The Official Biophilic Design Trends Guide for Commercial Environments

Biophilic Design is still a new term in our cultural lexicon. Even in the design world, the concept of Biophilia and its design component are only now entering the mainstream conversation. What’s impressive, however, is how quickly this revolutionary design movement that integrates nature and natural patterns into building architecture, exploded onto the scene, moving from relative obscurity to the forefront of the commercial design world in just a few years.

For those who are not familiar with Biophilic Design, it is essentially a continuation of the popular green architecture movement that emerged from the engineering and construction world in the mid-’90s through the early 2000s. This movement created a wide variety of buildings that were both environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Biophilic Design takes this concept a step further, working to create spaces that benefit the people who are operating within the built environment. It is, at its core, an architectural framework inspired by the natural world that weaves the organic patterns and forms of nature into the built environment, strengthening the human-nature connection that we all yearn for.

The reason for the design’s success goes beyond its basic effectiveness. We are reaching a point in which Biophilic Design is becoming necessary and it’s integration expected by customers and employees who view wellness and well-being design as crucial to their ongoing support of an organization or brand. In addition, Biophilic Design continues to gain more traction from professionals outside of the architecture and design communities, such as Human Resources and Change Management professionals.

With interest rising exponentially each year and the conversation reaching a crescendo, we at Ambius believed it was time to explore the design trends that are at the forefront of this new design movement. What aspects of Biophilic Design are leading the way in terms of installations and enthusiasm? What trends are being embraced as we sprint towards this new era of design?

In collaboration with Ambius’ elite team of design experts that cover large, small, and emerging markets throughout the United States and Canada, we have identified the following six Biophilic Design trends that are changing the way we live, work, and play within the built environment.

Gain an even greater understanding of Biophilic Design Trends by downloading our FULL REPORT. The Biophilic Design Trends Report takes you on an even deeper dive into the trends that will change the future of the built environment and the way we live, play, and work.

Trend 1: Sustainably-Sourced & Reclaimed Woods

Wood may be the most popular of the biophilically-designed construction elements. From simple aesthetic flourishes to large-scale wooden architectural installments, wood is a central part of the biophilic revolution.

Key Features:

• Reclaimed light timber: Maple / Pine / Beech / Ash
• Sustainably-sourced woods: Bamboo / Teak / Oak
• Wood furniture: Shelving / Tables / Chairs / Bartops / Barrels
• Discover more of the benefits and inspirations in the Full Report

Trend 2: Eye to the Sky

Ceilings are having their moment in the design spotlight. From hanging plants to skylights and statement ceiling designs to circadian lighting installations, the ceiling is the next frontier for interior designers and architects.

Key Features:

• Bright, inspiring colors
• Shapes and patterns
• Views of nature
• Discover more of the benefits and inspirations in the Full Report

Trend 3: Green Integration

Green Integration builds upon existing biophilic design trends like “Biophilically Designed” and “Second Nature” from Ambius’ Office Design Trends, by expanding the scope of plant-based design features within the built environment. Trends data suggest that architects and designers are increasingly integrating plants, green walls, and large green installations, and more into designs during pre-construction and renovations, rather than adding them post-completion as a secondary aesthetic choice.

Biophilic Design is growing up, and this is the beginning of the paradigm shift.

Key Features:

• Plants / Trees / Shrubs
• Living Green Walls
• Green Dividers
• Discover more of the benefits and inspirations in the Full Report

Trend 4: Lighting 2.0 / Introducing Biodynamic Lighting

Biodynamic lighting is the next evolution of commercial lighting. This trend introduces lighting systems that mirror natural sunlight conditions within the built environment which help to regulate your circadian rhythm. These lead to improved sleep and mood regulation regardless of your proximity to a window. Researchers are looking to pinpoint intermittent impact levels and timing. This is a major shift in the role of lighting.

Key Features:

• Benefits sleep patterns and mood regulation
• High-quality and efficient lighting
• Reduces facility energy costs
• Discover more of the benefits and inspirations in the Full Report

Trend 5: Divide & Prosper

The wellness design trend put people and function squarely at the center of design. This new focus created new challenges within the popular open plan office landscape. Enter the green wall divider, a revolutionary new space-enhancing element that provides resolution to many of the challenges facing open office environments everywhere. Green dividers are agile and adaptable for dynamic workspaces while also incorporating a natural biophilic component at minimal cost and invasiveness.

Key Features:

• Agile and flexible features
• Noise reduction benefits
• Creates privacy in open plan and dynamic environments
• Discover more of the benefits and inspirations in the Full Report

Trend 6: Flooring & Restoring

Carpet and flooring designs are taking biophilia seriously. They are incorporating uniquely biophilic design characteristics such as natural stone, wood, forest floors, and more into their concepts. The goal is to create natural textures for floors that have the same distinct qualities as natural environments such as the forest floor, a meadow, or a riverbed.

Key Features:

• Textured flooring
• Inspired by natural environments (forest floor, riverbed, stone, etc…)
• Adds a burst of color to the built environment
• Discover more of the benefits and inspirations in the Full Report

Now, with a growing body of research to support Biophilic investments and a burgeoning excitement and demand for the design, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that designers and architects are standing on the precipice of the next era of workplace design – an era where buildings that improve the human capacity, improve our well-being and inspire a unique experience will play a much greater role. In this new era, Biophilic Design and design in general, are helping to drive brands forward by creating spaces that inspire and corporate cultures that captivate the attention of their customers, clients, employees, and guests.

As these trends have shown, Biophilic Design isn’t going anywhere. In fact, the conversation has just begun.

Gain an even greater understanding of Biophilic Design Trends by downloading our FULL REPORT. The Biophilic Design Trends Report takes you on an even deeper dive into the trends that will change the future of the built environment and the way we live, play, and work.