{"id":2706,"date":"2012-08-06T05:00:22","date_gmt":"2012-08-06T12:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/?p=2706"},"modified":"2020-12-24T00:44:43","modified_gmt":"2020-12-24T08:44:43","slug":"biophilic-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/biophilic-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Biophilic Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Green<\/a>Will homes of the future have super powers sourced from nature?<\/p>\n

The concept of biophilia has intrigued architects since the 1970. Simply put, biophilic design is a building methodology that integrates natural elements into the building process, including construction materials, ventilation methods, lighting techniques, and more. The current popularity of green building practices has pulled the concept from the shadows, pushing it back into the limelight for further examination and use.<\/p>\n

Our bodies respond on a cellular level to natural stimuli. \u00a0In \u201cCourting Nature in Design,\u201d B.J. Novitski explains that humans \u201chaven’t evolved away from a psychological dependence on the natural world, an affinity known as \u2018biophilia.\u2019\u201d When architecture limits human access to the natural environment, our bodies suffer. Conversely, earth-conscious construction and healthy interiors promote physical and mental wellbeing in a manner that has become increasing quantifiable.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Biophilic Design<\/strong><\/p>\n

What if multifamily firms could promote housing that noticeably improved residents\u2019 health? Research into biophilia largely focuses on the mental and physical health benefits, though new research shows that there are social advantages as well.<\/p>\n

National Renewable Energy Laboratory researched the benefits of natural light<\/a>\u00a0 on building occupants. Findings include improved disposition, improved morale, and reduced levels of fatigue. Natural light exposure is also linked to reduced stress and anxiety levels.<\/p>\n

Exposure to plant life holds health benefits as well. Marjolein Elings of the Wageningen University and Research Centre has published findings in Plant Research International<\/a> that document health improvements in people with prolonged exposure to living plants. Health benefits included lower blood pressure, increased productivity in the workplace, reduced anxiety levels, and heightened alertness. Health benefits are more noticeable when people work with the plants, actively caring for and interacting with them.<\/p>\n

In addition to nature\u2019s benefits on the body, exposure to nature can improve human relations in multifamily settings. Implementing biophilic design promotes a safer living environment, which appeals to buyers across demographic groups. NYC planning firm Terrapin Bright Green has blazed the trail into the benefits of biophilic design in housing. Research published in \u201cThe Economics of Biophilia<\/a>,\u201d suggests that biophilic buildings can be a viable \u201ccost-effective strategy to reduce the impact of our medical and social problems.\u201d Studies conducted in urban public housing developments with green features and access to nature have shown a reduction of domestic violence and felony arrests of residents.<\/p>\n

Though people are drawn to nature friendly housing on a visceral level, renters and office workers may not even be aware that they are responding to green stimuli. Positive response to such projects often happens in subconscious decision-making, making green features a subtle but significant influencer.<\/p>\n

Financial Returns<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Cornell<\/a>Residents are not the only ones who can reap the rewards of living in a natural environment. There can be positive financial returns for developers of biophilic projects. Terrapin\u2019s research indicates that tenants are willing to pay for access to nature. For example, tenants place a price tag on good views: waterfront properties can increase rental rates by 59% and housing with water views can result in increases of 30%. Lush landscaping alone can contribute to 7% increase in rental rates and a 4-5% higher rate than housing with poor landscaping. Access to green space or a park within 500 feet of a property carries a 5% premium.<\/p>\n

Biophilic design \u00a0encourages the use of locally sourced eco-materials, and buildings that fit into the natural terrain. Common attributes:<\/p>\n