Nature holds the key to our well-being, intellectual, cognitive, spiritual, and aesthetic pleasure.

Edward O. Wilson 1984

Over 60% of people live in cities, spending more than 90% of their time indoors. However, we did not evolve in the built environment, but in nature. By designing indoor spaces that stimulate our biological needs, we can make people who spend time in those spaces happier and healthier. What is biophilia? The power of nature is well known: we intuitively know that going for a walk in the park or a hike in the forest, sitting by the beach, or decorating our homes with plants makes us feel happier. Why does nature have such a profound effect on us? It's no coincidence that many natural features considered aesthetically pleasing were also essential for the survival of our species. Our brain has evolved to prefer living among high diversity of plant and animal life for food and resources, tall vegetation for shelter and protection, and natural water sources for drinking and washing. Our brain is constantly aware of the surrounding environment, searching for both signs of danger and signs of life. Buildings offer protection from many hazards, such as weather, temperature, and predators, but also create a completely new type of danger: the absence of what our Stone Age brain considers life-supporting elements. When we see a safe and abundant environment, our brain sends signals to our nervous system to reduce the amount of stress hormones in our body, making it easier for us to relax, heal, focus, and recover.

How can you apply biophilic elements in interior design?