A brief inspirational insight into biophilic architectural design through the eyes of an interior design student
Abstract
The author tries to give a short representation of contemporary biophilic architectural design by raising relevant questions, providing definitions and show-casing a sample of sustainable/organic architecture, the Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy.
keywords: biophilia, health, sustainability, synergy, green homes, smart homes
Introduction: city life as the ultimate health risk?
Just like in the phrase “happy wife – happy life”, a powerful interrelation can be seen between the general well-being of our planet and immediate natural environment as well as the welfare of humankind both on a broad and on an individual level. Since the initial steps of the progress towards what we call civilization, humans have always formed an integral part of nature – living off its useful produce on the one hand while, on the other hand, forming and shaping their environment according to their needs, creativity and limits. This also means that whichever steps we have reached in the process of our human and – parallelly – technological development, we have relied on nature in all fundamental walks of life: to strive both physically and mentally (health and growth), to create communities and a dynamic network of exchanging commodities (society and economy), to build our shelters (protection and construction), to decorate our interiors and create versatile artistic forms of expression (art and design). During this progress, humans have not only used natural elements to their advantage but have also left their imprint on their surroundings – both in a positive but, sadly, also in a negative way. As it is, we do not have to thoroughly dig into historical studies to realize how much we have detached ourselves from nature by the 21st century – having developed the idea of control over instead of collaboration with nature throughout the ages, which has led to having inflicted enormous damage on our environment. Our simple high school studies show us already at a young age that conquering and taming nature have been progressing hand in hand with our technological advancements, which have yielded an unhealthy relationship between us and mother nature by now. It might have started with control over fire, proceeded with the development of irrigation in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, the Agricultural Revolution, marvellous Roman engineering solutions, colonization and exploitation of lands, the Industrial Revolution up to the deforestation of rainforests in the 20th century and other such activities so that in 2024 we are facing extremely serious issues related to nature and thus, to our own health as well as the question of a possible sustainable life since the Doomsday Clock is ticking fast and scientists tell us that we only have 90 seconds left till midnight. (1) The question remains yet unsolved: is there any possibility for humankind to come up with innovations that will help reconnect with our natural habitat instead of destroying what is still left of this bond. Technological development seems unstoppable – a kind of forceful progress inherent in human nature, and why would anyone even wish to put an end to it in an age that deeply believes in the capabilities of the individual as well as of communities? However, one significant reason behind the distance between nature and humanity is that we have become technologically advanced city-dwellers to a point where the essence of city life has continuously been causing excessive harm to aspects of health both of our environment and us who have generated this scenario. By the 20th century, we came to experience urban life more like a burden in spite of all the convenience it brings about: challenges of waste collection, traffic problems, congestion, polluted air, lack of greenery, detached and alienated communities marked the age of the city in every single megapolis from New York through London to Istanbul and all, no matter how shiny the surface looks in travel ads and city marketing. In short, cities started to kill what we mean by “healthy life”. Fortunately, the 21st century has recognized our current depressing state, so city planners, innovative architects and cultural hubs have started to act against different aspects of this destructive progress. Such communities have realized that by constantly damaging our immediate and also extended natural environment, we are essentially destroying ourselves. Consequently, even if unaware, we are living in an era that can either terminate healthy life as it is or accomplish the transformation necessary to revive it. Therefore, this short study tries to shed some light on and inspire one to get more deeply acquainted with what is today called the biophilic concept, which might yield the ultimate solution for the integration of long-term sustainability with infinite technological development. The biophilic mindset can hardly be said to be an innovation as it is an inherent characteristic of humans to be an integral part of nature. Nevertheless, the 20th century saw the creation of this term for a reason, i. e. because we are in great need of reviving and strengthening this bond. This brief analysis focuses on only a few architectural innovations, highlighting especially one working building that can stand as a perfect symbol for biophilia in construction design nowadays. Still, the actual goal of the study is to inspire the Reader to investigate further into the matter and find their own ways of contributing to this hopefully sustainable technological growth.
Basic concepts related to biophilia: can technology and nature collaborate, or must they forever be mutually exclusive?
This study does not wish to provide an analysis of our past examples of biophilia, rather I desire to turn our focus on how new technologies and philosophies are struggling to commit to creating innovative methods in order to see how a possible newly envisioned healthy future might be achieved, especially in terms of our living conditions. The latest trends in various fields of technology have been seeking to call for action from humanity to change our wasteful lifestyle not only because of the planet but mostly since it is in our own utmost interest to do so. Before taking a look at some of these instances of cutting-edge ideas, we should turn our attention to understanding some basic interconnected concepts like health, biophilic technology, green homes vs smart homes and synergy.
Health
According to the WHO, “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. (2) If we look at Cambridge Dictionary, the definition says that health is “the condition of the body and the degree to which it is free from illness, or the state of being well”. (3) However much I am an advocate of any intellectual material of Cambridge origin, I have to acknowledge that the WHO definition is much broader and more apt for describing the 21st century understanding of health. The type of wholesomeness and completeness, integrity and fulfilled health derived from the WHO definition is exactly what humankind envisions for itself for a bright future.
Biophilia and biophilic design
Examining again Cambridge Dictionary, biophilia stands for the “love of living things and nature, which some people believe humans are born with”. (4) The Merriam-Webster Dictionary – also being a reliable source when it comes to definitions – says biophilic as an adjective means “relating to, showing, or being the human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature”. (5) The latter dismisses the essence of the Ancient Greek word “philia”, which means “love”, so we might state that in comparison, this time it is the Cambridge Dictionary that provides the more precise explanation of an expression. According to the Wikipedia, biophilic design “is a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions. Used at both the building and city-scale, it is argued that Biophilic design offers health, environmental, and economic benefits for building occupants and urban environments, with few drawbacks”. (6) Any biophilic design therefore works for the ultimate goal of creating a bond between humans and nature in any way possible – it operates in various fields from education through health care to workplace biophilia so that human health is aided and restored by using, producing and applying natural elements. Simply put, the key concept of biophilic design aims at the connection between humans and nature for human health, which, in return, is the ideal working state of nature.
Synergy
Cambridge Dictionary states that synergy is “the combined power of a group of things when they are working together that is greater than the total power achieved by each working separately”. (7) Wikipedia says that “synergy is an interaction or cooperation giving rise to a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts”. (8) Basically, both definitions mean the same as both stem from the original Greek meaning of the word, i. e. cooperation. This exact meaning is what contemporary researchers, architects, designers and philosophers wish to achieve in practice when they discuss various ways of collaboration between technology and nature today. Smart homes vs green homes
Smart homes being the collection of the cutting-edge solutions technologically clever enough to control the working of a home even without immediate human instructions have gained the general reputation of somehow existing out of the scope of what we call “natural”. Previously, with the emergence of smart homes, people used to perceive such dwellings as artificial, aiming more at convenience and even luxury, prioritizing the use of advanced technology over being nature-friendly or in any connection with natural elements at all. The reason behind how the public eye viewed smart homes was the high consumption of energy resources for the mere sake of comfort. As opposed to this phenomenon, green homes have forever been designed to meet the expectations of our vision of a sustainable future – they have always been constructed to be eco-friendly, energy efficient and collaborative with nature. Nevertheless, a synergy has been formed in architecture and design to create a cooperation between technology and sustainability. Thus, lately the green concept has been working hand in hand with the smart idea of a home to provide, a bit ironically, the luxury of an environment-friendly construction, which restores and supports human health in every aspect.
All in all, the basic concepts and philosophies defining how we create living spaces have become deeply intertwined so that in the 21st century we cannot speak about health either without reconnecting with nature or capitalizing on technological advancements.
A short analysis of one instance of contemporary biophilic architecture: Bosco Verticale, Milan, Italy
We might go back early in our past and view the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as an example of biophilic architecture, so that it becomes apparent that humankind did respect the benefits nature can provide us with to create spaces of harmony. However, the concept itself is part of our modern terminology for a reason, namely, that humans lost touch with their environment over the centuries and have only recently become aware that they are in desperate need of a renewal of this beautiful friendship. According to Constructive Voices, ”the concept of biophilic design was first introduced by Edward Wilson and further developed by Stephen Kellert, who established practical guidelines for its implementation in architecture” (9), thus, it is a strictly 20th century term. It is common knowledge that there have been a great number of architects and buildings that can be associated with biophilic/organic/sustainable design – all these terms have become interchangeable over the decades. We might mention Frank Lloyd Wright, Jørn Utzon, Kisho Kurokawa and maybe the more well-known Antoni Gaudí and so many more to shed some light on what it means to construct human habitats in harmony with nature.
Eventually, this study focuses on Bosco Verticale, Milan, Italy as one of the most successful and currently working illustrations of biophilic design to show its essential core.
General information
Name: Bosco Verticale
Style: Sustainable/Organic/Biophilic Architecture
Location: Milan, Italy
Date: 2007-2014
Architects: Boeri Studio: Stefano Boeri, Gianandrea Barreca, Giovanni La Varra, Laura Gatti Historical Influence: Stefano Boeri, the main architect of the building was on the one hand influenced negatively by so-called “mineral” skyscrapers, i.e. skyscrapers that were clad in glass, ceramics or metal thus generating even more heat than necessary. On the other hand, he was inspired by other examples of green architecture, eg. Casa nel Bosco near Lake Maggiore designed by her mother, others by Hundertwasser, the famous Austrian architect as well as by the rooftop gardens of Emilio Ambasz, the Argentinian-US architect and industrial designer. (10)
The rooftop
The roof of the building is a green rooftop, obviously contributing to the green design of the whole building. Besides the green bushes, trees and plants, which themselves help clean the air by producing oxygen, there are photovoltaic panels installed on the roof, which produce electricity from direct sunlight. (As they are DC devices, inverters are used to produce AC voltage.) Both the rooftop as well as the overall greenery of the building are taken care of by aerial arborists, who are partly horticulture experts besides being professional climbers. The height of the two towers is 112m and 80m respectively, so it was very important that both the rooftop and the overall vegetation were tested in a wind tunnel not to be blown away from the building. (11)
Building materials
There is a great number of different types of materials used for Bosco Verticale. As the goal of the project was to create an organic building shared by humans, flora and fauna together, the building materials had to meet the needs of all.
The selection of the plants took years of testing so that all species are able to survive and flourish among such conditions. The towers house a total of 800 trees, 15,000 perennials and 5,000 shrubs. This plant-based “shield” contributes to filtering the air, producing oxygen, reducing the noise level, absorbing harmful emissions and regulating humidity while also creating a forest-like atmosphere that aids the mental well-being of the inhabitants. (12)
Windows and doors
Windows and doors are made of high-quality aluminium and glass, most of them being window and balcony door sashes. They are all rectangular, Industrial style and a modest grey colour to let the eye focus on the flying gardens instead. Due to their size, they let an enormous amount of natural light come into the apartments, however, because of the vegetation, the interior is protected from excessive sunlight to prevent the overheating of the building.
The façade
The façade makes this building look so unique and recognizable. The shapes of the building are rectilinear with rectangular windows, doors and balconies, which are complemented by the organic shapes of the vegetation that soften and alter the Industrial and modern look of the towers, thus creating a truly unique cohabitation of lots of different species. The alternation of the elements together with real living plants creates a dynamic and truly lively atmosphere, what with the greenery also providing a protective, stable and welcoming look, while also turning the building into an actual forest.
Structural and ornamental features
These skyscrapers are the forerunners of other such future icons of sustainable and organic architecture, and it can be clearly stated that their structural and ornamental elements
complement each other, serving the overall purpose of a viable and self-sufficient building. If we rip the structure off its vegetation, we can see a great example of a Modernist building with repetitive and alternating rectilinear shapes, some Industrialist elements like steel frames and brick as building material (although concealed) and a minimalist design. However, the fantastic number of trees, shrubs and perennials provides not just the amazing function of sustainability but also the stunning décor of the towers. The changing seasons bring about changing colours in the vegetation, the organic shapes create a natural looking design making Bosco Verticale much more than a simple architectural object: the decoration makes the building capable of housing biodiversity and sustainable living for all of its species. (13)
To be continued: further inspiration
The previous examination of a single example of biophilic design could lead us to an infinite discussion about the continuous emergence of similar and even more cutting-edge buildings, not to mention the fact that this study only deals with design and architecture although biophilia is obviously not limited to the field of design – it involves a fantastically great variety of innovations in all walks of life. Still, I wish to close this short insight with some inspiration that one might consider digging into in case one shares the interests and enthusiasm of the author. I can only encourage the Reader to look at some current extraordinary state-of-the-art buildings like The Eden Project in Frankfurt, Hamburg Innovation Port or The Greenary. Here are some snippets of their descriptions to give you a boost to read into them.
“EDEN combines the best from two worlds: the concise forms of modern highrise architecture and the elemental force of private gardens. In the beginning there was the vision to develop a residential tower, which creates green oases for retreat, peace, security and deceleration in the middle of a cosmopolitan and vibrant global city. With breathtaking views, EDEN has one of the highest residential green façades in Europe”. (14)
“The HAMBURG INNOVATION PORT (HIP) is a technology and innovation center in the vicinity of the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Fraunhofer Society, connecting business and science.” (15)
Last but not least for now, The Greenary is “a residence that revolves around a ten-meter-tall tree at the center of the house. Multiple living quarters encircle the tree’s leafy branches, all the way up to its top. Located in the Northern Italian countryside, the house was commissioned by Francesco Mutti, CEO of Mutti, the European leading producer of tomato-related products. The project advances CRA’s research into new ways of fusing architecture, natural elements, and advanced technological solutions.” (16)
Conclusion: a brave new world?
When we glimpse out of the window in the space where we are sitting right now and reading this study, what might we be pondering about? Have we already entered this new phase of optimistic design created by the biophilic concept? Are we looking at the ruins of a once beautiful neighbourhood? Is it an inviting or an unfriendly scene that we are experiencing the powers of? How are we feeling: detached from or indulged by nature, distant and uncomfortable or cosy and protected, excluded or included in the space? How much do we ever think about our immediate surroundings as eco-friendly and sustainable or have these terms been used too often to still remain meaningful in an everyday scenario? Are we passive sufferers or active innovators of our space? Do we ever feel the pressure of these nagging questions as an individual or do we tend to shy away from the picture often depicted as gloomy by politicians, the media, sources of power?
There have been more and more trials towards creating liveable communities and buildings everywhere in the world because professionals as well as the general public have come to face the serious difficulties created by the consequences of the oppression technology has inflicted upon us over time. There is a great risk of economic and political interests interfering with, limiting or even strangling our healthy vision of the synergy between nature and technology, and one might feel powerless in the face of it all since it is a relevant question what we can do on an individual level. Consequently, the fact that we are living in an age of hubs can contribute to us not feeling alone and unprotected but stronger and more proactive than before – and we must be so! Apart from this brief study, there are much more significant discussions and dialogues going on about biophilia as a possible bright prospect giving hope for a braver world. All I can do by my own means is to try to support and inspire the Reader to take a closer look at the question at hand and dive in, learn more and act as if our life depended on it. Because it does.
(1)https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/current-time/
(2)https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution
(3)https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/health
(4)https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/biophilia
(5)https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biophilic
(6)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biophilic_design
(7)https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/synergy
(8)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synergy
(9)https://constructive-voices.com/biophilic-home-design-3/
(10)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosco_Verticale
(11)https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/en/project/vertical-forest/
(12) https://www.greenroofs.com/2019/07/22/featured-project-bosco-verticale/
(13)https://www.glassonweb.com/news/living-vertical-forest-middle-city-window-sashes-3000-mm-high-pleasant-view-greenery
(14)https://eden-frankfurt.com/architecture
(15) https://www.hamburg-innovation-port.com/en/
(16)https://carlorattiassociati.com/project/the-greenary/
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