What is biophilic design?

Biophilia: our affinity for nature

Biophilic design takes its name from 'biophilia' – the idea that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature. The term was first coined by psychologist Erich Fromm in the 1960s, describing our attraction to things that are alive and vital.

In recent decades, there has been increasing awareness of the importance of biophilia to our wellbeing. Biophilic design recognises and supports our need to connect with nature.

Building in harmony with the natural world

Some of the ways we can incorporate nature into our new and upgraded hospitals, mental health units and aged care facilities include:

Benefits of biophilic design

Healthcare facilities can be stressful places. The presence of unfamiliar noises, artificial lighting, intense smells and lack of privacy can all contribute to anxiousness for patients, family members and even staff.

Biophilic design can help make these experiences as pleasant as possible. There is a growing body of research that confirms the benefits of access to nature in these settings.

Health benefits

Biophilic design has been shown to positively affect our physical wellbeing in healthcare facilities.

Access to natural light, ventilation and green spaces has been linked to lower blood pressure and faster recovery times from illness and surgery. Views of nature can encourage positive feelings, reduce fear and block stressful thoughts.

Mental health benefits

Research shows that exposure to nature indoors, like sunlight, fresh air and greenery, can have a profound impact on our psychological state.

Well-designed spaces can improve patient recovery times, improve morale and even reduce staff turnover.

In response to the Royal Commission on Aged Care and Mental Health, the Australian Government has developed the draft National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines. These guidelines aim to improve the design of aged care facilities, with recommendations that include:

• designing windows and balconies that help residents connect with nature
• providing fish tanks, bird cages and other pets in common areas
• adding safe houseplants to the common areas and resident bedrooms.

Environmental benefits

The benefits of biophilic design aren't limited to promoting wellbeing, as there are considerable environmental benefits too.

Adding greenery reduces carbon emissions. When native species are planted, green facades can increase the biodiversity of the surrounding area.

Biophilic design can also help to reduce a building's energy consumption. Sunlight and natural airflows can be used as alternatives to artificial lighting, helping the building to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Biophilic design in practice

McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Unit

The McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Unit in Geelong was delivered as part of the Victorian Government's Mental Health Beds Expansion Program.

It was the first mental health facility designed to follow recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System.

The 16-bed unit, operated by Barwon Health, provides care for people aged 50+ experiencing mental illness.

Light-filled and directly connected with nature, the unit was co-designed with consumers, carers, providers and design experts. Barwon Health collaborated with Deakin University on the project via the Change to Improve Mental Health (CHIME) partnership, engaging Associate Professor Phillip Roös to enhance the new facility using biophilic design.

The unit's design included images, patterns and colours that mirror those found within nature. Views of nature have been maximised throughout, with bedrooms and communal areas looking onto landscaped surrounds.

The building was also designed to have a low carbon footprint and to minimise waste. Low-energy LED lighting was used, with natural light maximised where possible.

As Dr Roös explains, 'the benefits of biophilic design can have a direct positive impact on our wellbeing, including a substantial decrease in stress levels, anxiety, lack of concentration, tension, anger, fatigue, confusion, and mood disturbance.'

In April 2023, the McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Unit was nominated for a Victorian Architecture Award in the interior architecture category, recognising the work of NTC Architects and BG Architecture.

Learn more about the Mental Health Beds Expansion Program - McKellar Centre.

Early Parenting Centres (EPCs)

The $148 million early parenting centres expansion and upgrade program will more than triple the number of EPCs in Victoria.

The centres provide specialist support and deliver flexible, targeted services for families with children 0–4 years old.

Beginning from the outside, nature plays an important role at the centres.

Internally, architects designing the EPCs are encouraged to use colour schemes inspired by the natural Australian landscape. These include greens (rainforests, valleys, parrots) and blues (oceans, sky, lakes, rivers). Oranges and yellows (sun, deserts) can reflect a warmer and calmer environment that promotes emotional recovery and wellbeing.

Laurence Robinson, Director at Brand Architects, lead the design team that developed the concept for the buildings.

'Natural materials have been specified internally wherever possible, and timber claddings have been used externally,' he explains. 'Carpet tiles and other elements draw from natural patterning and the colour scheme is derived from the indigenous plants and flowers around each site. There are views to the outside landscapes from every room. Curved walls in some of the key internal spaces help to reduce the institutional feel.'

Learn more about the Early parenting centres expansion and upgrade program.