June 14, 2019

Create an Environment for Learning with Biophilic Design

Biophilia or "love of life" is a term that proposes humans naturally seek connections with nature. Today more than ever, people of all ages spend a significant portion of their days staring at screens within the walls of offices and schools. As a result, incorporating natural elements into these spaces has become a growing focus of architects and designers. Biophilic design within the education industry is popular for the many physical and psychological health benefits it offers, not to mention environmental and economical as well.

Can Biophilic Design Impact Learning?
Increased student learning is the primary focus of any educational facility – which is why administrators, school boards, and educational professionals are continually exploring new ways to achieve this goal. It is known that mental health is correlated to academic performance, and biophilic design has been proven to be effective in decreasing blood pressure, heart rate, and symptoms of stress. In doing so, it allows students to be more productive and creative. Natural light is one important factor in biophilic design as it can improve work performance, negate distractions, and is associated with feelings of relaxation that can encourage retention of information. But, natural light is only the beginning. There are several other things to consider when creating a biophlic environment within an educational space.

Ways to Implement Biophilic Design in an Educational Facility
Whether it’s a school, university, classroom, or lobby, implementing biophilic design can be a major architectural undertaking or can be achieved in simple, easy ways with the right ideas. It will depend on both your level of commitment and your budget. Both natural and man-made elements can work to incorporate biophilic elements into your school or university. In addition to natural light, you can begin by simply incorporating large potted plants throughout your facility's space. Take this idea to the highest scale and you may choose to construct living walls and vertical gardens. But it's not only plants that help to create decorative, natural spaces. Other materials can be used such as rocks, water, wood, and sand. Natural scenes via photographs, artwork, or printed images can also conjure a connection with nature.

How Floors Can Contribute to Biophilic Design
Why not start from the bottom up? Did you know biophilic design can begin with your flooring system? Seamless epoxy and urethane floors are easy to clean and maintain and provide a number of design options not available with traditional flooring such as encapsulating natural images or elements within resin or mimicking a natural look using custom blended colours. You can even use river rock as an eye-catching aggregate while providing an ergonomic surface for staff and students at the same time. Want to go further? Extend the effect of your floor by installing custom wall panels.  Your options are only limited by your imagination and the great news is, your architectural vision will help to improve the visionary thinking of the students within your learning space.

How to Achieve Biophilic Design with Liquid Elements Flooring

Liquid Elements offers several product options that can serve biophilic design plans. Crush, Capture, and Reflect flooring can incorporate or mimic natural elements to enhance your educational space. Whether you prefer the natural look of tumbled marble and river rock, encapsulated flowers or seashells, or swirled metals that evoke the beauty of heaven and earth, Liquid Elements can make your vision become reality. Contact us today:  800.263.3112