1. Biophilic design is an approach that seeks to connect humans to nature. Studies have shown that by using this approach, we can create spaces that will positively impact wellness and those who inhabit it. By connecting humans to nature on a deeper level, there’s naturally an increased positive impact on the environment, as more sustainable decisions are made.
OUR DESIGN INSPRATIONS
There is so much to be inspired by living in the Midwest … a diversity of nature, changes in season and an abundance of fresh water. There’s something so calming and nostalgic about our region’s ebbs and flows of hibernation and renewal. The aged woods of our forests as they blossom and barren. The surrounding waters of our lakes as they flow and freeze. Our surrounding nature is constantly shifting and creating new forms of art. The Midwest, and all it offers, provides a sense of belonging for our clients and a point of grounding for our designs. We also draw inspiration from other concepts and regions that we feel amplify a greater sense of well-being for those that inhabit our designed spaces.
How we put this approach to use in our design:
- Enlarging exterior windows to capture nature’s art
- Using natural elements as part of the design (concrete, stone, wood, metal)
- Using window coverings for purpose only
- Joining the indoors and outdoors in well-designed transitional spaces
- Incorporating indoor gardens, water features and year-round greenery into designs
“We deeply appreciate our home, the Midwest, for its seasonal shifts and cultural quirks, and feel a purposeful approach to wellness and a nod to nature should be practiced and celebrated anywhere.”
The blue zones are known locations in the world where humans overwhelmingly live longer, and often, more fulfilled lives. While their cultures and terrains differ, they all share many lifestyle characteristics that lead to greater longevity and happiness. There is no single, common principle that provides their residents a quick fix. But rather, it’s numerous intentional choices that focus on a connection to nature, natural daily movement, community involvement, a sense of purpose and a plant-centric diet rich with whole foods and conversation.
How we incorporate these principles into our design:
- Creating spaces that bring people together through open-concept design and layouts that promote gathering naturally
- Enhancing accessibility to the interests and recreational hobbies our clients value
- Reducing barriers to whole food habits through thoughtful organization, design layout and customized preparation areas
- Valuing the needs of all family members in a design that is relevant today and in the future
Lifestyle and well-being are at the heart of every design conversation we have with our clients. How do you gather as a family or with friends? What kind of activities do you enjoy? How do you spend your day? What spaces make you feel your best and why? What aspects of your surrounding environment do you love most? These are some of the questions that we know are important in the evolution of intentionally-built, wellness-focused spaces, and one’s we’ve found to be equally as important to many of our clients. For us, intentionality falls at the center of everything we do, and has the ability to transcend every space we touch and inhabit.