ABSTRACT
Much of the research on biophilia has focused on stress reduction as measured through heart rate, blood pressure, Cortisol levels and psychological response. Another thread of research has focused on the cognitive response. In reality the effects of biophilic experiences are not just stress-reducing or cognitive impacts, but frequently a combination of both. An experiment in which participants spent five minutes seated in a windowless classroom and five minutes seated in a biophilic space – with plants, a metal screen with biomorphic patterns and a view to the river outside – found significantly different outcomes. The biophilic setting led to lower blood pressure, lower galvanic skin conductance and 14% improvement in short-term memory performance. The scientific and business case evidence helps support the increasing interest in biophilic design. For designers the critical task is to translate that evidence into effective design.
