*By Dr. Raghuvansh Mani Pandey (Mob: 9129216798)
With the name of natural home, healthy home, biophilic home, organic home or sustainable home are new concept is being practiced now a days.
The concept was introduced by E.O. Welson in his 1984 book Biophilia. Wilson a renounced biologist and university research professor Emeritus at Harward out lined a fundamental tendencies of human being to be attracted to nature and emulate its processes and structure in everyday life.
To follow in building the principles which nature has used in its domain. Biophilic design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also mentally beneficial. By now, biophilic design has become main stream. Biophilic design seek to connect our inherent need to affiliate with nature in the modern built environment. Basically it aims to include natural elements into contemporary architecture.
While a biophilic design has quickly risen to prominence in recent years for its broad aesthetic appeal, it also provides mental and psychological benefits that have been well documented in various studies.
The rapid growth of world energy consumption has already raised concerns over the exhaustion of energy resources, supply difficulties and heavy environmental impacts, such as global warming, ozone layer, depletion and climate change. The global contribution from building towards energy consumption, both residential and commercial, has greatly increased during recent decades, reaching figures of between 20% and 40% in developed countries (perez-Lombard et.al 2008) making it a priority in the environmental agenda. In modern cities buildings are responsible for 40% of the energy consumption and 30% of the Co2 emissions. It is for this reason, major efforts are being made to reduce energy consumption in new and existing buildings by upgrading their energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency aims to develop cast effective ways to reduce energy consumption through existing and improved technologies.
Existing buildings are variously estimated to account for about 48% of all the carbon emission.
Biophilia means “Love of Life”. This concept is foundational to biophilic design which utilizes natural materials, patterns and phenomena to maintain a connection ot nature with
in the build environment. Biophilic design has been found to support cognitive function, physical health and psychological wellbeing.
Under the canopy of biophilic design there are three categories-
1- Nature in the space- the direct presence of nature in a space in the form of plants, animals, water, breeze, scents, light, shadows and other natural elements.
2- Natural analogues- The representational presence of natural materials, patterns, objects, colours and shapes incorporated into building design facade ornamentation, decor and furniture.
3- Nature of the space- the incorporation of spatial elements commonly found in nature, such as expensive views, places of sensory refuge (such as quiet and dark room that stimulates a cave) and a mild sense of risk like stepping stone over a shallow pond. Some people will resonate more with incorporating living environmental features, while others love natural shapes and sounds. The beauty of biophilic design is that its elements can be mixed and matched to create a personalized ecosystem.
Maximize natural light- through an open floor plan, abundant windows, sky light and light wells. Exposure to natural light has been found to boost productivity, increases Vitamin D absorption and ward off seasonal depression.
Include folliage and nature themed art work in the farm of climbing gardens, honeycomb- shaped wall tiles covered in moss and potted plants. Studies found that the presence of plants in the work space reduces mental fatigue and boost productivity.
Use natural materials- including sustainable poplar and bamboo in furniture and paneling: opting for natural materials, reduces exposure to chemical found in common construction materials.
Live plants uses Co2 (bad for us) and produce oxygen (good for us). They also transpire through their leaves making the air more humid, which is excellent for combating the problem of dry air, a widely reported problem in air conditioned homes and offices.
Additionally plant absorb VOCS (volatile organic compounds) such as chemicals that are widely used in domestic cleaning products contained within some carpets and emitted from electronics more about improving air quality.
Mental health and cardiovascular disease are expected to be the two prime contributing factor to illness world wise. Bio-phillic home helps to relieve stress and improve mental wellbeing.
Nervous system is comprised of two network sympathetic and parasympathetic. When body’s natural balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic is achieved, the body is in the ideal state of homeostasis.
Psychologist have even found that simply adding plants to your home or office can increase well-being by 47%, creativity by 45% and work place productivity by 38%. Visual connection with nature can lower blood pressure and heart rate improve mental engagement and attentiveness and positively impact attitude and overall happiness. This is linked to lower incidence of depression, heart disease and diabetes.
Optimized thermal and airflow variability (i.e. the subtle shift in air temperature and humidity such as cool breeze) can positively impact one’s ability to concentration a space. This is linked to enhanced productivity.
The presence of water can increase feeling of tranquility which also lowers the heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally it aids in memory restoration, enhanced perception and psychological responsiveness. Researcher have also discovered that material have a direct impact on stress level in particular wood that shows its grain has been known to relax the autonomic nervous system.
Researchers have shown that 120 minutes contact with nature every week increases health and wellbeing (white et.al 2019). Parks and green spaces, trees, shading, seating, landscaping and water to be integral for physical and mental health (Lopez et.al 2020).
Despite these recent changes, being in nature can be seen as a beneficial resource for health issues and human ecology system, which enhances numerous physical and mental health benefits.
*The author is a world renowned Agriculture and Food Scientist from Uttar Pradesh. He is Convener of Poison free India movement, FAIDA Bharat