Benefits of Biophilic Design - Robert D Henry Architects (2024)

Biophilic design increases occupants’ connection to the natural environment. Our design philosophy goes beyond mere aesthetics and aims to foster a deep connection between end users and the natural world.

Integrating vegetation within the built environment is another key aspect of biophilic design.

Plants not only add visual appeal to a space but also contribute to improved air quality and overall well-being. Some benefits of integrating vegetation into design include:

• Air Purification: Plants act as natural air filters, removing harmful pollutants and toxins from indoor environments. This leads to cleaner air and reduced instances of respiratory ailments.
• Visual Connection to Nature: The presence of greenery indoors creates a visual connection to nature, which has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• A Peaceful Calm in the City: Indoor plants add an intrinsic calming effect to counter the hustle and bustle of the city, providing a welcome respite.

Case Study: Our design for a new Hyatt hotel in Harlem (HHH).

Harlem has the lowest greenspace per capita of all the 5-boroughs, so we purposely focused on creating a pitched triangular green space that connects an elevated walkway to the hotel plaza.

We continued this experience with a “green” handshake as you pull the entry doors leading into a 3-story lobby atrium.

The atrium features lush hanging English ivy that cascades down from an upper story planter that enhances aesthetic appeal while improving the overall indoor air quality, further increasing guest satisfaction.

The use of natural regionally sourced materials such as wood, stone, and plants that are a hallmark of our biophilic design.

These materials not only evoke the textures and colors of the natural world but also offer numerous benefits in terms of sustainability.

Key advantages of incorporating natural materials include:

• Biophilic Aesthetics: Natural materials create a sense of warmth and authenticity, enhancing the overall ambiance of a space.
• Environmental Sustainability: Compared to synthetic materials, natural materials have a lower environmental impact and can be sourced responsibly, contributing to sustainable building practices.

Case Studies: The Mohonk Mountain House design for the Spa in the Adirondak’s, and our Spa at Amelia Island, near Jacksonville, FL, is often cited as a prime examples of sustainable architecture that prioritizes the use of natural materials.

The building’s interior timber structure creates a warm and welcoming environment for “wellness seekers”, it celebrates natural light within it’s 2-story timber framed space where light streams thru the clerestory producing an other-worldly welcome.

Water elements such as fountains, ponds, reflective pools and waterfalls are frequently incorporated into our guest processions, to evoke a sense of tranquility and a connection/recall of nature.

The presence of water has been shown to have numerous positive effects on human health and well-being, including:

• Stress Reduction: The sound of flowing water has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
• Improved Air Quality: Water features help humidify indoor environments, which can alleviate respiratory issues and enhance overall air quality.

Case Study: Our Vdara Hotel & Spa with its 2-story water curtain in Las Vegas, features a waterfall behind the front reception desk that beacons guests to climb the stairs as part of the entry sequence.

This water element, serves as a focal point the design creating a serene environment with the gentle sound of trickling water that also provides visual delight.

Designing buildings with ample views of nature is a core principle of our biophilic design.

Whether through large windows, balconies, outdoor terraces or interior garden spaces we provide occupants with a visual connection to nature offering numerous benefits, including:

• Biophilic Connection: Views of nature help occupants feel more connected to the outdoors, even when indoors, which can effect our mood and ones health.
• Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that exposure to the natural environment can reduce stress levels and improve overall mental acuity.

Mohonk Mountain House, nestled amidst the scenic Shawangunk Mountains of New York, epitomizes the harmonious relationship of “architecture within nature”.

This historic resort, founded in 1869, seamlessly integrates into its natural surroundings, boasting breathtaking views of Lake Mohonk and miles of hiking trails integrating visitors within its abundant forests.

With its “rustic” outdoor massage pavilion, expansive verandas, Mohonk offers guests a tranquil retreat where they can immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world.

Whether hiking along scenic trails, kayaking on the lake, or simply unwinding in a rocking chair with an intoxicating view of the striated cliffs across the lake beyond.

Visitors to Mohonk Mountain House are enveloped in a sense of peace and tranquility that can only be found in communion with nature.

In conclusion, biophilic design offers a truly holistic approach to architecture and design that prioritizes nature while sensitively integrating the built environment.

Here a lighter architectural approach where the natural environment takes the leading role.

By reconnecting occupants with nature in meaningful ways, our biophilic design approach has the potential to transform the way we live, work, sleep and interact with the built world around us.

As demonstrated by our numerous successful case studies, embracing biophilic principles can lead to spaces that not only look beautiful but also support the health, well-being, and happiness of those who inhabit them.