How can biophilic design improve industrial sustainability? (2024)

Biophilic design is based on the concept of biophilia, which means the innate affinity that humans have for other living systems. Biophilic design seeks to create connections between people and nature in various ways, such as using natural materials, colors, shapes, and textures, incorporating plants, water, and animals, mimicking natural forms and processes, and providing views and access to natural light and fresh air. Biophilic design can be applied at different scales, from individual products and furniture to buildings and urban spaces.

Industrial sustainability is the ability of industrial systems to operate efficiently, safely, and responsibly while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing social and economic value. Biophilic design can contribute to this goal by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through natural ventilation, lighting, and cooling, as well as renewable energy sources. Additionally, through rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and creating habitats for wildlife, water management and quality can be improved. Moreover, biophilic design can reduce stress, noise, and pollution while increasing comfort, satisfaction, and productivity. Finally, it can promote innovation and learning by stimulating creativity, curiosity, and collaboration while providing opportunities for education and research.

Biophilic design for industrial facilities poses some challenges, such as balancing the functional, technical, and aesthetic requirements of industrial processes and activities, adapting to varying climatic, geographic, and cultural contexts, measuring and evaluating the performance and impact of biophilic design interventions, and engaging and educating the industrial sector and the public about its benefits. These challenges may involve high temperatures or pressures, hazardous materials or waste, the availability and suitability of natural resources and elements, multidisciplinary data collection and analysis, clear indicators and standards, effective communication strategies, demonstration initiatives, and participation opportunities.

Examples of biophilic design for industrial facilities can be seen around the world. The Eden Project in Cornwall, UK is a complex of biomes made of steel frames and hexagonal ETFE cushions, which allow natural light and ventilation, and are supported by renewable energy sources and rainwater harvesting systems. The Nike European Logistics Campus in Belgium features a green roof, a pond, and a forest, as well as natural materials, colors, and shapes in the interior. It also utilizes geothermal energy, solar panels, and wind turbines, and recycles water and waste. Lastly, the Solaris Fusionopolis in Singapore incorporates vertical gardens, sky terraces, and a rooftop park. Moreover, it takes advantage of natural ventilation, lighting, cooling, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and recycled materials.

If you are considering incorporating biophilic design into your industrial projects, you can start by assessing the site and context of your project to identify natural features and resources. Additionally, you should define the goals and objectives of your project to align with the principles and benefits of biophilic design. Subsequently, you should explore design options that can create connections between people and nature, while evaluating their feasibility, suitability, and impact. To ensure successful implementation and monitoring of biophilic design interventions, collect feedback and data to measure and improve their performance and outcomes. Not only is biophilic design a way to make industrial facilities more sustainable, but it can also make them more attractive, enjoyable, and inspiring. By applying biophilic design to your industrial projects, you can create positive impacts for the environment, society, economy, as well as yourself and your team.

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Sustainable Design

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