Urbanization has a huge opportunity cost: It often leads to a disconnect from the natural world. As a way to reconnect with the outdoors, the biophilic trend has emerged in interior design. 

In 1973, German-born American psychoanalyst Erich Fromm coined the term “biophilia,” defining it as “the passionate love of life and of all that is alive.” In interior design, biophilia translates into creating spaces that foster a connection with nature. 

The outcome is twofold: It enhances aesthetics and improves well-being. Several studies show that biophilic design boosts productivity, helps reduce stress, and positively impacts one’s mood. 

 

Principles behind biophilia

For the uninitiated, biophilic design may be confined to just bringing plants inside a home or a building. However, there’s more to biophilia than just making an interior space go green.

Apart from incorporating environmental features — which can also come in the form of water decor like fountains and waterfalls — and using natural materials, biophilia is also about taking cues from natural shapes and forms. Think about floral patterns on walls or shell-inspired carvings on ceiling skirting boards. 

Biophilic design also puts an emphasis on the senses. For instance, the soothing sounds of wind chimes take tranquility to a higher notch. Light and spatial relationships are also important. This is why interior spaces steeped in biophilia often prioritize natural lighting as well as ventilation. Ultimately, biophilia in interior design fosters human-nature connections. At the end of the day, a well-designed biophilic space is one that evokes a sense of refuge and calm.

 

Greening Bahrain

Biophilic design is being implemented in various ways in Bahrain. In a study presented at the University of Bahrain-organized 6th Smart Cities Symposium (SCS 2022), the authors found that several Bahrain hospitals have integrated biophilic design elements in their respective waiting areas. They focused on traditional methods such as incorporating plants, natural materials, and views of nature. 

Nonetheless, while these elements are present, there is a lack of smart technology integration. This presents an opportunity to enhance the biophilic experience.

For many, urban gardens are viewed as a way to engender biophilia. This can be done by increasing exposure, positive interactions, and knowledge of nature. This could, in addition, shape perceptions and influence people's attitudes to nature.

In Bahrain, more homeowners are turning to rooftop gardening or farming to help reconnect themselves to nature. According to a survey by UN-Habitat and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with Bahrain’s Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and National Initiative for Agricultural Development in Bahrain, most respondents garden at home to beautify their space and as a hobby. Forty percent of these gardeners use their rooftops.

Fernanda Lonardoni, Head of UN-Habitat Bahrain, noted, “Rooftop farming offers a quick and easy way to improve air quality and reduce overall heat while providing a green retreat for urban residents in their homes or communities. This is a critical solution to bring nature into dense urban areas where people are most depleted from green areas.”

In the broader Middle East and North America (MENA) region, experts are also foreseeing an increased integration of biophilia in the world of hospitality. 

Bahrain’s Raffles Al Areen Palace is a shining example. In its lounge area, the 78-all-villa luxury property prominently features large indoor plants to add a breath of fresh air. Another laudable feature is its Siminetti luxury mother-of-pearl surface wall, which has intricate patterns inspired by the country’s rich pearling heritage.

 

Nature and technology

Meanwhile, Diane Thorsen, principal design director at Perkins+Will’s Dubai studio, particularly emphasized the blend of biophilia and technology.

“We want to look at integrating technology to facilitate an unparalleled personalized experience, namely through the ability to customize the guest experience to each individual. The second element is biophilia. The word ‘biophilia’ literally means a love of life or living things. It stems from Greek and is the opposite of phobia. We have an intuitive and deeply ingrained attraction to nature and a biological need for contact with the natural world. This is where we can design for an emotional and sensory experience," Thorsen said in a press statement. 

This balance between nature and technology is nothing but fitting for MENA’s environment.

Biophilic design in the MENA region, though emerging, suits the hot and dry climate and offers benefits like well-being, reduced energy use, higher property values, and better air quality. 

As the region continues to face challenges like water shortages and extreme weather, biophilic- and tech-driven solutions can be key to addressing them. Potential methods include using water-saving technologies like greywater irrigation and passive cooling methods.