Biophilic library design

Enhance mental well-being through biophilic library design

Biophilic design strives to reconnect people with nature, recognizing its profound impact on mental health and physical well-being.

In today's predominantly urbanized world, where individuals spend over 90% of their time indoors, integrating biophilic principles into libraries and public buildings becomes paramount. By introducing biophilic design into libraries and other public buildings we can accommodate our innate need to affiliate with nature in the modern world.

By fostering environments that echo natural settings, we aim to create spaces that enhance mental clarity, reduce stress levels and promote overall psychological resilience. The concept of “biophilia”, rooted in humanity's ancient affinity for nature, gained renewed prominence in the 1980s through the work of biologist Edward O. Wilson. Today, it influences urban planning, community design and architectural practices, particularly in spaces like libraries.

The Covid-19 pandemic underscored this need for connection with nature, accelerating the biophilic interior design trend as people seek environments that nurture both body and mind.

Contents:

• What is biophilic library design?
• How we work with biophilic library design
• 5 outcomes of effective biophilic library design
• Biophilic projects
• Biophilic products
• Floor and wall graphics
• Natural light
• Biophilic materials and patterns
• Greenery and view of nature
• Nature inspired sounds
• Scents of nature
• Touching nature
• Environment and biophilic design
• Contact
• Inspired by nature

What is biophilic library design?

Biophilia – origin of the word

A human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of
life in nature: a desire or tendency to commune with nature.

Source: Merriam-webster.com

When the library interior design embraces (or looks like) our natural environment, our visitors feel a greater sense of relaxation and calmness, making the library space a place that facilitates the necessary mental breaks that are essential for our well-being and quality of life. In addition, biophilic design is believed to promote a positive and sustained relationship between the natural environment and the library visitors and staff alike.

Biophilic interior design is brought to life by embracing nature with the use of natural light, plants, and natural material forms. The use of graphics that imitate natural landscapes and bring “the outside in” further embraces this theme.

Read more about our biophilic themes below. 

How we work with biophilic library design

By bringing nature into libraries, we aim to make our interior designs...

• evoke a sense of nature through materials, greenery, colours, textures, shapes and patterns.
• embrace the effect of natural light in the interior design and furniture settings.
• include furniture and accessories which support the biophilic thesis.
• frame biophilic settings by using nature-themed graphics.
• bring life to nature and magical worlds inspired by books.

5 outcomes of effective biophilic library design

• Natural elements in libraries make the visitors feel happy, calm and relaxed.
• Simply adding plants and green environments to the library can increase the well-being and creativity of visitors by almost 50%.
• Optimized exposure to daylight can increase speed of learning by over 25%.
• Working in a biophilic friendly library environment increases the performance of the staff by 10-25%.
• Natural elements increase the emotional attachment between libraries, visitors, and staff with a sense of membership and ownership.

Source: Biophilic Design: Supporting People and Planet

Biophilic projects

Many of our projects demonstrate our work with biophilic design and our ability to bring nature into today’s built library environment.

Biophilic design is a natural element in the way we think about modern libraries as it supports our vision of creating comfortable and attractive spaces where people can take time-out during busy weekdays. It is an important part of our current work - and will continue to be so.   

Sometimes biophilic design is the conscious dominant factor in our project designs, in others only a subconscious underlying theme. As library design professionals we strive to understand the unique context and need of each project.

> Biophilic projects

Biophilic products

Biophilic products refer to a category of products designed for libraries that incorporate elements of biophilic design principles.

the incorporation of 3D photorealistic nature prints onto library furniture, represents a significant leap forward in biophilic design. These prints are not mere decorations; they are windows to the great outdoors, meticulously crafted to blur the lines between the built environment and the natural world.

Imagine settling into a cozy reading nook, running your fingers over the lifelike texture of a tree's bark, and gazing upon an intricately detailed forest scene as you lose yourself in the pages of a good book. Or explore wildlife animals that love to be around children surrounded by books!  

> Biophilic products 

Floor and wall graphics

Integration of floor and wall graphics are essential components of biophilic library design. These graphics transcend the boundaries of conventional decoration, serving as immersive portals to the natural world.

Imagine entering a library and being greeted by a vibrant, lifelike forest floor at your feet, or strolling down a hallway adorned with a stunning, 3D mural of a tranquil riverbank. These graphics have the power to transport library visitors to serene, natural landscapes, evoking emotions of calmness and rejuvenation.

> Floor and wall graphics 

Natural light

We invite you to explore the profound impact of natural light in libraries and its role in supporting biophilic design. Lighting is an important part of many of our interior design solutions, and power of natural light can help uplifts spirits, promotes focus and encourages a deeper connection to the natural world.

See examples on natural lighting in library projects and discover how the exploration of natural light in libraries can shape the libraries of the future.   

> Natural light

Biophilic materials and patterns

A well-executed biophilic design can be accomplished by conscious building material as well as leveraging the natural landscape and building around what is already there. Biophilic materials and patterns in library design refer to the intentional incorporation of elements inspired by nature into the construction and aesthetics of libraries.

Libraries can feature natural materials such as wood, stone, cork and leather for flooring, furniture and wall finishes. These materials add warmth and tactile richness to the space, evoking the feeling of being in a natural environment. The use of patterns inspired by nature, such as leaf motifs, floral designs, or patterns resembling tree bark or water ripples, can be integrated into fabrics, carpets and wall coverings. These patterns can also help establish a visual connection to the natural world.

> Biophilic materials and patterns

Greenery and view of nature

We are passionate about transforming libraries into dynamic spaces that nurture both knowledge and well-being. Greenery and view of nature plays a pivotal role in biophilic library design, enhancing not only the aesthetic appeal but also the functionality and atmosphere of the space.

By integrating indoor greenery or other living elements from nature, libraries can be transformed into a vibrant ecosystem. Discover how botanic displays can create inviting spaces that inspire creativity, learning and community engagement. 

> Greenery and view of nature 

Nature inspired sounds

Sound plays a crucial role in shaping the ambience of a library. While silence is often preferred for focused study, subtle nature inspired sounds can enhance acoustic comfort by masking background noise and creating a calming backdrop for reading and contemplation. Imagine the gentle rustling of leaves, the rhythmic flow of a stream, or the soft chirping of birds—these sounds not only evoke natural settings but also promote a sense of tranquility and connection to the outdoors.

Our approach to biophilic library design includes integrating soundscapes that complement the library's architecture and purpose. We carefully select audio elements that align with the library's theme and patron needs, ensuring they enhance rather than distract from the overall experience. From discreet speakers strategically placed throughout reading areas to immersive audio installations that transport visitors to natural landscapes, we offer solutions that cater to diverse preferences and enhance the library's acoustic environment.

> Nature inspired sounds

Scents of nature

We believe in creating library spaces that engage all the senses, including the often-overlooked sense of smell. Introducing scents of nature into your library can transform the atmosphere, promoting relaxation and enhancing the overall experience for patrons.

Aromatherapy isn't just about pleasant scents; it's about creating environments that support mental clarity and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that certain fragrances, such as lavender and eucalyptus, can reduce stress and anxiety levels among library visitors. Imagine entering your library and being greeted by the subtle fragrance of fresh pine needles or the soothing aroma of chamomile—it sets a calming tone conducive to focused reading and study.
 

> Scents of nature

Touching nature

In a digital age, tactile experiences provide a sense of grounding and authenticity. Research has shown that physical interaction with natural materials can reduce stress levels and improve cognitive function.

By incorporating materials and textures that mimic natural elements, such as wood, stone and plants, libraries can create spaces that invite exploration and interaction. From nature inspired seating to textured wall panels resembling grass or moss, these elements not only enhance visual interest but also encourage patrons to engage with their surroundings.

> Touching nature 

Environment and biophilic design

Biophilic design is more than just a trend—it’s a philosophy that embraces the innate human connection with nature. By integrating natural elements into libraries, biophilic design seeks to create spaces that resonate with the natural world, promoting health, productivity and emotional well-being.

Environmental solutions, on the other hand, centre on responsible resource management and minimizing environmental impact throughout the lifecycle of a project. The synergy between biophilic design and environment lies in their shared goals of fostering harmony between human habitats and the natural environment.

> Environment and biophilic design

Let's bring the outside in

We are here to help you bring out biophilic library design that seeks to satisfy our innate need to affiliate with nature and contribute to our mental health.

If you have a current or upcoming project you would like to speak with us about, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

> Contact us

Inspired by nature

Inspired by nature features a selection of nature inspired library furniture known for superior quality and innovative design.

From animal browsers and displays to our wood seating collection, our nature inspired products feature an extensive range of products that cater to the unique needs and preferences of libraries.

> Inspired by nature