buildings to improved rates of healing in healthcare settings.

“The positive outcome of experiences enabled by biophilic design can be seen in stress reduction, improved cognitive function and enhanced creativity,” he said.

“In healthcare settings, there are a number of studies that indicate improved healing rates and better outcomes.”

Speaking to industry press, Browning said that the ways humans are positively connected with nature can be grouped into three categories:

  • Nature in the Space, which is about direct experiences of biotic and abiotic components of nature;
  • Natural Analogues, which is about experiences of abstractions of nature and natural systems;
  • Nature of the Space, which is about characteristics of spatial conditions found in preferred human habitats.


Mr Browning said that within these three categories there are 14 patterns to describe design interventions to boost links with nature.

Nature in the Space

Visual Connection to Nature
Non-Visual Connection to Nature
Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli
Thermal & Airflow Variability
Presence of Water
Dynamic & Diffuse Light
Connection to Natural Systems

Natural Analogues

Biomorphic Forms & Patterns
Material Connection to Nature
Complexity & Order

Nature of the Space

Prospect
Refuge
Mystery
Risk/Peril

More information is available in this related report.